Consultations and Advocacy

Parent, School, and Professional Consultations: Supporting Families and Advocating for Children

 

We understand that navigating the complexities of supporting your child's emotional, behavioral, and educational needs can be challenging. That’s why we offer specialized consultations to assist parents, schools, and professionals in addressing concerns related to aggressive, risk-taking, or problematic behavior, advocating for a child’s needs in the school system, and coordinating the services needed to ensure a child’s well-being and success.

 

Parent Consultations: Strategies for Positive Change

 

Our consultations provide valuable insights into addressing challenging behaviors. If your child is struggling with aggression, risk-taking, or problematic behaviors that are inhibiting their functionality, we’ll work with you to develop strategies that can help reduce these behaviors. Together, we’ll explore the root causes of these actions and develop tailored solutions that are both practical and effective. Our goal is to empower you with the tools you need to support your child’s emotional growth and development.

 

School Advocacy and IEP Support

 

Navigating the educational system can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to advocating for your child’s unique needs. We are here to help you understand your child’s rights and ensure that their needs are met in the school environment. Whether it's attending meetings, reviewing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), or requesting accommodations, we’ll guide you through the process of advocating for the support your child deserves including consultations with the educators and support staff involved.

 

Professional Consultation and Team Collaboration

 

Collaborating with a team of professionals, such as therapists, educators, and healthcare providers, is crucial to delivering the best possible care for your child. We offer consultations to help streamline and coordinate services between professionals, ensuring that your child’s treatment plan is cohesive and efficient. By facilitating communication and collaboration, we work toward a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of your child’s care.

 

Goals

 

Our consultations are designed to empower you with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to help your child thrive. Whether we are addressing behavioral concerns, advocating for your child at school, or collaborating with a professional team, we are committed to providing compassionate and ethical care. If you have questions about the process, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

By working together, we can create an environment that fosters growth and understanding for your child.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today or fill out this form and book a consultation online. 

 

Who will conducts these Services?

 

Kelly is a compassionate and highly experienced Registered Psychotherapist (RP) who offers a wide range of therapeutic services, including individual therapy for children, youth, and adults, group counseling, and collaborative work within interdisciplinary teams.

 

She holds a  BA in Psychology,  MA in Psychotherapy, and is a  Certified Instructor in Crisis Prevention (CPI/NVCI), specializing in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. In addition, Kelly has earned certification in  Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)  and  Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI), and is a  Certified ABA/IBI Services Provider. She is a member of the  Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)  and an  Associate Member  of the  Canadian Art Therapy Association.

 

With over 8 years of experience working in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Intensive Behavioural Intervention, Kelly has a unique and well-rounded skill set, blending creativity and evidence-based practices to support clients across a range of issues.

 

Her background includes providing services at the  Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), private schools, private clinics, and offering behavior consultation services to over 20 schools in the  Western Quebec School Board.This experience has enabled Kelly to develop a deep understanding of both individual needs and systemic challenges, particularly in educational and clinical settings.

 

Kelly’s approach is  empathetic,  client-centered, and rooted in the belief that every individual has the potential for growth, empowerment, and development.

She utilizes  Creativity-Based Therapy,  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),  Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and  trauma processing  to guide clients toward improved emotional regulation, functionality, and overall well-being.

 

Kelly also supports families by providing  parent training, equipping them with practical tools to foster positive changes at home, and works closely with schools and other professional resources to ensure a comprehensive support system for each child.

 

Through her work, Kelly focuses on helping clients and families navigate challenging behaviors, emotional difficulties, and developmental obstacles, always prioritizing the needs and best interests of those she serves. Whether you're seeking individual therapy for your child, advocacy in the school system, or guidance in managing behavioral concerns, Kelly is committed to providing the support and tools necessary to help you and your child thrive.

 

Pricing: 

Our regular hourly rates apply, please visit the pricing page for more information.

 

Ethics Around Consent and Confidentiality: What You Need to Know

 

As a parent, you may have questions about the ethical and legal considerations involved when your child is receiving therapeutic services. In Ontario, for Psychotherapists,  the rules surrounding consent for therapy are governed by the  Consent and Capacity  guidelines set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). These guidelines ensure that a young person’s rights are respected while also recognizing the role of parents and guardians in supporting their child’s care.

 

If a minor is deemed capable of understanding and consenting to treatment, they have the right to decide whether or not to receive therapy.  Informed consent  means that the young person understands the treatment, why it’s being offered, and the potential outcomes. If a child is capable, they can choose to accept or refuse therapy, and this decision must be respected by all parties, including parents and therapists.

 

However, if the child is deemed incapable of giving informed consent, the legally appointed guardian or substitute decision-maker is entitled to make decisions on their behalf. This could include consenting to therapy or making decisions about sharing information with other parties, such as schools or healthcare providers.

 

It's important to note that while parents and guardians may sometimes feel excluded from certain aspects of the therapy process due to confidentiality requirements, the intention is always to protect the child’s best interests. Psychotherapists are obligated to act professionally, respecting the child’s privacy while ensuring that the child’s safety and well-being are prioritized.

 

In cases where parents or guardians are concerned about their child’s rights and the ethical framework surrounding consent, we encourage open discussions and provide resources to help families understand the nuances of consent and confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship.

 

News

 

INSURANCE & FUNDING

Info on insurance providers and funding accepted can be found under the Pricing section or by contacting us. *Ottawa Art Therapy now has the option of direct billing

 

GROUPS: 

Currently offering TEEN THRIVE

 

AN INTERVENTION FOR ALL: 

Ottawa Art Therapy offers sessions for all individuals AND groups! If you, your child, your family, or your organization is interested in Art Therapy, please contact us.

 

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