The Light Within...
Welcome to Little Lanterns Child Counselling, where I believe in nurturing the inner light within every child. At Little Lanterns, I provide a compassionate and supportive space for children to explore their emotions, build resilience, and navigate the journey of growing up.
I am dedicated to guiding your child through challenges with warmth and understanding. Like the comforting glow of a lantern, I hope to illuminate the path towards emotional well-being, helping your child shine brightly in their unique way.
About Myself
I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor, bringing over 14 years of expertise to my child counseling practice. For seven of those years, I served as a Teacher-Counsellor in schools, working directly with students and their families to cultivate resilience, build social emotional skills and develop mechanisms
for self-regulation. My commitment to counselling is grounded in the elements
of theoretical approaches I value most; authenticity, sincerity, compassion, collaboration, and empowerment.
With a Masters in Counselling, a BA in Arts Education, and a BEd, I blend academic knowledge, and my knowledge of schools and systems, with my passion for fostering emotional well-being in young hearts and minds.
My breadth of knowledge allows me to work with children with compassion for the complexity of their little lives.
Counselling Services
At Little Lanterns, my goal is to empower children to overcome challenges, build emotional resilience, and thrive in their lives. I tailor my approach to meet each child's unique needs, utilizing evidence-based techniques and a child-centered approach to promote healing and growth. I can be a source of support for children dealing with the following challenges:
Big Feelings: I understand that children may struggle with managing overwhelming emotions such as anger, sadness, or frustration. Through counselling, I help them identify and express their feelings in healthy ways, teaching coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques.
Anxiety and Worry: Many children experience anxiety and worry, whether it's related to school, social situations, or family dynamics. I provide a safe space for children to explore their anxieties, develop relaxation techniques, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience.
Self-Worth and Self-Esteem: Low self-worth and self-esteem can significantly impact a child's confidence and overall well-being. I work with children to foster a positive self-image, encourage self-compassion, and celebrate their unique strengths and qualities.
Grief and Loss: Coping with the loss of a loved one, whether it's through death, divorce, or separation, can be incredibly challenging for children. I offer compassionate support to help children navigate the grieving process, express their emotions, and find ways to remember and honor their loved ones.
Divorce and Separation: Divorce or separation within the family can be particularly difficult for children to navigate. I offer a supportive environment where children can express their feelings, process their emotions, and develop coping strategies to adjust to the changes in their family structure.
Transitions: Moving to a new school, adjusting to changes in family dynamics, or transitioning to adolescence can be stressful for children. I provide guidance and tools to help children adapt to transitions, manage uncertainty, and build resilience in the face of change.
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Background and Training
Education
Masters of Counselling, Applied Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB 2017
Bachelor of Education, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB 2009
Major: Visual Arts Education
Graduated with Great Distinction
Bachelor of Arts, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB 2009
Major: Visual Arts
Graduated with Distinction
Certifications
- Canadian Certified Counsellor, Member in Good Standing, 2024
- Violent Threat Risk Assessment Level 2 Certification, 2022
- Modules 1-4 CAST Sanplay, 2020
- Introduction to Psychodrama, RMPT, 2018
- Introduction to Sand Tray Therapy, Alberta Play Therapy Association, 2017
- Existential Analysis and Questioning Training, 2017
- Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training, 2016
- Family Systems Training, 2016
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, 2015, 2023
- Violent Threat Risk Assessment Level 1 Certification, 2014
Professional Development
- Presentor at the ATA Council of School Counsellors Conference, Kananaskis AB, 2023
- Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference, Anaheim US, 2017, 2023
- CAST Sanplay Certification, Modules 1-4, 2018-2020
- Application of Positive Psychology in Schools, Collaboartive Community, Lethbridge District 51, 2018
- Mental Health Literacy Day, Lethbridge School District 51, 2018
- Lethbridge School District Staff QSA committee member, 2017 - 2019
- Live OUT Loud, LGBTQ* Youth Conference planning committee member, 2017
- Southern Alberta Teacher Counsellors Conference planning committee member, 2017
- Brief Focused Counselling Skills – Strategies from Leading Frameworks, 2016
- 3rd Annual Alberta Gay-Straight Alliance Conference, 2015
- Guidance Council of the Alberta Teachers Association Conference, 2014
- Students Who are Wired differently International Conference, 2014
- Wired Differently Conference, 2013
- Building Engaged Schools Institute, 2011
- ASCD Conference San Francisco, 2011
Counselling Services & Cost
Currently while I await my CCPA Counselling Certification number my sessions are 50 minutes in length at a rate of $100. Please expect this fee to change to $150 in the Fall.
Through its mental health support program, Alberta Blue Cross extends coverage for counselling services. ASEBP also covers the cost of counselling. For other private insurance provider please I suggest you contact an agent to inquire if Certified Counsellor sessions are covered and up to what amount.
If you don’t have insurance coverage or have exhausted your benefits and wish for your child to see me, you can choose to pay the session fee directly.
Your counselling services are GST exempt, and you can claim any portion you pay out of pocket as a medical expense to reduce your income tax.
In some situtaions I can be accomodating and offer a sliding scale rate based on household income.
My hours are currently: Tues 4:15 - 6:30pm
Thurs 4:15 - 6:30pm
Fri 12:30 - 5:00pm
Some Sundays upon request
Contact Steph at
Little Lanterns
littlelanternscounselling@gmail.com
little_lanterns_counselling
I adhere strictly to the ethical guidelines established by the Canadian Counsellin and Psychotherapy Association.
I regularly engage in consultation with other professionals to maintain the quality of care provided. Your family’s confidentiality is always respected.
If I determine that I am not adequately trained to address specific issues, I will inform you and provide appropriate referrals.