Individual & Family Counselling

Questions Children and Teens May Have about Counselling

We often hear from children and teens that they are a little nervous about their first counselling session. We would like to share some information with you so you know what to expect. We hope that this will answer some of your questions.

What’s it like to work with a counsellor?

• Your time with your counsellor will be all about you and your family.
• It’s different from a friendship because your counsellor won’t really talk about him or herself.
• Your counsellor’s job is to listen to you, to help you with your grief and all that comes with it.
• Unlike what you and your friend’s do, your counsellor will not be spending time with you outside of your sessions.
• You have choices about what you discuss in your meeting.
• Sometimes your appointments will include some of your family.
• You can share as much as you wish about any topic.
• If you decide you no longer want to see your counsellor, let them or your parent know.
• You can say no to anything your counsellor suggests?we just ask you to be open to trying new things.
• It is important you are honest so your counsellor can understand your story and your feelings.

What will my counsellor and I do together?

• Parents and caregivers will be invited to meet their family’s counsellor during an intake session.
• When you first meet with your counsellor, the focus will be getting to know each other and exploring the space.
• Counselling sessions may include art and play therapies, writing or other activities that help explore and express grief.

What will my counsellor do for me?

• Keep what you tell them private unless you give them permission to share and they can’t talk with your friends, their lips are sealed!
• All the counsellors are part of a team at Hospice Calgary. Sometimes they share stories of children and teens they work with to get more ideas on the best ways to help support them and their families. If you don’t want your counsellor to use your name if they are telling your story, together you can pick a pretend name.
• Include your parent or guardian. Often they just want to know that you are okay! After each appointment or after a few appointments, you and your counsellor will talk about what you want to share with them.
• Keep your artwork or project safe until you are ready to take it home. If you don’t want to take it home, please let your counsellor know.

Will I meet other grieving kids or teens like me?

• We offer a variety of groups for children, teens, and families, including Kids Club, Common Ground, and The Village.

How are services ended?

• When you and/or your counsellor determine that services are longer required, your file will be closed. The opportunity to re-access services for grief counselling is available in the future.