Who We Work With

  • Miniature toy giraffe, elephant, a small wooden human figure, a tiny tree, and rocks arranged in a sandbox with a plant in the background.

    Children

    Ages 5-11


    A supportive space for children to explore emotions, build confidence, and develop skills for navigating a wide range of experiences at home, school, and in relationships.

  • A wooden desk with a Jenga game tower, a cup of black pens, an open notebook with handwritten notes, and a closed book titled 'Reflect Understand Grow'. A potted plant is partially visible in the background.

    Teens

    Ages 12-17

    Support for teens navigating the emotional, social, and personal challenges that come with adolescence—across a wide range of experiences, from everyday stressors to more complex concerns.

  • A table with a beige notebook titled 'Open House Psychology,' a black pen, a mug of tea or coffee, and a chair in background.

    Adults

    Ages 18+

    Guidance through transitions, relationships, and the evolving demands of adulthood, with support that is adaptable, grounded, and responsive to each individual’s needs.

Therapy That Fits Real Life

Therapy at Open House Psychology is not about having the perfect words or following a rigid formula. It is a space to show up as you are, make sense of what has been feeling hard, and find a way forward that feels realistic for everyday life.

Sessions are designed around the way each person is most able to engage. At times, that means a focused conversation and practical skill-building; at others, it may mean working with a visual or creative tool, noticing what the body is communicating, or using the calming presence of a trained therapy dog. The format is adjusted with intention so therapy feels accessible, relevant, and worthwhile, not like another place to perform or get things “right.”

Care is grounded in evidence-based, research-informed practice. Depending on each client’s needs, treatment may thoughtfully integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed skills, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, somatic approaches, Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), and play- or art-based interventions.

The approach is always collaborative, flexible, and centred on what feels meaningful to the person in the room.

School Support for Kids & Teens

School is a major part of a young person’s life—and when it feels difficult, the stress rarely stays in the classroom. Support is available for children and teens navigating:

  • School anxiety, avoidance, or attendance concerns

  • Academic pressure, perfectionism, and burnout

  • Trouble with motivation, routines, organization, or homework

  • ADHD-related challenges at school or home

  • Friendship stress, conflict, bullying, or feeling left out

  • Emotional regulation and big feelings during the school day

  • Transitions to a new school, high school, post-secondary, or work

  • Building confidence in social, classroom, or public settings

With a foundation in both education and counselling, support is grounded in an understanding that a student’s experience is shaped by more than grades alone. When appropriate and with consent, care may also include collaboration with parents, school staff, and other providers to help create a more coordinated plan.

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Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy offers a unique way of supporting emotional safety and connection within the therapeutic process.

For many clients, Marvin's calm presence helps reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and create a greater sense of comfort throughout sessions. His involvement can be particularly helpful for clients who find traditional therapy settings intimidating or who benefit from additional support in building trust and engagement.

Marvin's role is always adapted to each client's preferences, comfort level, and therapeutic goals. His presence complements evidence-based therapeutic approaches, enhancing the work we do together while ensuring treatment remains individualized and clinically grounded.

  • Individual sessions are available for children, teens, and young adults. These sessions focus on building insight, developing practical coping strategies, and supporting emotional regulation, confidence, and overall well-being. Sessions are tailored to each individual, drawing from evidence-based and integrative approaches to support both immediate challenges and long-term growth.

  • Family sessions are available to support communication, strengthen relationships, and navigate challenges within the family system. This may include parent support, joint sessions, or collaborative work focused on creating greater understanding and connection. Family involvement is integrated thoughtfully, particularly when supporting children and teens.

  • Animal-assisted therapy is integrated into sessions with Marvin, a trained therapy dog. His presence can help create comfort, support emotional regulation, and reduce anxiety—particularly for clients who may find traditional therapy settings more challenging. This approach is used intentionally and in combination with evidence-based therapy, ensuring sessions remain both clinically grounded and responsive to each client’s needs.

  • Sessions are offered both in-person and online to provide flexibility and accessibility. In-person sessions take place in a private, thoughtfully designed space, while virtual sessions offer the opportunity to engage in therapy from the comfort of home. Both formats maintain the same level of care, structure, and therapeutic support.

Ways to Access Support