healthy outlets
help to create healthy minds, families & homes
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While nothing lasts forever, the soothing, calming and coping mechanisms your children learn during stressful times can have a significant impact on their long-term self-esteem and ability to form healthy habits.
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Welcome to Healthy Routes
Our mission is to equip teens, pre-teens and families with the skills and support-based systems they need to overcome difficult and transitional times in their lives. Unlike traditional therapy and counselling, Healthy Routes takes the entire family into consideration, with a special focus on meeting the needs of your child who may be temporarily struggling to cope, manage or handle ongoing stressors in life.
Our goal is to help improve relationships, restore esteem and prevent the increasing statistics around youth mental health.
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Proactive Support Services for Youth
Healthy Routes is a third-party solution for parents, teens and schools to help make sure their children are being given the healthy kind of outlets (and long-term esteem-building skills) that will help them better manage their moods, feelings and coping mechanisms.
We take the focus away from them feeling "broken" or "dysfunctional" and help them see areas they are already amazing at, building on those while improving underlying self-esteem concerns. Together, we create new ways of approaching their feelings, stressors and perceived outlets.
Each of our services is offered on an "on-demand" (per session) and "ongoing" (program-based) basis. This means that you can use us as an outlet by scheduling an appointment "when you need us" or by planning ahead and booking several sessions at once. We see the most benefit and transformation in the kids who work with us for three months at a time, with the option for ongoing support when they need it.
SOLUTIONS THAT FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY
The best part about our services are that they are temporary; kids shift fast when they have the right kind of support.
We give them tools that last a lifetime.
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service options
every child connects differently: give them options
"WALK & TALK" SESSIONS
These outdoor sessions are a great way for your child to enjoy some fresh air and get some light exercise while clearing their heads. Highly effective for shy or introverted children who have a hard time making eye contact or prefer distractions.
We approach these sessions similarly to all our other services: offering guidance, actively listening, providing support, and holding your child accountable for growth and their progress.
Available locally in Ottawa (West End). Weather dependant.
"COCOON" SESSIONS
These therapeutic sessions allow your child to work privately with a coach/counsellor to deal with problems related to teen life in the privacy of their own home. These sessions are ideal for teens who are anxious in a clinical setting, and reluctant to speak with someone for support; bringing the tools to them.
During our sessions, your child will develop important life skills and learn how to cope with stress, prevent substance abuse, and manage stress in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Available locally in Ottawa (West End). Proof of vaccination required.
AFTER-SCHOOL "VENT" SESSIONS
Whether it's issues with friends, self-esteem or what's going on at home: everyone needs someone to talk to when things start to feel like "too much". Having someone to connect with counts.
These virtual sessions give your child/teen an outlet to talk things out and help to diffuse 'emotionally charged' situations before they risk being internalized, or spiralling out of control. "Preventative parenting" gives the entire family relief by helping your children feel heard, options to talk things out and make healthy decisions.
Virtual Session (Zoom or phone call). Pre-scheduled session structure.
Give your kids the tools they need
TO BUILD HEALTHY MINDSETS
Bring out the best in your teen with a sense of consistency and support
ESTEEM-BUILDING PROGRAMS
Proactive programs (of 8 sessions or more) help parents and teens improve self-esteem practices relating to stress, anxiety and concerning behaviours. Each program is built for your child's needs –includes worksheets, exercises and virtual/in-person sessions that help transform their esteem and confidence in lasting ways.
Best suited for kids who need an extra outlet during challenging times, or for parents who want to give their children more proactive self-development tools.
Available online & locally.
"we support parents too..."
You are your child's biggest influencer. Your ability to manage and cope with intense feelings (like stress, anxiety) plays a big role in their well-being too.
PARENT SUPPORT SESSIONS
Every parent needs someone they can talk to, who can help them declutter their minds and give them space to breathe.
Our virtual and in-person Parent Support Sessions give you access to a professional who can help you recalibrate intense feelings of overwhelm, stress and fear into new perspectives that leave you feeling more supported, capable and in control of what's going on at home. All sessions are confidential and can be used as frequently or temporarily as desired (ask about our ongoing support packages).
Available online, via phone and remotely.
WE ALL NEED SOME EXTRA SUPPORT SOMETIMES
Whether you are 'well balanced' or struggling to 'stay above the water' in your own life, being a parent is never without its challenges. Our team recognizes how difficult it can be for parents to give themselves an outlet that helps them de-stress, re-group and rebuild their confidence during particularly challenging periods at home. We offer virtual, remote and in-person sessions for parents who need someone to talk to when things start to feel like "too much" –providing them with a safe place to cry, vent, discuss and learn new strategies for handling conflict and overwhelm in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
"What value can we expect during each session?"
Each session gives your child access to a professional who:
- Gives them space to "be themselves" alongside active listening, coaching and mentorship.
- Customizes a personal plan that meets their unique needs for assurance, guidance and development.
- Helps to keep them accountable for their personal goals and progress.
- Provides positive reinforcement; helping to form a healthy sense of self outside parental praise.
- Offers encouragement, motivation and inspiration to move beyond their perceived limitations.
Parents get support too! At the end of each session, your child's coach/mentor will follow up with you to provide extra insight into areas that might be challenging or stressful for your child to talk to you about.
"Is this like putting my child into therapy?"
We are not a replacement for clinical therapy or other professional/specialized medical services; we are a supplementary service that helps meet the needs of families who are struggling to have their needs met using other publicly available services.
"How do I know if this is a good fit for us?"
Our services are best suited for families who need extra help managing their child/teen's emotional and mental wellbeing at any point during their lives. If your child is displaying concerning or overwhelming behaviour we can help you "steer them onto the right track" with our proactive approach.
"How do we get started?"
If you're ready to invite more support into your family, contact us to book a (free) initial consultation or email us at support@healthyroutes.ca.
For more information or recent news check us out on Facebook.
praise & feedback
We're so grateful to be able to make a difference in the lives of so many families who trust us to help them guide their children to Healthier Routes
VIDEO TESTIMONIALS: Swipe left for more. On mobile? Pinch + Zoom for bigger view
Testimonials
"I was comfortable being vulnerable with her"
"When i first met {Jen} I was nervous and no sure if it would work out. then our first walk and talk i felt very comfortable to tell her everything and there was an instant connection of trust and i was comfortable to be vulnerable with her. i absolutely love every visit with her because she not only helps me through the things i’m going through but when i accomplish something she is so proud of me and it feels so good to know that i’ve gotten so much better because of Jen’s help."
–Teen Girl, 17
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"A beacon that led me to the brighter side of life"
Jen helped me traverse through a very dark time in my life as a sounding board for me to relieve my personal issues. She acted as a beacon and led me to the brighter side of life!
-Barrhaven male age 17
"We were always left feeling more confident and connected as a family"
Over the years, I have worked with Healthy Routes for advice and support in dealing with my eldest. Jen always approached our situation with the utmost compassion and general concern for my family's well-being. Jen really enjoys teenagers and provides a fresh, collaborative perspective when dealing with troubled teens. We always left feeling more confident about his future and more connected as a family.
If you are struggling with your teen who is taking part in some risky behaviours, parents don't hesitate to call Jen. You don't have to go through this alone:)
– Cynthia H
ready to get started?
Email us at support@healthyroutes.ca to book your free initial consultation and see if we're a good fit for your family...
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Pressed for time and not sure if we'll be able to fit in a regular session?
Check out our Digital Resources section to get valuable input on managing common stressors in the home.
Additional community and professional resources can be found here.
"Together we can make a difference in your child's life; we can restore harmony"
© Healthy Routes, 2022 | Disclaimer, Code of Conduct & Privacy Policy
Jen LeClair Avery advocates for youth mental health and demonstrates the power of proactive strategies to reduce the long-term consequences of low self-esteem, addiction, and self-harm.
With over 25 years experience as a Personal Development Educator, Life Skill Coach, Youth Counsellor and Consultant –her focus has always been on cultivating higher self-esteem by developing real life skills and supporting today’s younger generations towards finding purpose and meaning in their own lives.
Her company, Healthy Routes has continued to evolve with this mission, actively developing new programs, services and resources that help innovate and better meet the needs of children and families suffering with mental health related challenges.
"The fact that 1 in 5 children will experience some form of addiction or mental health crisis is exactly what motivates me to change it"
WHAT SHE'S UP TO TODAY:
When she's not working with clients, spending time with her two teenage daughters or walking their loveable dog Charlie Jen can be found building online resources, workbooks and positioning herself to speak in front of larger audiences to help drive her mission to better support under-serviced youth.
For more information on Healthy Routes mission or to invite Jen to speak at your school or organization please contact support@healthyroutes.ca.
About our Founder
