Session Formats
Healthy Routes stands out as a leader in its space because of our unique session formats that give kids a different way to connect, outside of clinical settings.
Techniques that work, in environments they know.
"WALK & TALK" SESSIONS
These outdoor sessions take place right in your neighbourhood, and are a refreshing (and highly effective) approach to traditional forms of therapy or counselling. Teens benefit from being able to clear their heads, get feedback on challenging topics and get light exercise that helps boost self-empowerment and mood-balancing hormones.
​
With a focus on active listening, feedback and support, these sessions are a great way to help your child develop a greater sense of self while dealing with difficult transitional times that may feel out of their control. Great for shy and introverted children who have a hard time making eye contact or prefer distractions, and for high-energy teenagers who cannot sit still for long periods of time. Parents love the convenient nature of these sessions and feel good knowing their kids are developing healthier associations with their thoughts, emotions and life skills –right in the environments they have access to everyday (instilling habits and routines).
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. The convenient at-home nature of these sessions help reduce stress around driving children to appointments, and help foster a greater sense of connection between them, their parents and their counsellor as they work as a team to help come up with easy-to-adopt strategies to improve their emotional and psychological state. Healthy routines, habits and boundaries that are established during these sessions go on to help the entire family feel more peaceful and secure in their children's ability to navigate future stressors and challenges. (And don't worry about "the mess"–we're parents too!)
​
Available locally in Ottawa (West End). Proof of vaccination required.
VIRTUAL SESSIONS
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.
​
No matter how things are going at home, with friends or with self-esteem: everyone needs someone to talk to when things feel like "too much". Connection counts, and having a coach or counselor to talk to makes things seem more manageable. Your child can use these virtual sessions to air their emotions and diffuse 'emotionally charged' situations before they spiral out of control. Our sessions are conducted in the same manner as all of our other sessions: we provide guidance, support, active listening, strategies, and coping skills to ensure your child succeeds. These sessions are great for out-of-town families and teens who prefer technology support over a face-to-face meeting (best suited for anyone outside of our "cocoon" and "walk and talk" zone.
​
​
Virtual Session (Zoom or phone call). Pre-scheduled session structure.
PARENT SUPPORT SESSIONS
These virtual, phone and in person sessions give you a chance to recharge, recalibrate and strengthen your understanding of your needs in relation to your child's. Find healthier ways to manage stress, talk to your kids and set boundaries in the home.
Parenting does not come with a manual, and you are your child's biggest influencer. Your ability to manage intense periods of stress and anxiety, and cope with difficult feelings (such as rejection, overwhelm, exhaustion and despair) plays a big role not only in your wellbeing –but in your child's. Help interrupt potentially toxic patterns in the home by scheduling a Parent Support Session and giving yourself the time and space to talk things out so the feelings (and stressors) don't have to last forever. Discuss new or concerning behaviours in yourself, or others. Ask for input on ways to approach difficult subjects with your teens or how to set different examples if you're ready to see bigger changes at home. Benefit from up-to-date insights and trends affecting other households, and give yourself space to breath when you feel like "you've already tried everything". We're here to help make parenting easier, and improve the relationship you have with your child for years to come.
​
​
Available online, via phone or locally in the West End Ottawa area.