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Kristine Zwolak 
Counselling & Psychotherapy


Hi! My name is Kristine Zwolak. I am a registered psychotherapist located in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. I offer in-person and virtual psychotherapy services to children, teens, and young adults. My focus is on helping youth with their mental, emotional, and behavioural challenges. 

I specialize in anxiety, depression, as well as suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviour. I also provide supports to parents who want to foster a better relationship with their children and learn more positive ways to communicate and deal with their child's mental health challenges.

Therapy For Youth

I have experience and qualifications implementing different types of psychological treatments, including:
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Play Therapy
  • ​Talk Therapy
  • ​And More
Mental health struggles look different in youth than they do in adults. Many adults believe that mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, only happen to adults. However, this is not true! 

Here are some warning signs to look out for in your children:

  • Persistent sadness over a period of two weeks or more.
  • Withdrawing or avoiding social interactions
  • Frequent outbursts of anger or extreme irritability over a prolonged period of time.
  • ​Drastic changes in mood, behaviour, or personality.
  • ​Sleep problems
  • ​Difficulty concentrating
  • ​Self-harm
  • ​Deterioration in academic performance
  • ​Self-demeaning talk
  • ​Suicidal ideation

Theraplay

Theraplay is a child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun. Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. Theraplay sessions create an active, emotional connection between the child and parent or caregiver, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding (Theraplay Canada).
Theraplay is a type of therapy for children and families. It is aimed at helping children who struggle socially, emotionally, and/or behaviourally.

In treatment, the Theraplay Practitioner guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child’s behavior and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy.

The games and play focuses more on the 4 essential qualities found in parent-child relationships so that the child can learn to regulate through them as their bond has become stronger. We call this “building relationships from the inside out.”

For more information about Theraplay, visit: https://theraplaycanada.ca/what-is-theraplay/
 
SERVICES ARE OFFERED ONLINE AND IN-PERSON


My education and experience allow me to help young people regulate difficult and intense feelings, even when they are not able to effectively communicate what they are experiencing. 

My non-judgmental and welcoming style are what make me an excellent choice to help your child. I can help with: 


One of the things I love doing is supporting parents who want to improve their ability to understand and help their children. If you want to enhance the relationship between you and your child, consider my psychotherapy services. Throughout the last decade, I have been able to help many families develop healthier relationships and dynamics. 
    
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