A Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC) is a trained professional who supports the emotional, social, and behavioral well-being of children and youth. They work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, residential care, community programs, and mental health services, to help young people develop coping strategies, social skills, and emotional regulation.

Who Do Child and Youth Counsellors Serve?

🔹 Children & Youth (Ages 3-24) – CYCs work with young people at different developmental stages, from early childhood through adolescence and young adulthood.

🔹 Children & Youth with Emotional or Behavioral Challenges – Support those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, aggression, or self-regulation difficulties.

🔹 At-Risk & Vulnerable Youth – Assist young people experiencing homelessness, family conflict, poverty, substance use, or involvement in the justice system.

🔹 Youth in Schools – Work within classrooms, alternative education programs, or special education to support students with learning, emotional, or behavioral needs.

🔹 Families & Caregivers – Offer guidance and strategies to parents, guardians, and foster families to improve relationships, parenting skills, and home stability.

🔹 Children & Youth in Residential Care – Provide structured support in group homes, foster care, or treatment facilities for those unable to live at home.

🔹 Youth with Developmental or Mental Health Needs – Help young people with autism, learning disabilities, or other neurodivergent traits develop social skills, independence, and coping strategies.

Where Do CYCs Provide Services?

✔ Schools & Educational Programs
✔ Community & Recreation Centers
✔ Hospitals & Mental Health Facilities
✔ Residential Treatment & Group Homes
✔ Crisis & Outreach Programs
✔ Home-Based & Family Support Services

Child and Youth Counsellors create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can develop confidence, self-regulation, and meaningful relationships.

Provides Emotional Support – Helps children and youth navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and family issues.

Teaches Coping & Self-Regulation Skills – Supports youth in managing emotions, stress, and behaviour.

Facilitates Social Skills Development – Helps with communication, conflict resolution, and peer relationships.

Advocates for Youth – Works with families, teachers, and other professionals to ensure young people receive the support they need.

Uses Therapeutic & Strength-Based Approaches – Incorporates play, art, music, and nature-based interventions to engage youth in healing and skill development.

Facilitate Groups & Programs- Facilitate social skills groups, mentorship programs, and emotional regulation workshops. Lead life skills development, including problem-solving, coping strategies, and independence.

Support Mental Health & Crisis Intervention-Work with children and youth experiencing behavioral challenges, self-harm, or family conflict. Provide crisis intervention and help de-escalate difficult situations.

✅ Person-Centered Approach – Meeting youth where they are and building on their strengths.
✅ Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies – Helping youth change negative thinking patterns.
✅ Play, Art, and Music Therapy – Using creative methods to encourage self-expression.
✅ Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution – Supporting youth in managing difficult situations.

✅ Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – A structured intervention that helps children and youth process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop coping strategies.
✅ Somatic & Mindfulness Practices – Techniques like deep breathing, movement, and grounding exercises to manage stress and body-based trauma responses.
✅ Attachment-Based Interventions – Supporting healthy relationships and trust-building, especially for those with early childhood trauma.
✅ Expressive Therapies (Art, Music, Play) – Using creative outlets to process difficult emotions in a non-verbal way.

✅ Nature & Adventure Therapy – Engaging with the outdoors to promote healing, confidence, and emotional regulation.

✅ Trauma-Focused

✔ Safety & Trust – Creating secure environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves.
✔ Empowerment & Choice – Encouraging personal control over decisions and healing processes.
✔ Understanding Triggers – Recognizing how past trauma influences present behaviors, emotions, and relationships.
✔ Strength-Based Approaches

Focusing on resilience, coping skills, and personal strengths.