Sound Mind Counselling
Youth and teen counselling in Abbotsford and online across BC
Growing up can bring pressures that are difficult to explain or manage alone. I offer counselling for young people ages 9–18, with support for emotions, school, friendships and family relationships, including youth with ADHD or autism.
Support when growing up feels overwhelming.
Your child may seem more withdrawn, frustrated or worried than usual. Perhaps school has become difficult, friendships are changing or conversations at home keep ending in conflict. You may want to help but feel unsure about what they need.
For young people, counselling offers space to speak with someone outside their everyday circle. They don’t need to explain everything straight away or know exactly what’s wrong.
We can begin with their experience, build trust and explore ways to navigate the things that feel difficult.
Youth counselling for emotions, school and relationships.
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School, friendships, expectations or unfamiliar situations may feel overwhelming. We can explore what’s worrying your child and find ways to help them communicate their concerns and respond to difficult situations.
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Anger, disappointment or sadness can be difficult to understand and express. Counselling gives young people room to recognise what they’re feeling and explore ways to respond without becoming overwhelmed.
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Keeping up with assignments, attending school or meeting expectations may feel difficult. Together, we can explore what’s getting in the way and consider practical support that fits their needs.
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Changing friendships, conflict or feeling left out can affect a young person’s confidence. We can talk through those experiences and explore connection, boundaries and what matters to them in relationships.
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Neurodivergent young people may need support that takes their communication, sensory needs and ways of learning into account. We can explore emotional challenges and everyday demands with respect for their individual experience.
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Changes at home or repeated misunderstandings can be difficult for everyone. Counselling can help young people express their needs and explore ways to build understanding with the people who care for them.
Meet Josh
Youth counselling informed by over a decade in schools.
I’m Joshua Abercrombie, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Abbotsford. My experience as a high school counsellor and special education teacher shapes how I work with young people and understand the pressures they face.
My background also includes working with Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Where helpful, we can consider how school supports relate to our counselling goals and discuss collaboration with other agencies involved in your young person’s care.
I consider each young person’s strengths, relationships, school environment and support needs. My approach is compassionate and practical, with conversations guided by what matters to them.
My Christian faith informs my work, and I welcome young people and families of all faiths or none. Faith can be included when it is meaningful to the young person, with respect for their beliefs and preferences.
Working together
Space for their voice, with thoughtful caregiver involvement.
Young people need room to share their own perspective. Parents and caregivers also bring valuable knowledge about what’s happening at home and the support their child may need.
At the start, we’ll discuss how caregiver involvement could work, taking the young person’s age, needs and circumstances into account. We’ll also talk through consent, privacy and the limits of confidentiality so everyone understands what to expect.
Our work can include exploring ways caregivers can support progress between sessions while respecting the young person’s voice.
Looking for support with broader family concerns? Explore family counselling.
Your next steps
Getting started with youth and teen counselling.
1. Book a free consultation
We’ll have a 15-minute conversation about the support you’re looking for. You can ask questions about my approach and whether it may be a good fit for your child.
2. Get comfortable and share what matters
The first session gives us time to begin getting to know one another. We’ll discuss what brings the young person here, their preferences and what they would like help with.
3. Build understanding and practical skills
Together, we’ll explore emotions, relationships and everyday challenges. We can adjust our pace and approach as we learn what helps.
Ages 9–18 · In Abbotsford and online across BC
Start with a free youth counselling consultation.
If you’re wondering whether counselling could help your child, we can talk about what you’re noticing and the support you’re looking for. Young people are also welcome to reach out with questions.
I offer in-person youth counselling in Abbotsford for families across the Fraser Valley, including Mission, Chilliwack and Langley, as well as online sessions throughout British Columbia.