Sound Youth Counselling

06/10/2026

Over the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to facilitate workshops for staff at a few summer camps, and while much of our focus has been on emotions and supporting campers, many of our conversations have come back the endless learning opportunities camp holds and, particularly, canoe-tripping 🛶

Throughout my life, canoe tripping taught me more lessons than I have gained anywhere else (and I know for some, similar learning has come through other activities - it doesn't have to be canoeing - but for me, it was always found in the wilderness). 🌲

The pace we are asked to sustain - at school, at work - so often encourages us to avoid, distract from, or escape uncomfortable feelings. But backcountry travel asks something different - it invites us to sit with uncertainty, adapt when things don't go according to plan, push through moments of physical and emotional discomfort, and keep moving forward (literally and figuratively).

There are certainly challenging moments I remember - paddling with socks on my hands to keep them warm in an early spring hail storm, the final kilometer of a portage when I would have given anything to just leave what I was carrying, the headwinds... but those are mere snapshots to the experience.

What I REALLY remember, is feeling strong, confident, and capable... the grit, tenacity, resilience, perseverance, trust, vulnerability, and camaraderie.... the songs, stories, and laughs...

For me, canoe tripping created countless opportunities to learn that discomfort is not something to fear, but often where growth begins.

I've loved having the chance to spend these moments learning, connecting, and talking about how we can better support young people this summer, and I'm very grateful for the many days I've spent with a paddle in the water.

- Colleen

06/08/2026

"I hope that either all of us, or none of us, are judged by the actions of our weakest moments, but rather by the strength we show when, and if, we're ever given a second chance." - Ted Lasso

🫶 may we all be given the opportunity to learn and do better.

06/05/2026

Parenting is hard. It's also wonderful, and rewarding, and joyful, and life-changing... but it's hard, which is why we offer support for parents that go beyond traditional behavioural approaches.

Because we believe that
🔎 focusing on behaviour rarely changes behaviour,
⏳ traditional strategies rarely work,
📉 and rewards and consequences don't work for many kids (or for every long).

Our parent groups focus on ✨ connection ✨ to help you enjoy time with your child, know what's going on, and understand their point of view.

Want to know when our fall Connected Families program is running? Comment "CONNECT" and we'll be in touch.

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

👋 If you are looking for counselling for a child, teen, or family in Parry Sound, Huntsville, or anywhere across Ontario, we're glad you stopped by.

We are a youth-focused mental health practice built around one simple belief: every young person deserves access to compassionate, high-quality support.

We take a strength-based, whole-person approach to mental health. We look at the big picture, recognizing that every child and teen exists within their family, their community, and all the other layers that shape who they are.

If you want to chat more, give us a shout 👉 [email protected] or DM us 👇

05/29/2026

🔊 Exception Seekers - Doing big feelings together, with Aly Bird 🔊

This episode is an honest, compassionate discussion about grief literacy, emotional resilience, and learning to make space for the people and experiences that continue to shape us long after loss.

In this episode, Aly Bird (Registered Psychotherapist and grief counsellor) shares how grief affects both adults and children, why honest conversations matter, and how our culture often struggles to make space for mourning and vulnerability. Aly shares insights from her work supporting bereaved individuals and families, including how children process grief differently than adults, the importance of trusted relationships, and why emotional expression should be supported rather than avoided.

The conversation also dives into “continuing bonds,” the idea that relationships with people who have died can remain meaningful and present throughout our lives, as well as the role of ritual, community, and storytelling in healing. Aly reflects personally on losing her partner Will, rebuilding life after profound loss, and how courage, curiosity, and connection have shaped both her personal journey and professional work.

We hope you will have a listen 👉 https://tinyurl.com/42827s89

05/25/2026

Spring is here! But we never doubted it would come, did we? 🫣🤣

05/22/2026

We'd like to take a moment to gently recognize the uncomfortable, upsetting, and emotionally-charged moment that some parents face when their child or teens shares that they have been thinking about su***de. We know how hard this can be, and would like to offer a few ideas to help if you are ever in this position.

First and foremost, if there is ever an immediate and imminent cause for concern for someone's safety, call 911 or get them to your nearest hospital (like if they tell you they have acted on a su***de plan).

If someone shares that they are (or have been) thinking about su***de, but they have not acted on those thoughts, take a moment - take some breaths, stay together, and focus on your connection. You have time for a conversation.

Remember, asking someone directly if they're having thoughts of su***de or asking someone directly if they have a plan, is not going to put new ideas in their head - you are not increasing the risk to their safety by asking - in fact, you are doing the opposite! By directly asking to learn more, you are showing your confidence in handling that information, and giving them the opportunity to share what is often an uncomfortable thing to share.

If you aren't comfortable with that conversation or aren't sure what to do, that's okay! This is why crisis lines exist and you could call a crisis line together. 📲 Kids Help Phone and Canada's 9-8-8 are 24/7 crisis supports that can help to determine risk and next steps.

If you ever need some more ideas, please reach out 👉 [email protected]

The more we talk about su***de, the more we can help to reduce the stigma people face in reaching out for help.

***deawareness