Helping Youth Build Confidence & Resilience: Therapy Supports for Families in Orillia, ON
The teenage years bring excitement, independence, and new opportunities — but also challenges like bullying, self-harm, anxiety, and low self-esteem. For youth in Orillia, having the right supports in place can make all the difference.
Confidence is more than just a personality trait — it’s the foundation of resilience. When teens feel capable and secure in themselves, they’re better able to handle stress, stand up for their needs, and navigate life’s challenges in ways that feel authentic and empowering.
Why Confidence Matters for Teen Mental Health
A strong sense of self-confidence helps teens:
Speak up for themselves in school, friendships, and relationships.
Resist negative peer pressure and unhealthy influences.
Believe in their ability to overcome difficulties.
Develop a positive and realistic self-image.
Without this foundation, youth may feel disconnected, anxious, or unsure of their place in the world — making it harder to handle the challenges of high school and beyond.
How Therapy Can Support Youth in Orillia
In my counselling sessions for youth, I provide a safe, understanding space where teens can explore their experiences without judgment. I combine Narrative Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy with practical skill-building to help youth:
Develop self-awareness and better understand their emotions.
Learn to communicate assertively and respectfully.
Build strategies for handling anxiety, conflict, and stress.
Strengthen a healthy, confident sense of self.
This blend of insight and skills helps teens feel grounded, capable, and ready to take on both the obstacles and opportunities ahead.
Involving Parents for Greater Impact
Parents are a child’s most important support system. That’s why I also offer parent-focused sessions to help caregivers understand their child’s needs and create a home environment that encourages confidence and emotional well-being. When families work together, therapy can create long-lasting changes for everyone involved.
Getting Started
If your child is facing challenges like bullying, self-harm, anxiety, or low self-esteem, counselling can help them gain the confidence they need to thrive. Through supportive therapy for youth and families in Orillia, we can work together to strengthen resilience, improve communication, and create a foundation for lifelong well-being.
Contact me to learn more or book a session!
Madeline Lass, RP (Qualifying)
August, 2025
Youth and Family Psychotherapy & Mental Health Support in Orillia, ON
High school can be an exciting chapter in a young person’s life—but it can also be one of the most challenging. Between academic pressure, changing friendships, and figuring out who they are, many teens in Orillia and across Ontario struggle with their mental health. Challenges like self-harm, substance use, bullying, and aggression can make these years even harder, especially when self-esteem is low.
At my Orillia-based youth and family psychotherapy practice, I offer compassionate, evidence-based mental health support to help teens build confidence, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self. My goal is to help youth not just cope, but truly thrive.
Self-Harm
Why it happens: Self-harm often develops when a teen feels overwhelmed by emotions they can’t manage. It can be a way to cope with stress, release emotional pain, or regain a sense of control when self-worth is low.
How therapy helps: Psychotherapy can address the underlying emotional struggles, teach healthy coping strategies, and build emotional regulation skills. This helps teens find relief without turning to self-harm.
Substance Use
Why it happens: Some teens use substances to escape anxiety, silence negative thoughts, or feel accepted by peers. When confidence is lacking, it can be hard to resist these pressures.
How therapy helps: I provide a safe space to explore the reasons behind substance use, develop healthier ways to manage stress, and strengthen self-esteem, reducing the need to rely on substances.
Being Bullied
Why it matters: Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, and a lasting loss of confidence.
How therapy helps: I support teens in processing these experiences, rebuilding their self-image, and learning assertive communication skills. My approach focuses on restoring their sense of safety and confidence.
Bullying Others
Why it happens: Bullying often comes from insecurity, fear, or a need to feel in control.
How therapy helps: Psychotherapy helps teens explore the root causes of their behaviour, develop empathy, and learn healthier ways to feel secure and respected.
Aggressive Behaviours
Why it happens: Aggression often masks deeper feelings of fear, shame, or vulnerability.
How therapy helps: I work on emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills so teens can express themselves without aggression—while feeling more in control and understood.
Family Involvement for Lasting Change
I believe parents and caregivers are a teen’s greatest support system. That’s why I offer family therapy and parent-focused sessions alongside individual youth therapy. This combined approach helps families improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a supportive home environment where teens can thrive.
If your teen is struggling with mental health challenges in Orillia, ON, my youth and family psychotherapy services can help.
Contact me today to book a consultation and start building the confidence and resilience your teen needs for a healthy future.
Madeline Lass, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)