Refresh Junior

Specialized counselling for children and teens — building emotional strength, confidence, and resilience in a safe, supportive space.

Helping Kids and Teens Thrive

At Refresh Counselling, we know that young people face unique challenges at every stage of life. That’s why we created Refresh Jr.—a safe, supportive space just for children and teens. Whether it’s big feelings, school stress, friendships, or family dynamics, our counsellors help kids and teens build resilience, confidence, and healthy coping skills.

What will my child's first day of counselling look like

We make sure kids and teens feel at ease right from the start. The first session is all about comfort, trust, and making the process simple and stress-free.

A Warm Welcome

Your counsellor greets you with kindness and makes sure you feel comfortable in the space.

Getting to Know Each Other

Through simple questions and activities, we create a relaxed way to start building trust.

A Safe Space to Share

Kids and teens can talk about feelings, thoughts, or worries without judgment.

Support That Fits You

Children receive gentle parent involvement, while teens are given more independence in their sessions.

Child Counselling (Ages 5–12)

Child counselling provides a playful, engaging way for kids to process their emotions and build confidence. Using art, play, and age-appropriate tools, our counsellors create a safe environment where children feel heard and understood.

Why Parents Choose Child Counselling

Teen Counselling (Ages 13–18)

Being a teen comes with unique pressures—school demands, friendships, family expectations, and figuring out your own identity. Teen counselling provides a judgment-free space to work through challenges and build the skills needed to grow with confidence.

How Teen Counselling Helps

Meet Refresh Counselling Jr.

Refresh Counselling Jr. offers caring therapy for kids and teens, helping them manage emotions, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges.

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Therapists of Individual Counselling

Below is a list of our Therapists who can help navigate and support individual therapy.

Robyn Manzano

MA, Registered Psychologist

Karyn Zuidhof

MA, Registered Psychologist

Stephanie Archer

MC, Registered Psychologist

Sara Alia

MC, Registered Psychologist

Emma Lavoie

MC, Registered Social Worker

Faye Archer Wilson

MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Ray Pan

MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Cynthia Baroud

MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Karthika Murthy

MC, MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Shelley Liu

M.Sc, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Katie Laird

MC, Registered Psychologist

Stefani Sulaver

MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Shauna Greene

MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Smiling young man with curly hair holding a red notebook in a library.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s work together to support your child or teen in feeling more confident, understood, and ready to thrive.
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Have questions about Refresh Jr.?

Find quick answers about what to expect, how it works, and how to get started with the right therapist for you.
How will I know if the therapist is right for me?
We offer you a complimentary consultation (a 20-minute session). This provides the opportunity to meet your therapist, ask any questions, understand what future sessions will be like, and ensure that you feel safe and a connection with your psychologist. This also gives us a chance to get to know you a bit and prepare for our next session.
I’m not used to asking for help. Is going to therapy a sign of weakness?
Not at all. Everyone needs help sometimes. You may have had some skills or strengths that you’ve used to deal with challenges before, but for whatever reason, those aren’t working right now. Perhaps what you are dealing with right now feels overwhelming and you are unable to access your past strengths. Through your relationship with your counsellor and the process of therapy, you can explore the challenges you are facing and find your inner strength or develop new skills and strategies to find healing.
Will my sessions be covered by insurance? Do you offer direct billing?

We offer Direct Billing to several different insurance providers. Generally, direct billing is determined by the therapist's designation. Below is a list of the current direct bill breakdowns.

  • All Clinicians direct bill to: Alberta Blue Cross & GreenShield
  • R. (Prov) Psych direct bills to: only Alberta Blue Cross & Greenshield
  • Registered Psychologists direct bills to: Alberta Blue Cross, Greenshield, insurers part of Telus eclaims (Manulife, Canada Life, Desjardins, Industrial Alliance)

If your sessions cannot be direct billed, we will provide you with a receipt you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, assuming your policy allows for the proper coverage.

Occasionally, some insurance companies ask for a little more information about your therapist to confirm their coverage for services. If that happens, please email our office with the specific information you will require and we will be happy to provide that to you.

(Please note: we cannot guarantee direct billing or insurance coverage - we always recommend confirming coverage with your specific provider)

What if I’ve never been to therapy before?

That’s perfectly okay—many of our clients are new to therapy. Your therapist will walk you through what to expect, answer any questions you have, and go at your pace. We create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable exploring whatever’s on your mind.

How long are therapy sessions, and how often do I need to come?

Most sessions are 50 minutes long. Your therapist will work with you to determine a schedule that suits your goals and needs—some clients come weekly, others biweekly or monthly. We tailor the approach to your pace and situation.

Do you offer virtual/online counselling?

Yes, we provide secure online counselling sessions for clients across Alberta. This allows you to access support from the comfort of your own home while receiving the same quality of care as in-person sessions.