Kirsten Stanton, M.C.
Registered Psychologist
Adolescents
“
You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
”
Philosophy and Approach
Kirsten is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, specializing in working with adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. She is passionate about supporting teenagers through the unique emotional, social, academic, and developmental challenges that can arise during adolescence.
Kirsten recognizes that the teenage years can be a particularly challenging time, with young people navigating changing relationships, increasing expectations, questions of identity, and growing independence. She strives to create a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental space where adolescents feel comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their experiences, and developing a better understanding of who they are.
Kirsten takes a client-centred and collaborative approach to therapy, recognizing that every teenager has unique experiences, strengths, and needs. She incorporates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, tailoring her approach to help each adolescent feel understood and supported.
Creating Meaningful Change
Kirsten believes that meaningful progress begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, understanding, and collaboration. She understands that reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating for teenagers, particularly when they are unsure how to express what they are experiencing or where to begin.
She works alongside each adolescent to identify their goals, recognize their strengths, and develop practical strategies they can use in their everyday lives. Whether a teenager is struggling with anxiety, navigating friendship challenges, experiencing difficulties at school, or working through changes in their family or personal life, Kirsten aims to provide a space where they feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her goal is to help adolescents build the emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence they need to navigate both current challenges and the transitions ahead.
Areas of Expertise
Kirsten specializes in providing psychological support to adolescents aged 12–17 who are navigating challenges related to mental health, emotional well-being, relationships, and the transition into adulthood.
Her areas of focus include:
- Anxiety and Stress: Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, excessive worry, overthinking, and difficulty managing stress.
- Depression and Mood: Low mood, feelings of sadness, reduced motivation, emotional distress, and difficulties with mood regulation.
- Emotional Regulation: Managing big emotions, frustration, anger, emotional overwhelm, and developing healthy coping strategies.
- Self-Esteem and Confidence: Negative self-talk, self-doubt, body image concerns, self-worth, and developing a stronger sense of identity.
- School and Academic Challenges: Academic pressure, school-related stress, perfectionism, school avoidance, motivation, and difficulties managing expectations.
- Friendships and Peer Relationships: Friendship difficulties, peer conflict, social pressures, navigating relationships, and feeling disconnected from others.
- Family and Life Transitions: Parent-teen conflict, changing family dynamics, communication difficulties, and navigating significant life changes.
Kirsten is particularly interested in helping adolescents better understand their emotions, develop confidence in themselves, strengthen their coping skills, and navigate the challenges of growing up.
Education and Credentials
Kirsten holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist.
Presenting Concerns
ADHD
Adjustment Disorders
Anxiety
Body Image Issues
Burnout
Depression
Grief/Loss
Identity and Self-Exploration
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem & Identity Issues
Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Client-Centered Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
Population
Adolescents (12-17)