Sandra Wieland, PhD.
Registered Psychologist

Individual therapy for children, adolescents, &adults
Consultation for therapists

Clinical Practice

• What is EMDR?
• What is play therapy?
• Parents's role in their child's therapy
• Stopping the Cycle

Types of training and consultation provided:

• Therapy - The Brain's Second Chance (.pdf file)
• The Internalization Model
• Dissociation: Creative Coping
• An Important Form of Therapy for Children - EMDR (.pdf file)

The Centre for Counselling and Therapy

Professional Credentials

Publications

Home

Parents' role in their child's therapy

Parents are the most important people in a child's life. Typically I spend the first 10-15 minutes of a session with the child and his or her parent. During this time I will ask about the positive things that happened during the week and then what are some of the things that need to be worked on. During this time, we often work out alternative support and discipline ideas.

This time gives me a chance to know the types of situation that are triggering the child and allows me to observe the parent-child interaction. We are able to work all together to build attachment bonds. I am able to help the parent find ways to modify triggers and highlight the difference between present-day safe situations and past frightening situations. Working with the parents is particularly important when the child is dealing with high levels of dissociation.

The specific things the child does during therapy they can tell their parents or they may choose not to tell their parents. It is best if parents do not ask. I will tell parents general themes and will alert parents if there are particular problems that need to be handled outside of therapy sessions. I will not tell parents about the detailed play of the child unless there is a safety issue.

When needed, I will keep contact with the parents by phone. When appropriate and only with parents' permission I will speak with the child's teacher.