Personal Counselling

WPGA has a full-time team of four dedicated counsellors, two in Junior School and two in Senior School, who offer safe, confidential spaces for students to address their academic, emotional and personal challenges. Whether navigating the pressures of academic achievement, making tough decisions, or managing personal or family stresses, our counsellors offer personalized compassionate care and genuine support to help students thrive.

Our counsellors offer a range of other services in addition to one-on-one counselling sessions. These services include hosting parent education sessions, facilitating group workshops and in-class presentations, liaising with and providing referrals to outside service providers, and publishing informational newsletters.

In the Senior School, students are able to book counselling appointments during class time, during recess or lunch, and before and after school. Although our primary focus is the student, there may be times when working with one or more parents is necessary to promote wellbeing and growth, and consulting with teachers can be helpful in creating a collaborative approach to ensure student success—both at school and beyond.

Junior school students may also request to see a counsellor. More often, parents request counselling support for the child, or teachers may identify students for a counselling check-in, in consultation with the parents. Counsellors commonly provide support and coaching for parents as well.

Adolescence is a time of immense growth and change, where teens naturally begin to seek independence while also trying to navigate physical, social, and emotional challenges. During this time, teens often lead with their emotions before embracing a more reasonable, problem-solving approach, making this a period of heightened sensitivity and impulsivity. Providing a listening ear, validating their feelings, and enhancing genuine connection can help teens feel supported and less alone as they explore their identity and take on age-appropriate risks. This approach not only strengthens your relationship but also equips them with skills for emotional regulation and resilience. 

If you’re finding it challenging to connect with your teen, our counsellors are here to support you. Please feel free to reach out—we can provide insight, strategies, and referrals to additional resources if needed.

Children ages 6-12 years require 9-12 hours of sleep per night, on average. Adolescents need 8-10 hours of sleep per night to support their physical, emotional, and cognitive development, according to evidence-based research. However, many teens struggle to meet these recommendations due to demanding schedules, co curricular activities, and the natural shift in their circadian rhythm, which makes it harder for them to fall asleep early. Factors such as illness, stress, growth spurts, or significant changes in routine may increase their need for sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can impact a child’s mood, ability to focus in school, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. If your child consistently struggles to get enough rest or seems atypically tired despite sufficient sleep, it may be helpful to consult with a doctor to rule out underlying health issues and explore strategies to improve their sleep hygiene.

If you are concerned about your child and feel they could benefit from additional support, you can contact the counselling team to discuss your concerns and explore ways to help. Encouraging your teen to book an appointment with a counsellor allows them to be part of the process and will provide a safe, confidential space to talk and not be alone with their distress.

For immediate or severe concerns, please go directly to your nearest emergency department or call 911 to ensure your child’s safety.