About Us
At Your Tool Box, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, therapeutic, evidence-based support services for children, youth, and families. Led by Johanna, a qualified and fully insured professional member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors (OACYC), our practice is grounded in over a decade of experience and a commitment to fostering growth and resilience.
Our mission is to empower individuals by fostering effective communication, addressing concerns, establishing healthy boundaries, and equipping them with the essential skills to thrive.
Specializing in challenges such as social skills development, family conflict, mental health concerns, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, school-related difficulties, and emotional or behavioral issues, we tailor our approach to meet each individual's unique needs. Our targeted life skills support focuses on personal well-being and growth, helping clients build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. We offer personalized individual sessions, weekly group facilitation, and family support coaching, available both in-person and virtually.
At the heart of our work lies a deep commitment to relationships—the one you have with yourself and the connections you share with others. Through our inclusive, strength-based approach, we create a safe and supportive environment where you can set meaningful goals, overcome challenges, and develop practical coping strategies to add to your personal "Tool Box." Together, we help you build the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges, and flourish.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR
YOUR TOOL BOX
ONE TO ONE SUPPORT - both virtual and in-person appointments
(at our Oakville location near Trafalgar Road and QEW)
Monday to Thursday 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
SMALL GROUP FACILITATION (4 to 6 participants)
Saturdays - 1.5 hour group session each week x 8 weeks
(At our Oakville location near Trafalgar Road and QEW)
Ages 7-10 yrs old / 11-14 yrs old / 14-17 yrs old
PARENT SUPPORT - Individual & Group
CAMPS - March Break and Summer
CURRENT TOOL BOX PROGRAMS:
Social Skills Tool Box
Enhance your communication and collaboration skills with peer groups, classmates, and family members. Each week introduces a new skill for your personal "Tool Box," focusing on the effective use of appropriate language, tone of voice, and strategies to navigate various social situations successfully. This program is specifically designed for individuals who face challenges in meeting new people, navigating conflict resolution, and feeling at ease in social settings.
Emotional Support Tool Box
Develop problem-solving skills and overcome challenges by learning effective coping strategies. Gain the ability to differentiate between major and minor issues and understand how to respond appropriately. This program is ideal for individuals seeking guidance in building resilience, fostering a positive mindset, and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
Safety Tool Box
Gain valuable insights into general safety, with a focus on online and social media platforms, cell phone and computer use, and the importance of maintaining healthy sleep hygiene. Additional topics include setting personal boundaries in relationships with others and in social situations. This program is ideal for individuals looking to better understand the positive and negative aspects of technology, while also developing an awareness of expected social norms in a variety of environments including the use of appropriate language and behavior as well as gain practical strategies for safely and effectively navigating social interactions.
Grounding Tool Box
Each week, we will explore a new skill designed to ground, calm, and focus the mind, incorporating strategies such as breathwork and quiet meditation. To complement our learning, we will engage in a variety of enjoyable activities during our group discussions, including vision boards, gratitude journaling, art doodling, and blackout poetry, among others. This program is ideal for individuals who enjoy variety and are eager to try new approaches while acquiring valuable tools for life.
Parent Tool Box
Parenting is one of the most challenging roles you will ever undertake. If you are facing difficulties with boundary-setting, effective communication, conflict resolution, or managing challenging behaviors at home or school, this program is for you. Learn valuable de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution skills, healthy communication strategies, and how to set clear expectations, boundaries, and consequences. By gaining these tools, you will feel empowered and confident in your parenting approach. This program is available in both group and individual formats.
**Each session will begin with an icebreaker activity to help participants ease into the experience. This will be followed by a focused learning component, group discussion, and a themed creation or activity aimed at enhancing the learning process followed by a recap and closing activity. To further support skill development, simple homework tasks may be assigned on occasion, providing participants the opportunity to reinforce and apply the concepts. In the following session, we will revisit and discuss the previous week's topic to ensure continued progress and understanding.
Please contact me below for more information on
upcoming sessions, availability and pricing.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
KATE, TEACHER
"Whether you are a parent looking for guidance for your child or an organization looking for a skilled Child and Youth Counsellor, Johanna is dedicated, compassionate, and highly effective. She connects deeply with young people and creates a safe, supportive environment where children and youth feel comfortable expressing themselves. Her expertise in emotional wellbeing, conflict resolution, and personal development equips her to help youth navigate challenges with confidence and resilience"
PAMELA, HR SPECIALIST
"Working with Your Tool Box has been an absolute game changer for my family. Their compassionate and insightful approach creates a safe space for kids and families to open up, learn, and grow together. The tools and strategies are practical and effective. Johanna has a natural ability to connect with children and youth, helping them build resilience, manage anxiety, and develop better communication and life skills. The tools we gained, improved our mental health and strengthened our family dynamic. If you are looking for support to navigate conflicts or foster stronger relationships, you have come to the right place!".
CORINA, SALES MANAGER
"We cannot recommend Your Tool Box enough! A friend told us about the support and guidance Johanna provided to their family was invaluable, so we reached out. We were so pleased with the way Johanna helped us navigate through some challenging teen years. Our child gained skills in the areas of confidence and resiliency to express herself and achieve her personal goals. For this we cannot thank Johanna enough and we highly recommend her services to any family looking to improve communication and provide life skills coaching for their children"
The Benefits of Using Your Tool Box Child, Youth & Family Support
With over a decade of experience in education and a deep understanding of ADD/ADHD, diverse learning needs, and behavioral challenges, Johanna is also well-versed in supporting individuals affected by addictions, domestic violence, and youth who are considered "at-risk". Her approach is grounded in empathy, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to helping young people and their families.
Johanna has a remarkable talent for building trust and fostering meaningful connections with children and youth. Her mission is to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where clients feel confident expressing themselves. To facilitate this, Johanna integrates therapeutic games into each session, using play as a medium to encourage engagement and open discussion. This approach creates a fun, welcoming space where clients can comfortably explore their thoughts and feelings.
By collaborating with clients to identify their personal goals and areas needing support, Johanna ensures her programs and services are tailored to their individual needs. Her approach is especially beneficial for children and adolescents navigating challenges that may impact their emotional, social, or behavioral development.
Here's an overview of why using Your Tool Box might be helpful for you:
1. Cost Effective with no wait list!
Your Tool Box fees are competitively priced compared to other therapeutic modalities, and best of all, there is no wait list! We also provide a complimentary 30-minute consultation.
2. Expertise in Developmental Needs
Child and Youth Counsellors are trained to understand the unique developmental stages of children and adolescents. They use this knowledge to tailor interventions that meet the specific needs of each age group. Did you know there is a Child and Youth Counsellor at every elementary school in Halton Region?
3. Support During Transitions
Children and youth often face significant transitions, such as moving schools, family changes (e.g., divorce, new siblings), or entering adolescence. CYCs help them navigate these transitions more effectively.
4. Addressing Behavioral Challenges
CYCs work with children experiencing issues like aggression, defiance, or withdrawal. They provide strategies to help manage and improve behavior.
5. Improving Emotional Well-Being
They offer support for children dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other emotional difficulties. CYCs can teach coping mechanisms and provide a safe space for expression.
6. Strengthening Social Skills
For children struggling with relationships, social interactions, or bullying, CYCs help develop communication and conflict-resolution skills.
7. Enhancing Family Dynamics
CYCs often work with families to improve communication, establish routines, and create a supportive home environment.
8. Preventative Support
Early intervention can prevent small issues from escalating. CYCs provide tools and strategies to build resilience and promote healthy development.
9. School and Community Integration
Many CYCs work within schools or community organizations. They collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other professionals to create a holistic support system.
10. Personalized Approaches
They often use play, art, or other creative therapies to engage children in ways that feel natural and non-threatening.
11. Support for Parents and Caregivers
CYCs provide guidance for parents, helping them understand and support their child’s needs effectively.
When to Consider a Child and Youth Counsellor:
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Bullying, family conflict, substance abuse, self-esteem, and school-related issues.
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There are noticeable changes in behavior or mood
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Difficulty adjusting to new situations
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Struggles with school or peer relationships
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Experiencing trauma or major life changes such as loss and grief
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Persistent emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, sadness)
A Child and Youth Counsellor can provide a compassionate and effective pathway to help children and youth thrive, addressing their challenges while fostering growth and resilience.
