Youth Counselling & Academic Coaching
We help neurodiverse learners navigate schoolwork, the world and their futures
Academic Coaching
with Colleen Smereka
In these coaching sessions, students develop a toolbox of learning strategies. These personalized tools and approaches help students understand, remember and use what they’re learning. Through one-on-one coaching, each student develops strategies to fit their unique needs: organizing their thoughts, managing their time, or finding new ways to approach assignments. These strategies build confidence, strengthen academic skills and make learning more manageable and effective.
Sample approaches:
✓ Active reading strategies
✓ Memory techniques
✓ Time management strategies
✓ Test preparation and test-taking techniques
✓ Note-taking methods
✓ Summarization and paraphrasing skills
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
with Lawrence Thenu
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) helps people deal with tough feelings and memories, especially those related to trauma, anxiety, or depression. ART combines regular talk therapy with different methods like guided imagery and quick eye movements. Usually, individuals can process and manage memories and emotions with ART in less time than with other types of therapy, making it a good option for those who want to see results faster.
Assistive Technology Assessments
with Colleen Smereka
Work with students to explore tools that support their individual learning needs, whether reading, writing, organization or focus. This service helps find technologies, such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and planning tools, aligning with learning style. Prioritizing tools your student is already using, building on what’s familiar and effective, the goal for these assessments is to build confidence, improve access to learning and foster independence.
Assistive Technology Training
with Colleen Smereka
These one-on-one assistive technology training sessions help students use tools and technologies that match their learning strengths. These sessions include hands-on guidance with technologies like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and organizational and planning tools. The training is personalized and practice-focused, showing students how to use these tools in authentic learning situations. This work seeks to blend these technologies with effective learning strategies to ensure students can seamlessly integrate these tools into their academic work.
Career Guidance
with Lawrence Thenu
Academic counselling uses tools and strategies guide students planning their future. This work guides students through practical steps needed to explore and identify their aspirations.
Counselling
with Lawrence Thenu
Client-centred counselling using different modalities to navigate personal obstacles, including Adolescent Identity Development, Learning Disabilities, emotional disorders and trauma.
Grant Funding Support
with Colleen Smereka
Students with disabilities enrolled in accredited post-secondary programs may be eligible for financial assistance through the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE). These grants can provide up to $2,800 and $20,000, respectively, depending on individual needs and supporting documentation.
To qualify, students must apply for a student loan and submit documentation that outlines their disability and any related barriers to learning. Navigating this process can feel overwhelming, but I offer step-by-step guidance to ensure you understand the grant requirements and have the correct documentation.
I also provide personalized support with the Services and Equipment Grant application. Together, we can identify the services and equipment you may be eligible for and review what is required to access this funding. These sessions will support students prepare for meetings with Accessibility Advisors at their chosen institutions.
Transitioning to Post-Secondary Coaching
with Colleen Smereka
Starting post-secondary studies can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure everything out at once. I offer one-on-one transition support for students beginning their academic journey who want guidance in navigating the process.
Together, we can walk through the steps involved in starting school, get clear answers to your questions, and prepare for conversations with instructors, academic advisors, and accessibility staff.
Contact Lawrence
Lawrence sees clients virtually or in person on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5PM-9PM and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-4PM.
Fees for all services other than ART are $130 per 50 minute session.
Fees for ART services are $200 per 50 minute session.