We know the world feels a little heavy right now, and that can be hard for kids, teens, and families. At Acorn Counselling, we care deeply about our community. That’s why, this summer, we’re offering a number of free workshops and short-term counselling sessions to support you and your family. These are simple, caring ways to help you and your child feel a little more grounded, connected, and supported—because no one should have to do it all alone.
Meet with our Clinical Interns. These are caring, trained team members who are here to listen and support. Families can access up to three sessions at no cost, and spots are open to new clients. It’s a great way to get support for your child, teen, or family in a warm and welcoming space.
Mention “probono” on our form.
Please note that these workshops below are not considered “psychotherapy” and are not a substitute for individual mental health assessment and treatment. If you or your child requires additional support, please contact us.
For Parents: In Person
Parenting is the hardest job you will ever have. It brings up your own history and triggers. But why? This workshop breaks down the concept of parenting from an attachment perspective into doable steps. And while exploring attachment we weave together research, curiosity and compassion. Come join us to take a look at what we need as human beings and the importance of having these needs met.Â
For TEENS: In Person
For Parent & Littles: In Person (location TBD)
Play is the language of children—and connection grows when we join them in it. In this 1-hour workshop, parents and their littles (ages 4–6) will engage in simple, semi-structured play activities designed to build connection, attunement, and emotional understanding. Led by a Certified Play Therapist, parents will learn how to reflect feelings and step into their child’s world in ways that feel natural, playful, and meaningful.
For TEENS: In Person
Upper JamesÂ
A calming yoga practice for moms focused on nervous system support, embodied awareness, and deep rest. This is a non-performative, judgment-free space where options are always offered and listening to your body is encouraged. Through gentle movement and intentional pauses, you’ll have space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and release built-up stress. This practice supports greater calm, resilience, and a sense of being more grounded in your daily life. You don’t need flexibility or prior yoga experience—just a willingness to pause and be with yourself and bring your mat!
Register to be the first to know about upcoming yoga sessions.Â
At Acorn Counselling, we create our workshops and resources based on what families tell us they need. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover—through a future workshop, presentation, or blog post—please let us know. Whether it’s something you’re facing at home, or something you’ve heard other parents talk about, your voice matters. Together, we can keep building support that truly fits our community.
👉 Fill out this Form to share your ideas and suggestions!Â
Coming soon… check back in a little while 🙂
Please take a moment to fill out the form below, and we will be in touch to confirm your spot.
Fill out the form below and we will reach out closer to the date with confirmations, but we do look forward to meeting you in the group on June 3rd at 6:30pm.
Fill out the form below and we will send you information and a link to join this live online workshop. Recordings will be available.
Fill out the form below to be sent a link to join this live webinar. Recordings will be available for those who signed up.
SPACE Intro for Clinicians – Identifying & Addressing Accommodations in Child Therapy Systems
OCD 101 – What Parents Need to Know
Please complete this brief form, and we will send you a link to join us live.
Understanding ADHD: A Guide for Parents Workshop
SPACE Intro: Helping Parents Support Anxious Kids through Empowerment and Support
Please complete this brief form, and we will be in touch with follow up information for this exciting workshop based on Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions.
By Registering for this program, FREE Fall Transitions Parent Workshop, you hereby:
1. Acknowledge, understand, and agree that Acorn Counselling cannot ensure complete security and confidentiality throughout this virtual program. You agree to comply with the Group Rules designed to mitigate any breaches of confidentiality, and in the case of such a breach, you agree not to hold Acorn Counselling liable.
2. Acknowledge, agree and represent that, considering this program is being facilitated through online and virtual means, Acorn Counselling and all program facilitators are unable to supervise or be responsible for you by any means.
3. You understand, agree, and represent that safety (including that of any child or teen participating in our programming) is your sole responsibility.Â
4. You, the parent and caregiver of the child and teenage participants, and all participants themselves, will hold harmless and indemnify Acorn Counselling against any and all claims and actions arising out of the participation of the participant in the Free Mental Health Workshop program, including, without limitations, expenses, judgements, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any liability, suit, action, loss, or damage arising or resulting from the participants participation in the Free virtual workshop activities.
This workshop is facilitated by a Infant and Family Mental Health Counsellor and Clinical Intern. This group is not a psychotherapy and these free groups or workshops are not a replacement or substitute for psychotherapy. Should you need additional services, including mental health assessment and treatment, you may access these services in the following places:
• Family Doctor
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through employer, if eligible
• Contact Hamilton
• Free Child & Youth Mental Health Services (Previously Walk-in Services through City of Hamilton)
• Private Therapy (You can either contact us to schedule an appointment, or explore Psychology Today for listings of other therapists in the area).Â
1. A parent’s name and phone number is required with each registration. We will only contact you if there are safety concerns.
2. We require the location of each group participant at the time of the group.
3. We will only use first names in group, and no information about other participants can be shared with anyone.
4. There will not be any kinds of recordings of sessions, even by our members or facilitators.
5. If there are safety concerns (for self or others), or a suspicion of child abuse, then parents, police, and/or child protection authorities will be notified by the facilitator, as per our legal and ethical obligations.
6. Only registered participants are eligible to attend the virtual workshops so that we can maintain the safety all participants.
7. The cameras/video must remain on so that we can verify age and registration of each participant, and know who is in the space. Adults (especially unrelated to participants) will not be permitted to watch or participate.
8. There is only to be one participant per camera. If sibling groups would like to participate in the same workshop, we ask that each have their own device to ensure minimal distractions for other participants, manageable dynamics for facilitator, and siblings are to use devices in separate rooms to mitigate speaker feedback.
9. Parents and/or caregivers are encouraged to be home or easily available should a participant require additional support. Although we are virtually providing therapeutic programming, we are not responsible for the participant’s safety and encourage adequate adult supervision.
10. These groups are not a substitute for individual or group psychotherapy or treatment. If there are pressing mental health concerns, you are encouraged to explore treatment options on our resource page here.
By Registering for this program, Free Mental Health Workshops for Kids & Teens, you hereby:
1. Acknowledge, understand, and agree that Acorn Counselling cannot ensure complete security and confidentiality throughout this virtual program. You agree to comply with the Group Rules designed to mitigate any breaches of confidentiality, and in the case of such a breach, you agree not to hold Acorn Counselling liable.
2. Acknowledge, agree and represent that, considering this program is being facilitated through online and virtual means, Acorn Counselling and all program facilitators are unable to supervise your child/teen whatsoever. This includes their use of computers, electronic devices, or the internet.
3. You understand, agree, and represent that the safety of any child or teen participating in our programming is your sole responsibility. You will further ensure that any child under your care that is participating in our virtual programming does so in a safe, careful and responsible manner (including safe and legal use of the internet and their devices).
4. You, the parent and caregiver of the child and teenage participants, and the participants themselves, will hold harmless and indemnify Acorn Counselling against any and all claims and actions arising out of the participation of the participant in the Free Mental Health Workshop program, including, without limitations, expenses, judgements, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any liability, suit, action, loss, or damage arising or resulting from the participants participation in the Free virtual workshop activities.
This workshop is facilitated by a highly qualified Child and Youth Counsellor. The CYC is specially trained in and has skills related to child and adolescent development, including therapeutic group facilitation. The CYC is not a psychotherapist and these free workshops are not a replacement or substitute for psychotherapy. Should your child or teen need additional services, including mental health assessment and treatment, you may access these services in the following places:
• Family Doctor
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through employer, if eligible
• Contact Hamilton
• Free Child & Youth Mental Health Services (Previously Walk-in Services through City of Hamilton)
• Private Therapy (You can either contact us to schedule an appointment, or explore Psychology Today for listings of other therapists in the area).Â