Treatment Approach

​At Thriving Young Minds, we use a neuroaffirming, evidence-based approach rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with integration of tools from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Each session is tailored to the developmental stage and needs of the individual, whether it’s a child learning about big feelings, a young person navigating identity and social stress, or a parent wanting to better support their family. 

🌿 What is ACT, and how can it help?
ACT (pronounced like the word "act") helps people move toward the life they want by learning new ways to respond to difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences rather than getting stuck in them or trying to avoid them.Instead of focusing on "fixing" or challenging thoughts (as in traditional CBT), ACT supports individuals in noticing their thoughts and emotions without being ruled by them. We explore what truly matters to the individual (their values) and develop skills to take meaningful steps, even when things feel uncomfortable. This approach is especially helpful for children and young people who feel overwhelmed by emotions, self-critical thoughts, anxiety, or rigid thinking patterns. ACT empowers them to pause, reflect, and choose actions that align with their values rather than reacting out of fear, avoidance, or habit.

How does this differ from CBT?
CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) often teaches people to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts. While this can be useful, many children and young people feel overwhelmed by this process or struggle to access logic when dysregulated.ACT meets the individual where they are. It doesn’t require them to convince themselves of a better thought. Instead, we gently build awareness of thoughts and feelings, create space between those experiences and the self, and grow a stronger connection to personal values, flexibility, and choice.

Integrating IFS and DBT
Sometimes children or young people describe feeling like different parts of them are pulling in opposite directions. One part wants to try, another part wants to shut down, another part feels scared. Internal Family Systems (IFS) gives us a compassionate, non-pathologising way to explore these inner parts. We help the young person understand these parts, where they come from, and what they need to feel safe and heard.We also draw on DBT-informed strategies to build emotion regulation skills, tolerate distress, and strengthen mindfulness. This is especially helpful for young people who feel things deeply or have a hard time calming down once triggered.

Psychoeducation: Why understanding matters
Across all sessions—whether with a child, young person, or parent—we weave in gentle, age-appropriate psychoeducation. When someone understands why their brain or body responds the way it does, they gain a sense of control and self-compassion.We focus on building insight, not to label, but to empower. Whether we're exploring how anxiety works in the nervous system, why ADHD brains crave stimulation, or how avoidance patterns develop after trauma, this knowledge helps shift someone from "what’s wrong with me?" to "here’s what’s happening, and here’s what I can do next."