Anupama Estarla

Helping Children, Teens, and Families Navigate Challenges with Confidence and Connection

When your child is struggling, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You may notice changes in their emotions, behaviour, confidence, or relationships. Perhaps you've tried different approaches, but nothing seems to be helping, or you're unsure what your child needs.

You don't have to figure it all out alone.

I work primarily with children, adolescents, and parents, supporting young people through emotional, behavioural, developmental, and relational challenges while helping families better understand and respond to their needs.

I recognize that children's struggles are not always easy to express in words. Sometimes, emotions show up through behaviour, withdrawal, frustration, or difficulties at home or school. My goal is to look beyond the surface, understand what a child may be communicating, and help them develop healthier ways to express themselves, cope, and connect with others.

With specialized training in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and neurodivergent-affirming approaches, I adapt my work to each child's developmental needs, strengths, and unique way of experiencing the world.

I offer a warm, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic environment where children and teens can feel safe being themselves, and where parents can find guidance, reassurance, and practical tools.

Together, we work toward greater emotional understanding, stronger relationships, and meaningful, lasting progress.

My Approach

My approach is developmentally informed, evidence-based, neurodivergent-affirming, and tailored to each child's individual needs.

I understand that children and adolescents experience and communicate emotions differently depending on their age, developmental stage, personality, and circumstances. I adapt my approach accordingly, incorporating play, art, creative expression, conversation, and practical therapeutic strategies to help young people explore their experiences in ways that feel natural and accessible.

I recognize that neurodivergent children and adolescents may experience the world, communicate, process emotions, and respond to their environments differently. My approach emphasizes understanding and respecting these differences rather than expecting every child to think, feel, or behave in the same way.

I support children and teens in developing emotional awareness, managing difficult feelings, strengthening coping skills, and building confidence in their ability to navigate challenges.

I also recognize that parents play an important role in a child's emotional well-being. When appropriate, I involve parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process, offering guidance, psychoeducation, and practical strategies to help them better understand their child's needs and respond with greater confidence.

My goal is not simply to address challenging behaviours, but to understand the emotions, experiences, developmental differences, and needs that may be contributing to them.

I believe meaningful change happens when young people feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools that work for them.

My Background & Experience

I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and have over three years of experience in counselling, crisis intervention, and mental health support.

I have also completed formal training in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals. These additional areas of training strengthen my ability to offer creative, individualized, and developmentally appropriate interventions to children and adolescents with diverse emotional, behavioural, communication, and developmental needs.

Throughout my professional experience, I have supported children, adolescents, and families navigating a range of emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties.

My background has strengthened my ability to approach complex situations with patience, clinical curiosity, and an understanding of the many factors that can influence a young person's well-being.

I draw on evidence-based therapeutic approaches while remaining attentive to each client's developmental needs, strengths, family relationships, and individual circumstances.

I am committed to ongoing professional development and to providing thoughtful, compassionate care that supports both young people and the families who care for them.

Who I Work With

• Children (6+): Supporting emotional expression, regulation, behavioural challenges, coping skills, and social development.
• Pre-teens and Adolescents: Helping young people navigate anxiety, identity, self-esteem, peer relationships, and emotional challenges.
• Neurodivergent Children and Teens: Providing individualized, affirming support that respects different ways of thinking, communicating, learning, and experiencing emotions.
• Young Adults: Supporting emotional well-being, stress management, and life transitions.
• Parents and Caregivers: Providing parent-focused support, guidance, and practical strategies to strengthen family relationships and respond to children's emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

Areas I Support

Children & Adolescents

• Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
• Emotional regulation and intense emotions
• Behavioural challenges and emotional expression
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Peer relationships and social difficulties
• Family changes and life transitions
• Coping skills and emotional resilience

Neurodivergent Children & Adolescents

• Neurodivergent-affirming emotional support
• Emotional regulation and sensory-related overwhelm
• Understanding individual communication and emotional needs
• Self-esteem, identity, and self-acceptance
• Social and relational challenges
• Supporting parents in understanding and responding to their child's unique needs

Parenting & Family Support

• Parenting stress and emotional exhaustion
• Understanding children's emotional and behavioural needs
• Strengthening parent–child relationships
• Developing supportive parenting strategies
• Navigating family stress and transitions
• Building confidence in responding to challenging situations

Additional Areas of Interest

• Emotional well-being and stress management in young adults
• Life transitions and adjustment
• Substance use concerns and their emotional impact

Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Play Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Neurodivergent-Affirming Approaches
• Strengths-Based Approaches
• Trauma-Informed Care

My Therapeutic Philosophy

I believe that behind every behaviour is a person trying to communicate something important.

Children and adolescents may not always have the language or tools to explain what they are experiencing. By creating a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, I aim to help them feel understood while building the emotional skills and confidence they need to navigate challenges.

My training in play-based, art-based, and neurodivergent-affirming approaches allows me to offer different pathways for expression and connection. I believe that therapy should adapt to the child, rather than expecting the child to adapt to a single therapeutic approach.

I also believe that supporting a child often means supporting the adults around them. When parents and caregivers feel informed, empowered, and connected to their child's needs, they are better equipped to foster emotional growth beyond the therapy room.

My work balances compassion with practical guidance, recognizing that every child and family has unique strengths, challenges, and circumstances.

More Than Just My Work

I believe deeply in the power of creativity, play, and connection as pathways to emotional growth. These values naturally inform my work with children and teens, helping them express themselves in ways that feel safe and developmentally appropriate.

Outside of the therapy room, I find joy in creativity, spending time in nature, and appreciating meaningful moments of connection — values that align closely with how I support families in my work.