I’m a secondary 4 IP student. I experience the usual academic struggles, motivation issues, social anxiety, future uncertainty etc. My friend said that it would benefit me a lot if I went to therapy. I don’t want to go to the school counselor because I genuinely don’t think it’ll help. I want an external psychologist. It’s a bit difficult for me to reach out to my parents to ask for therapy. They’re nice, but I think it would be unexpected of me to ask them and I don’t want to worry them. Online platforms are useful but I want to have regular sessions with a therapist and not have to explain everything over and over again. If I got into therapy, I would have a lot to unpack, but I think my life would become so much better. What should I do?
Hi @2yummy, I hear that you are interested in seeking out regular therapy sessions and it is great to see that you are taking initiative on your own! I have found a website with counselling services here: Reach out | Youth Assist
However, since you are still under 18, I believe that parental consent is needed, and it is best to check with the organisation on the rules pertaining to this. I hope this helps! 
Hey @2yummy ,
It sounds like you have been holding on to quite a bit for some time, and you have already thought through different ways of handling it before coming to this point.
There is some clarity in how you are thinking about this. You are not rejecting help. You are quite certain that regular sessions with a psychologist would suit you better, and that matters.
At the same time, you mentioned that you do not think the school counsellor will help.
I am wondering what led you to that view. Is it based on something you have experienced before, or what you have heard from others?
You also shared that it would feel unexpected to ask your parents, and you do not want to worry them. That makes sense. But when things have been building up and you continue to manage it on your own, it can become harder over time. If your parents are generally supportive, letting them know may actually give you more support rather than create problems.
The way you are describing therapy shows that this is important to you. It is not a small preference. It sounds like something you have considered carefully.
Would you be ready to share more about your past experience with a school counsellor and it not feeling right? At the same time, it may help to involve a trusted adult so you are not handling this alone. This could be a teacher or someone in school you feel safe with. They do not need to solve everything. They can help you take the first step.
If speaking to your parents feels too big for now, starting with one trusted adult may make it easier to bridge that conversation later. If you feel ready, you can try asking and clarifying options with a call to 1771 National Mindline.
You have already moved from keeping this to yourself to asking about it here. That is a step forward. You can take the next step at a pace that feels manageable, starting with one person who can support you.