About Us
Why We Started Young Minds Psychology
Young Minds Psychology was born from a shared belief: that children, teens, and families deserve mental health care that doesn’t just treat symptoms—but strengthens relationships, builds confidence, and fosters long-term emotional well-being.
Founders Dr. Amanda Dyson and Dr. Kristin Thornback, both registered psychologists, met in 2004 while volunteering in a psychology research lab at York University. Though life took them in different directions, they stayed connected through a deep, mutual respect for one another’s work—and a shared vision for what meaningful, compassionate, high-quality psychological care could look like.
Years later, they came together to build a clinic that reflects that vision: a place where families feel seen, supported, and empowered.
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Family-Centered
We take the time to understand the family system and family dynamics that are contributing to children’s mental health. We believe that change is supported and maintained when the whole family is considered.
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Trauma-Informed
We understand that many clients arrive carrying past experiences of hurt or harm. We provide a safe, collaborative space that respects your readiness and pace.
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Neurodiversity-Affirming
We honour the strengths and needs of all children and teens, including those who are neurodivergent.
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Evidence-Based
Our interventions are grounded in science and tailored to each client’s unique developmental stage, learning profile, and emotional landscape.
Our Clinical Standards
We set a high bar—for ourselves and for the field. Every clinician on our team receives regular coaching, supervision, and ongoing training to ensure the care we provide is consistent, effective, and grounded in best practice.
When you work with us, you’re not just getting a therapist—you’re gaining a team of experienced professionals who collaborate to deliver exceptional care from intake to conclusion.
We use evidence based treatments, including, but not limited to:
Emotion Focused Skills Training (EFST)
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT- informed)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Who We Serve
We work with:
Parents seeking guidance, support, or peace of mind about their child’s emotional or developmental well-being.
Children and teens navigating anxiety, emotional or behavioural challenges, self-esteem issues, or relationship difficulties.
Neurodivergent individuals and families who want affirming, strengths-based care.
Adults looking to understand themselves more deeply or manage life’s stressors.
Professionals seeking supervision or advanced training in evidence-based emotion focused family therapy approaches.
Our Values
Continuous Learning
We are always growing, so we can help others grow.
Strength-Based Support
Every individual has potential. Our job is to nurture it.
Inclusion and Acceptance
Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—exactly as they are.
Unwavering Quality
We never compromise on the standard of care.
Caring Collaboration
We work side by side with families, not above them.
Our Vision
We want to be the name that families trust when they’re unsure where to turn.
Whether you’re just looking for a “mental health check-in” for your child, or seeking in-depth assessment and treatment—we’re here to help you. Our long-term goal is to expand access to high-quality, developmentally informed, neuro-affirming care throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.