Youth Development Workshops
Confidence. Character. Connection. Purpose.
Growing into adulthood isn’t just about getting older. It’s about discovering who you are, developing your character, building meaningful relationships, and learning to make choices that reflect your values.
Built Different is an interactive youth development program designed to help teenage boys navigate this journey through engaging activities, practical psychological skills, and meaningful conversations.
Registration not yet open — join the waitlist
One program
Build Confidence. Develop Character. Find Your Direction.
An interactive personal development program helping teenage boys build meaningful friendships, develop emotional awareness, strengthen self-discipline, and discover the kind of person they want to become.
Faith. Brotherhood. Discipline. Purpose.
An interactive, faith-informed personal development program helping young Muslim men explore their identity, strengthen their character, build brotherhood, and develop purposeful living through Islamic values and practical psychological skills.
What participants explore
Core EditionConnection, Friendship & Belonging
Muslim EditionBrotherhood & Belonging
Core EditionIdentity, Values & Purpose
Muslim EditionFaith, Identity & Purpose
Core EditionCharacter, Confidence & Leadership
Muslim EditionBecoming a Man of Character
Core EditionSelf-Mastery & Emotional Resilience
Muslim EditionJihad al-Nafs — The Struggle Within
Learning approach
Built Different is not a traditional classroom lecture.
It is designed as an active, engaging, supportive environment where participants learn through conversation, collaboration, games, challenges, role-playing, personal reflection, and practical exercises.
The goal is not to tell teenagers exactly who they should become. It is to help them develop the awareness, skills, values, and confidence to make thoughtful choices about the people they want to be.
The program does not promote rigid stereotypes about masculinity. It presents strength as something that can include kindness, emotional honesty, self-control, accountability, courage, and seeking support when needed.
Teenagers should be active participants rather than passive listeners.
Meaningful relationships and a supportive group environment create opportunities for learning.
The program encourages progress, reflection, and accountability rather than shame or unrealistic expectations.
Confidence, compassion, emotional expression, and responsibility are compatible qualities.
Every session should provide ideas or skills participants can apply outside the workshop.
Participants come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, beliefs, and experiences.
Participants should never be pressured to reveal private experiences, religious doubts, trauma, or personal family difficulties.
Activities and discussions must be suitable for the developmental stage of the group.
For parents
Adolescence is an important period of identity development, social learning, and increasing independence.
Built Different provides a structured, engaging environment where teenage boys can explore meaningful questions, develop practical life skills, and connect with peers.
The program focuses on areas such as confidence, communication, emotional awareness, responsibility, character, and purposeful living.
Each session combines interactive activities with opportunities for reflection and real-world application.
Whether your teen is outgoing or reserved, highly motivated or still finding his direction, Built Different aims to create a respectful space for learning and growth.
Facilitator
Built Different is developed and facilitated by Khaled Albanna, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario with academic training in psychology and counselling.
His approach combines psychological education, practical skills, meaningful conversation, and experiential learning.
The workshops are designed to encourage young people to explore their identities, reflect on their values, develop emotional awareness, and strengthen their relationships.
His facilitation style emphasizes empathy, curiosity, respect, active participation, and a supportive environment where young people can learn without feeling judged.
The Muslim Edition additionally integrates Islamic values and faith-informed reflection.
I’m Khaled Albanna, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I work with people navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, and the uncertainty that can come with change. My aim is to offer a space where you feel understood, respected, and able to be yourself.
My clinical background includes community-based practicum experience with Camino Wellbeing and Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region, as well as counselling experience at Serene Heart Counselling and Psychotherapy. My experience includes supporting people facing addiction and emotional difficulties, and working with refugees and newcomers as they navigate adjustment, stress, identity, and belonging.
Having lived across cultures, I value the experiences and identities that shape each person’s story. I offer counselling in English, Arabic, and Spanish, and welcome conversations about spirituality, faith, meaning, and values when these are important to you.
My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in listening. Together, we can explore what’s happening, make room for difficult feelings, and develop practical ways to move toward the life you want.
Format and pricing
Registration not yet open — join the waitlist
Approximately two hours. Available when individual-session registration is enabled.
before any applicable taxesFour sessions. Eight total hours of programming.
before any applicable taxesWaitlist Free. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a place or create a payment obligation.
A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERING
Built Different is an interactive, psychology-informed personal development workshop for teenage boys focused on confidence, identity, relationships, character, emotional awareness, and purpose.
The Core Edition is nonreligious and open to teens from all backgrounds. The Muslim Edition integrates Islamic values, teachings, and examples with the program’s developmental themes.
The program is designed for ages 14–19, with participants grouped by age and developmental stage.
Four sessions, approximately two hours each.
$50 CAD per session or $200 CAD for the complete four-session program, before any applicable taxes.
No. Built Different is a psychoeducational youth development workshop, not individual or group psychotherapy.
No. The workshop is intended for personal development and skill-building, not only for teens experiencing challenges.
No extensive prior knowledge is required. The program welcomes participants with different levels of familiarity and religious practice.
No. The Core Edition is nonreligious.
Yes. Parents or guardians can register minors through the appropriate registration process.
Locations will be announced when cohorts are scheduled.
Individual-session registration may be available depending on the cohort. Some groups may require full-program enrolment.
Yes. The waitlist is free and does not guarantee a reserved place.
Yes. Organizations can submit an inquiry to discuss group workshops and customized delivery.
For schools and organizations
Built Different can be delivered in partnership with schools, community centres, mosques, Islamic schools, and youth organizations.
Whether you’re looking for a complete four-session series or a focused workshop on confidence, identity, character, emotional resilience, or purpose, the program can be adapted to the needs of your group.
Organization pricing is quoted separately.
Request a Group WorkshopBuilt Different is a psychoeducational youth development workshop, not individual or group psychotherapy.
