Family Counselling Services in Barriere, BC.

I believe that we are all profoundly shaped and impacted by our family systems and larger social context. From this perspective I do not believe that "problems" are solely located within the individual. I believe they are impacted by our family system within a social context. In family therapy, we will explore the "problem" and how it is impacting the family system. For example, how are the family members affected by the "problems" and how are they responding. Using a Systemic Family Systems Approach with interventions from Response-Based Practice and Narrative Therapy we will explore the interactions in which the "problems" occur. We will also explore the meaning behind the responses.

Despite the best intentions of ourselves and our family members, we are often tangled in patterns of invalidation, rejection, frustration and blame. It can feel so messy that we operate in a constant state of fear and a crippling sense of unworthiness. In 2008 I started my counselling career as a family therapist. A combination of individual and joint sessions will take place to allow the space for all voices to be respectfully heard, while helping to identify bigger ‘systems’ patterns that keep you stuck in pain and finger-pointing. I will help to smooth out communication, make room for wants and needs and to heal the old wounds holding you back from having a healthier relationship.

Today family can mean different things to different people. Each family structure is challenged with their own set of difficulties and problems. Whether you are a blended family, single parent family due to divorce or loss, adoptive family, same sex parents, or traditional, we recognize family dynamics can be complicated. Together we will work to develop strong communication skills between each family member, while nurturing and solidifying the family unit. We will work to overcome conflict, heal the wounds of the past, build parenting skills and create a safe environment where all family members can be heard.

I am passionate and experienced in working with families while ensuring their dignity remains intact. Family systems can be complex and confusing; when we are immersed in the struggle, it is difficult to gain perspective. I work to create and hold space during difficult discussions and strive to understand the roles each member plays in their family. I can offer perspectives and suggestions to increase the quality of the overall functioning of the family.

Family therapy is one of my specialties. In addition to Family Systems Therapy, I use expressive art therapy, play therapy, and sand tray therapy. I believe that if the family is involved in the therapy the outcome is always better. As a School and Family Consultant, Behaviour Consultant, School Psychologist, as well as a counsellor for many years, I have supported families who have children with all exceptionalities and special needs. I know how important the family dynamic is when it comes to achieving a positive treatment outcome. As a trauma counsellor I have worked with families who have experienced the most difficult and complex crises.

Ferne uses a family systems approach to help families communicate better, understand each other better, and deal with conflict in a healthy way. She believes all families have strengths and the capacity to grow. She helps families define their roles, give them skills to learn how to resolve conflict and how to live together through difficult times. Families will understand each others needs and healthy responses to each other. Families will receive support with difficult challenges such as someone having special needs, blended families and family that are on the verge of breakdown.

I have worked alongside children/youth and their parents for years in different capacities. Developing healthy and secure relationships in our families helps build confidence and independence. However, family relationships are hard. When we experience a wound or tear in the relationships in families, regardless of the age, this can cause problem interactions that cause distress and distance. I use models of therapy that help reconnect parents and children by facilitating relational repair and healing from wounds for healthier and secure relationships.

I specialize in working with youth, adults and families that have been impacted by anxiety, trauma, conflict, and depression. I also specialize in couples and marriage counselling. I have been very successful in helping families overcome relationship challenges. I have a flexible schedule and can accommodate sessions on evenings and weekends. I am currently accepting new clients.

Tammie has been trained as a toxic divorce specialist regarding Parental Alienations Syndrome, her training was provided by Dr. Kathleen Raey, an expert in the field. Family Therapy is a longer type of therapy based on the complex of the concerns and the number of participants. There will be a mixture of One on One counselling as well as group sessions. Please feel free to schedule your free consultation.

Imagine a family as a tree with branches, roots, trunk representing parts of the immediate and extended family. When working with families, all elements are considered. Usually there is a request for family therapy due to one of it's members in crisis, often a child. However, when an analysis of need is done it becomes apparent that more than one member of the family needs help in adjusting, growing and learning new behaviours. Clients contact me for a variety of reasons: to improve communications, solve family problems, support in special situations such as death, divorce, marriage, illness, child or adolescent issues.

I believe that a child benefits most from counselling when the whole family is involved in therapy. When parents have the opportunity to practice parenting techniques and collaborate with their child during their therapy process, change can happen at a root level. Through play, parents can learn to connect with their child and learn how to listen actively and be attentive to their child's individual needs.

Family dynamics can be a complicated and sensitive balance within a home. This can be made increasingly complicated by divorce, blended families, individual parenting, spiritual values, health issues and much more. Counseling can provide family members a neutral voice and a place to be heard when fighting and arguing is impacting daily functioning and happiness, of one or more family members. We also help develop necessary tools to resolve conflict in a healthy way, bringing peace and harmony back to everyday lives.

I have been working with families that have teens, tweens, or pre-teens in their home for many years, and having 2 teens myself, I know firsthand how challenging and emotionally taxing it can be. I work with teens and parents in crisis developing plans to help and support their loved ones by means of negotiating agreements or contracts for a home. Family meetings can be extremely helpful and learning how to set these up in a home can be the start of improved communication, listening and understanding in a house. My background in crisis intervention will provide a calm, safe and respectful space to have family meetings and help you feel in control again.

My approach is centered on fostering open communication, understanding, and cohesion among family members. Recognizing the unique dynamics within familial relationships, I tailor interventions to address the complexities of diverse family structures. By emphasizing effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, and the cultivation of a supportive family environment, my goal is to strengthen the bonds that connect each family member. Through a collaborative process, clients benefit from developing practical tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster a harmonious family life.

Families are dynamic and vibrant entities (systems). Everyone within families strives for balance, love, trust, safeness and recognition. When a family goes out of balance, for any reason, all those in the family are affected. We strive, through the use of tailored therapy, to bridge the gap between family members willing to nurture change and personal development. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of individuals in the family and to resolve differences by tapping into people's strengths, compassion and wisdom. We seek to discover balance and support while maintaining individuality. We also discover family history and contributing behavior that keeps individuals disconnected.