Family Counselling Services in Scugog, ON.

My family therapy approach involves seeing the whole family initially to understand each person's unique perspective, provide safety for each person to express themselves and to give each person the opportunity to determine their comfort level with me as therapist. I will then work with parts of the family (eg, siblings, parents, dyads such as Mother/Child, Father/Child, Sib/Sib) to support recognition of the unique cycle each group/dyad experiences as problematic in having the closeness and safety they desire within the family. I use Emotion Focused Family Therapy which is based on attachment research and which acknowledges our need to be known and loved by family members.

I view the family as a system. Each individual in the family has a part in how well the system functions. Sometimes the components of the system are imbalanced so that some are over-functioning, and some may be underfunctioning. I work with families to tweak and adjust the system to help it to run more smoothly such as the parents relationship, parent-child and sibling relationships, roles within the family, parenting and communication styles, individual/couple/family needs. Sometimes factors such as addictions and mental health also need to be addressed. Families learn healthy new ways to function and are happier post therapy.

Familial units can oftentimes become caught in cycles of miscommunication and misinterpretation that builds up and solidifies through the years. My approach to working with families is identifying such cycles and unearthing and understanding each member’s intentions. I believe that more often than not, family members have good intentions, and when this is brought to light, defenses can soften, and the healing process can ensue. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

In working with families, we aim to explore the power dynamics that exist between individual members and the ways in which these dynamics can work to maintain a particular pattern that is not of interest to everyone in the family. We look at the ways these patterns can prevent "success", or the achievement of what it is the family truly wants and values. In this way, we adopt a method of systemic or relational thinking; we hope to understand patterns rather than making any one person in the family the "problem". As such, we understand problems as a system of unsatisfying responses. Note: When working with families, there are times when it is useful to meet with members individually.

Family members play an extremely important role in our health and well-being. Supportive and connected families will optimize our health and happiness. My goal is to help you and your willing family members to obtain connection, support, and fulfillment in each other via openness, honesty, boundary setting, compromise, and understanding. We will explore your families' culture, meaning systems, history, goals and individual thoughts and feelings in a respectful and thoughtful way so that you will all come to understand one another and get past the resentment and anger that often weighs families down.

Family therapy is a unique opportunity for loved ones to come together, listen to one another, and navigate challenges. Are you a parent wanting to support your young child or teenager through a challenging transition? Are you an adult child wanting to reconnect with your parent or a parent wanting to reconnect with your adult child? Or are you a family processing a new event, like blending your family, a divorce, or a change in lifestyle? As a family therapist, I am here to ensure that everyone’s voice and opinions are heard, so that you can navigate your goals in your most authentic and preferred way. Connect with me today for a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Research shows when one family member is struggling, all the members of the family are affected in some way. Giving each person in the family a safe place to voice their concerns can help families improve communication and resolve conflict. Family therapy addresses the behaviors of individuals as well as the dynamic between family members. • It can provide vital communication skills. • Help family members develop healthy boundaries. • Promote problem-solving • Build empathy and understanding

Families undergo constant change as each member strives to learn, grow and develop individually and in relation to others. Stress and challenges are a normal part of family development and, at times, these can become "too much" to handle alone. When arguments, disagreements, confusion and conflict arise it can be quite helpful to draw upon an experienced family systems specialist. Assessing and prioritizing concerns and developing a game plan for improving communication, relationships and overall functioning is available. Teamwork require good coaches (parents/caregivers) and good coaches benefit from training. Problem-solving, mediation and stress management coaching improves family.

Families are very complex systems, we all know that. We love each other but that love may not be all you need to understand the needs and behaviors we have in order to make the most of the relationship. Having a neutral, caring and educated professional to support you and guide you might be necessary in some cases when you depleted your resources and you feel like you are going around in circles. If this resonates with your situation do not hesitate to contact me, you can be sure to find a safe and not judgmental space to work through the family challenges.

Individual therapy often involves considering your family of origin. Family therapy may involve just the two of you or a more extensive collection of relations. Since I exclusively see people online, the practical limit seems to be two people. Larger groups require in-person office visits. Don't worry. You'll find highly competent and informed counsellors for your family on Theravive. In these circumstances, please approach therapy with patience and kindness. It takes time for everyone to engage in family therapy. By avoiding the search for scapegoats or blaming others, you create a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved.

Families are diverse and can be difficult to navigate alone. Family counselling may include adjustment to family structure changes, navigation of developmental transitions or a new diagnosis, management of conflict among family members, and general mental health support for family members within the household. This would be accomplished by providing you and your family members a space to constructively discuss issues with the assistance of learned communication tools.

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.