Family Counselling Services in Ontario
If your family is going through a tough time, you may want to consider counselling. This is a type of psychotherapy that helps families work through their problems together and improve their mental health. Our team of family counsellors are experts in helping families communicate and resolve conflicts.
If you have children, it is especially important to seek help. Registered social workers who are child and youth therapists can help children deal with the stress of family problems and learn how to cope with them.
If you are considering counselling, contact Upstairs Counselling Service to book a free consultation to learn more and to see which of our trained registered social workers is the right fit for you.
What is family counselling and what can it do for your family?
Family counselling is a therapy designed to help families work through issues and conflicts and improve relationships. It can resolve disputes, improve mental health, restore unity, and teach positive communication skills. Family counsellors are trained mental health professionals who specialize in understanding family dynamics and helping clients address their relationship issues.
Who can benefit from Family Therapy?
All types of families can benefit from therapy if there are challenges. Examples include:
Parents and their young children and/or teenagers: Issues parents come to therapy for can include help to understand their children's needs and ways to manage dynamics, to support their children with school or social or other struggles, or help in navigating a crisis or loss.
Adult siblings: Examples of some issues adult siblings come to therapy for include resolving long standing conflict and communication challenges, support in navigating disagreements in caring for other family members, help in developing collaborative dynamics in working through estate issues, support in navigating a healing from a crisis or loss.
Adult children and their parent(s): Examples of some issues adult children and their parent(s) come to therapy for include healing from past unresolved issues, finding new and healthier ways for seeing and hearing and understanding each other, developing more satisfying communication dynamics and healthier relationship boundaries.
Step/blended family members: Reasons step/blended families come to counselling may include help in supporting the transition to additional new family members or working through past unresolved conflicts or disagreements that created conflict or upset.
What are the benefits of counselling for mental health?
Therapy has many benefits, especially for families struggling with personal or family issues. It can help you:
learn new communication skills
recognize family patterns
improve communication and understanding
address relationship issues
improve mental health
create healthier relationships
build stronger family bonds
learn to work as a team
Reduce conflict
cope better with stress
have support during difficult times and life transitions
What typically happens in family therapy?
Family therapy involves family members coming together to discuss their problems and goals. Through counselling, families can learn new ways of expressing themselves and better skills for managing emotional and interpersonal stress. Registered counsellors help family members understand each other's perspectives and teach them how to communicate effectively.
What type of therapy is best for a family?
The type of counselling best for your family depends on your family's particular needs and goals. Your registered therapist will work with you to determine the type of psychotherapy that would be most beneficial, such as cognitive behavioural family therapy, problem-solving family therapy, or family systems therapy. They will also discuss with you the format, structure and pacing that works best for your family.
Book a free consultation with a member of our team to discuss your family’s needs and see which family therapist at Upstairs Counselling is the best fit for you.
Tips for getting the most out of family therapy
When attending sessions, it is important to have an open mind and be willing to listen to the registered counsellor and other family members. It can also be helpful to come prepared with questions or topics you would like to discuss. Also, try to stay positive, even if family members do not agree on certain matters. Your counsellor will help you work through disagreements and find a resolution. Finally, remember that counselling can take time, and you should be patient. With commitment and effort, your family can get back on track and reach a place of understanding and mental health.
Therapy is an important tool for families to use when navigating difficult times. It can lead to improved mental health and healthier family relationships. When looking for counselling services, find a registered counsellor who specializes in family dynamics and has experience helping families work through their relationship issues. If you are considering counselling or help for your child or teenager and live in Ontario, one of our Registered Social Workers can help you virtually.
If you live in Toronto and want to have in person sessions, one of our family counsellors who is seeing clients in person can meet with you. Please contact Upstairs Counselling for help today.
Is family therapy effective?
Counselling is effective at helping families work through their relationship issues and improve family dynamics and mental health. Family therapy can reduce family conflict, help families learn new communication skills, create healthier family relationships, and build stronger family bonds. With commitment and effort from all family members, psychotherapy can lead to improved understanding and unity in the family. It is important to find a registered therapist who is experienced in working with families to ensure you get the most out of your sessions. Family therapy may take some time, but it can be an invaluable way for families to unite and strengthen their relationships. Seek help today if you are considering family therapy.
Children and teenagers often benefit from their own individual therapist. There are times when the involvement of the parent(s) may be of benefit to the young person. Our family counsellors are experienced child and youth therapists and will work with you to determine the best process for your family.
What questions do family therapists ask?
Registered counsellors typically ask clients questions about their family dynamics, communication styles, conflict resolution skills, relationship issues, and goals. They may also ask clients to discuss past experiences and patterns in the family that can be addressed in therapy sessions.
What are the family's goals for therapy?
What are the family's biggest struggles?
How do family members communicate with each other?
What is causing family relationship conflict?
How do family members feel about coming to therapy?
What has been tried in the past to address these problems?
Has anyone in the family ever undergone counselling before?
Is anyone in the family having difficulty coping or having mental health issues/stress?
How do I prepare for counselling sessions?
If you and your family are considering counselling, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the process. First, it is important to have an open mind and be willing to listen to the counsellor and other family members. Second, come prepared with questions or topics you would like to discuss. Finally, try to stay positive, even if family members disagree on certain matters. The family therapist will help you work through relationship disagreements and find a resolution.
Preparing for counselling can help you get the most out of your sessions and improve your mental health. Family therapy can improve dynamics and healthier relationships when everyone is willing to participate and commit themselves to the process. Coming prepared with questions or topics you would like to discuss can also help ensure that all aspects of your life are addressed during sessions. Finally, remember that psychotherapy may take time, and you should be patient for real change to occur within your family unit.
What are goals of family therapy?
The primary goals of counselling are to typically to improve family dynamics, build healthier relationships, and help families reach a place of understanding. Our registered social workers will ask you about your specific goals in your initial sessions and work with you to develop your therapy plan to address these goals. Goals are typically achieved through family therapy sessions by helping family members identify their strengths, improving communication skills, increasing family unity and trust, resolving conflicts in healthy ways, improving mental health by learning healthier emotional regulations skills and coping strategies, , developing positive coping strategies for life transitions, and healing from past traumas or experiences.
Do family therapy sessions need to be continuous?
Counselling does not necessarily have to be continuous to be beneficial. Depending on the family's needs and situation, therapy can occur anywhere from once a week to once every few months.
Initially, it may be important to have some regular sessions in order to gain a better understanding and create initial change. However, once family members have felt the initial benefits of therapy, appointments can be booked as periodic follow-up as necessary to ensure progress is being made and any further issues are addressed. The pace and frequency will be determined by you and your therapist.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual family and their therapist to decide the best frequency of sessions. Additionally, family members should be open and honest with their counsellors about any issues between sessions so everyone can continue to progress in family therapy.
What do you talk about in family therapy?
During sessions, families may discuss various topics based on the family's specific needs, including:
family dynamics
communication styles
conflict resolution skills
family relationships
family goals
past experiences and patterns in the family
how to address family conflict
feelings about coming to therapy
mental health issues
what has been tried in the past to address these problems
navigating difficult life transitions
Should parents attend therapy sessions with their children?
Family therapy is a great way to strengthen relationships and create a more open dialogue. Sometimes it is beneficial for children and teenagers to have some individual time with a therapist. Depending on the family's needs, parents and children may benefit from attending sessions together. This can be helpful for parent-child communication and helping the family work through disagreements in healthy ways. Your therapist will help you to determine the best process for supporting your family, resolving challenges and improving family dynamics.
The therapist will ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings while ensuring that all family members feel safe and respected during the discussion. Overall, whether or not parents attend with their children depends on the family's specific situation. If parents attend family therapy with their children, a professional counsellor can guide family members through the process.
Do family therapists work with children?
Yes, our family counsellors are experienced in working with children, youth and teens. It is important to ensure that you work with a registered family therapist who works with young people. A child counsellor can provide effective techniques for helping your family understand difficult emotions and situations, as well as create an environment that is safe and supportive for all family members. Additionally, a child therapist can help parents learn how to best communicate with their children and teenagers and support them during trying times. It is important to remember that when seeking psychotherapy services with children, youth or teenagers involved, it is essential to find a psychotherapist who understands the needs of children and is experienced in family therapy.
Meet our team of trained social workers who provide child, youth and family therapy.
Counselling can be a powerful tool for bringing families together, understanding each family member's needs, improving mental health, and finding resolutions to conflicts. A counsellor can help your family navigate these challenges and create more positive relationships between family members. It is important to remember that counselling may take time and dedication from all family members.
If you are considering starting family counselling, it is essential to find an experienced therapist who understands the dynamics of your family relationship and can provide effective therapy techniques. With the right therapist, you can work through issues as a team and create meaningful connections within your family. Contact Upstairs Counselling today to see if one of registered social workers are a good fit for your family.
What are the stages of family counselling?
The process typically involves three stages.
1
Assessment
Family members are asked to discuss family dynamics and any problems they may face within the family or amongst themselves. This allows the therapist to gain an understanding of the family's needs and allows them to develop a plan for family therapy sessions.
2
Family Therapy
This involves discussing and working on relationship issues in a supportive environment. Families will work with the therapist to identify goals, develop strategies for achieving them, and communicate openly about their family dynamics.
3
Evaluation & Ending
The therapist will assess with family members whether they have achieved their goals and provide guidance on how they can continue working together outside of family therapy sessions. If family members feel that ongoing therapy is beneficial, the therapist may suggest follow-up appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Family therapy sessions typically last between 50 to 75 minutes. The duration of therapy will depend on the family’s needs.
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The cost will depend upon the counsellor you choose to work with. Our counselling rates vary from between $150 - $175 per 50 minute therapy session, depending upon the counsellor chosen.
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Counselling involves discussing family dynamics and issues with a therapist. They will facilitate discussions and help family members understand each other’s perspectives to find solutions.
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It can be immensely helpful in helping families navigate difficult times, build stronger family relationships, and improve mental health. With family therapy, family members can better understand each other’s perspectives and work together to resolve disagreements or address issues.
How to find a qualified, registered family therapist
When looking for a therapist, it is important to research and find someone who specializes in child and family therapy services. You will want to ensure the therapist is registered with a regulatory college such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and has the experience and expertise in family dynamics, child psychology, communication skills, and other areas relevant to helping clients resolve their relationship problems.
Contact Upstairs Counselling today to learn more about our counselling services for families.
Upstairs Counselling Services in Toronto
A strong family is crucial for a healthy life. Counselling allows families to come together and discuss and resolve their issues to build healthier relationships. . Registered family therapists have the experience necessary to help families identify patterns of dysfunction and develop strategies to address them.
With an open mind and willingness from all parties involved, sessions can lead to improved communication among family members, increased trust within the family unit, and a deeper understanding of family dynamics. With the help of registered therapists, families can work through their issues and develop healthier relationships that last longer.
Therapy services can be a powerful tool in helping families navigate difficult times and can lead to improved unity and relationships. If you think your family could benefit, please reach out for help today. One of our registered social workers can offer support, guidance, and resources to help your family work through its challenges.
A registered therapist is invaluable and can make a huge difference in helping your family get back on track. You can benefit from improved communication, stronger bonds, and healthier family relationships with counselling.
By investing in therapy services, you are taking an important step toward restoring family unity and creating a positive relationship environment. Reaching out for help is the first step towards healing and harmony. If you are considering therapy, please get in touch with Upstairs Counselling today to learn more about our services and how we can help your family.
Upstairs Counselling Services' Registered Social Workers providing child, youth and family therapy
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Ali Lienaux
MA, RSW | Supervisor & Senior Therapist
Ali works with families, couples, children, youth and adults. Ali also supports other mental health professionals in their professional development.
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Alexandra Dean
MSW, RSW | Supervisor & Senior Therapist
Alex works with children (8+ years), youth, adults and families, and also supports other mental health professionals in their clinical work.
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Brooke Derousseau
MSW, RSW | Supervisor & Senior Therapist
Brooke works with individuals (10+ years) and families with children of any age. She also provides clinical support to other mental health professionals.
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Todd Elliott
MSW, RSW | Senior Therapist
Todd works with children, youth, adults, couples and families. He is empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental and works from a client-focused, strengths-based, collaborative approach.