Family Therapy
Family therapy has been shown to improve outcomes for children and families by addressing issues that affect their mental health and patterns of interaction. It can help family members build stronger relations with each other, improve communication, and manage patterns of conflict within the family.
Blended Families, Separation & Divorce
Separation and divorce is the most difficult developmental event in a person’s life. Conflict is predictable but avoidable. Blended families function best with firm boundaries and clear roles and communication.
Family Conflict
A family should be experienced as a safe and connected place, where we all feel we belong. Conflict within an adult family, or with young/teen children, between siblings, between parents and children, can be divisive and very painful.
Parenting & Co-parenting
Parenting, and co-parenting, is most effective when there is a well-functioning partnership. The conflict between parents can be difficult to cope with and significantly decreases your effectiveness as a parent.
How to become a client
To send a confidential message, please fill out our contact form or email us directly at info@turningpt.ca. Our administrative support team will contact you within one business day. Once we have assessed what your needs are we will connect you with a therapist that, we believe, is aligned with what you are looking for.
FAQ
What would a family therapy session look like
Generally, the family therapy session would begin with the person, or persons, who made the referral for therapy. The therapist would seek to understand the nature of the problem, who was in the family structure and who would be interested in participating in the family therapy process. No one would be forced to be involved, but everyone interested would be able to have a voice in the definition of the problem, and become part of the process of change.
What if one or more people in the family choose not to attend?
Sessions can be very productive with everyone who chooses to attend present. Exploring the reasons why someone does not want to attend, and building more emotional safety for them, will often result in everyone being present and heard.
Do you offer in-person and video sessions for family therapy?
Some of our therapists offer only video sessions for families. Other therapists offer both video and in-person. Sometimes, depending on the location of family members, it can be a combination of video and in-person sessions.
Would everyone in the family come to the first session?
Sometimes, but not always. It is helpful for the therapist to understand each perspective of the family problem, from each person or group. Parents might be in one session, children, if they chose to participate, in another. Then groups could be formed from there. Eventually, it would be useful to have as many people as possible in the room, or at least be heard, including extended family and important others. This is a collaborative process between the family members and the therapist.
How many sessions would be required? Would we need to meet every week?
Sometimes family therapy can be a single session event, but this depends on the nature of the problem and the number of people in the family, or extended family. Much can be accomplished in 4 or 5 sessions. Session frequency is dependent on the timing constraints of the family members. Your therapist will work with you to set out a session frequency that works for you whether that is weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
How to prepare to come to therapy
5 things you need to do, to prepare to come to therapy.
