Parent Counselling

Family therapy and family counselling are often terms that are used interchangeably.  While family therapy might include more structured goals, family counselling focuses on exploring the feelings and experiences of each family member.  Both family therapy and family counselling focus on assisting the family with tools and strategies to support healthy communication, improve family relationships and face life’s challenges.

The cost of family therapy in Canada varies depending on the reasons for therapy, the length and frequency of sessions and the number of family members involved.  Each session is $220/hr regardless of how many people are present for the session.  When a session involves multiple family members, one hour may not be sufficient to cover all concerns and a longer session time might be recommended.

There are several effective approaches to therapy for families that can help improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships.  Some types of family therapy include:

• Structural Family Therapy:  With this approach, the therapist will consider how the structure of the family including roles and interactions might contribute to the problem.  Family members are provided with guidance and support for establishing clear boundaries, and improving communication to create a healthier family dynamic.
• Strategic Family Therapy: With this approach, the therapist helps identify problematic patterns of behaviour that contribute to family conflict.  It is a more directive approach to therapy and may include specific homework or directives to help the family members address their issues and work towards solutions.
• Narrative Therapy: Narrative, as it sounds, is about stories.  More specifically, the therapist helps family members understand the stories they tell about themselves and their relationships.  Through exploration of these stories along with alternative narratives and perspectives, family members can create new stories that lead to more positive ways of relating to each other.
• Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT):  Learning to identify and express emotions can help families create a more secure emotional bond.  EFT focuses on creating as safe and supportive place for family members to express their emotions and learn to listen and empathize with one another.

The methods used in family therapy will depend on the issues being addressed, the approach used by the therapist, and the needs of the individual family members.  Here are just a few strategies that are used with each approach to therapy:

• Structural Family Therapy
• Strategic Family Therapy
• Narrative Family therapy
• Emotion Focused Therapy

If you are having difficulty resolving a conflict, are unsure of how to relate to your child or manage their behaviour, or simply want to improve the dynamics within your family, you may consider therapy. 

• The success of family therapy varies depending on the specific issues being addressed, the commitment of family members, and the therapeutic approach used. Research shows that family therapy can be highly effective, particularly for conditions where family dynamics play a significant role, such as behavioral problems in children, substance use disorders, and relationship conflicts. Studies indicate success rates ranging from 50% to 70%, with many families reporting improved communication, stronger relationships, and reduced symptoms of psychological distress.
• Family therapy is most successful when all family members are actively engaged in the process, and when the therapist uses evidence-based approaches such as Structural Family Therapy, Bowenian Family Therapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy. However, success may depend on the specific needs and readiness of the family for change.

Family therapy can effectively treat a wide range of psychological and relational issues by improving communication and addressing family dynamics. It is commonly used for mood and anxiety disorders, substance use, eating disorders, and personality disorders. It also helps with behavioral problems in children, trauma, PTSD, relationship conflicts, and adjusting to chronic illness or disability. Family therapy strengthens support systems, resolves conflicts, and enhances coping mechanisms within the family unit.