Family Counselling Services in Jasper Place, AB.

When working with families, I focus on built-up hurts, communication, expectations, and appropriate parent/child roles, so that all members learn how they each affect one another . We work as a team to unearth feelings that have not been shared, and how to communicate these effectively, so that they can be heard, acknowledged, and resolved. We also work on practical strategies to help with everyday life, whether this be with regards to parenting strategies, discipline, rule setting, negotiation for older children, or age appropriate expectations. By developing more empathy for one another, families can reach a greater understanding and sense of connection with one another.

When one member of a family is struggling, the rest are often struggling as well. In my work with families, it is imperative to foster positive communication and to validate the concerns and individual as well as collective experiences of family members. Psychoeducation, parenting strategies, conflict resolution, and understanding the origins of family difficulties are common themes in family therapy sessions. I often use creative means to help explore negative patterns and role playing to develop a deeper understanding of problematic interactions. My overarching goal is to help families restore damaged relationships and begin working together towards a positive shared experience.

Families are complicated and exist in many different forms; nuclear families, multi-family units, blended families, adopted families, foster families, siblings, parent/child, etc.. In all these settings communication breakdown and conflicts can arise. With many differing views and perspectives, navigating and finding solutions to conflict can sometimes seem impossible. Some areas of focus in family therapy: Conflict between family members Blended families Divorce/Separation Grief and loss Navigating co-parenting relationships Behavioural concerns with family members Mental health concerns with family memebers Physical or mental conditions adding stress to the family unit

Shift family therapy or family counseling is designed to address specific trauma or issues affecting the health and functioning of a family and individuals within it. It can be used to help the family through a difficult period of time, a major transition, or mental or behavioral health problems in family members. We often break family members up into individual sessions to target are beliefs that we hold about ourselves and the world that become part of our identity.

In my work with families, I draw on attachment theory and systems approaches to strengthen communication, play-based interventions, emotional attunement, and co-regulation. I help families understand one another’s experiences, build empathy, and create new patterns of connection. Whether navigating conflict, transitions, or behavioural challenges, my goal is to foster relationships grounded in trust, respect, and shared growth.

Treatable conditions appear in the most traditional of families. In addition, the number of non-traditional families (blended, adopted, foster, alternative lifestyle) is increasing; and treatable conditions arise in these families, too. When unhealthy and/or unfulfilling patterns affect whole families, it can be useful to involve the entire family in the healing process. At Sussman Psychological, family members interact on a level playing field where everyone has a chance to be heard, and an obligation to listen well and to hear others. The usual power structure is temporarily put aside in favor of optimizing effective communication processes at the level of the emotions.

[I ONLY OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA FOR FAMILY THERAPY - NOT ONTARIO]. None of us took degrees on how to be great parents, yet despite our best efforts, things can go amuck quickly. I have a son and a daughter of my own… I know how challenging raising children and making families work can be. I have been a psychologist since 1986. Let’s not waste time but instead get down to the issues that are affecting your family right now. Book an appointment by going to https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Healthy communication and regulation skills foster positive and healthy family relationships. In session, we can explore and build on a family's communication skills, ability to navigate conflict or family crisis, and improve family coping styles. Together, we can build positive practices to provide a safe and supportive environment for you and your family.

I see families with young children, teens and adult children. Sometimes I see siblings trying to sort out old family history. I help you discern how to set appropriate boundaries that take into account issues of safety and responsibility as well as the age appropriate needs of the children. Within the family counselling, issues between the parents may need to be addressed separately as they can interfere and sometimes inadvertently sabotage parenting roles. Children can be quick to take advantage of these issues. I believe in the value of families and work to strengthen family ties.

I have worked families to strengthen connections and enhance communication for over 20 years. Virtual counselling can take place with family members who are in multiple locations. Though video counselling you and your family can be together even when you are apart. Every family is unique. We are who we are. Together we can celebrate and learn from each other when we listen to hear.

In my approach to family counseling, I create a supportive environment where all members can express their feelings and concerns, while also understanding the dynamics that influence their relationships. Unlike traditional marriage or couples counselling, family therapy takes a broader perspective by focusing on the collective emotional needs, communication patterns, and behaviour dynamics within the family system. My goal is to help families navigate conflicts, improve understanding, strengthen bonds, and enhance overall functioning by creating healthier interactions and promoting emotional healing for every member, individually and as a unit. Through this approach, families can develop to

Families create complex dynamics, particularly in today’s times – what with blended families, separated couples sharing child custody, and so on. Do you find yourself and your family members struggling within such circumstances? I am passionate about working with you to increase effective communication and develop healthy relational patterns. Together, we will work within a safe, non-judgemental, respectful and compassionate environment. Healthy family relationships are essential to basic safety, stability and consistency in yours and your children’s lives. This becomes the foundation for your children’s growth and adaptation to life’s challenges.

After going through a Divorce our therapists can help you to • Learn how to co-parent successfully • Understand the roles of a parent and step parent and learn the basic rules of parenting • Find and understand the emotional needs of every member in the family • Help kids cope with the transition successfully • Reduce the impact of your grief and trauma