Family Counselling Services in Salmon Arm, BC.

I believe that we are all profoundly shaped and impacted by our family systems and larger social context. From this perspective I do not believe that "problems" are solely located within the individual. I believe they are impacted by our family system within a social context. In family therapy, we will explore the "problem" and how it is impacting the family system. For example, how are the family members affected by the "problems" and how are they responding. Using a Systemic Family Systems Approach with interventions from Response-Based Practice and Narrative Therapy we will explore the interactions in which the "problems" occur. We will also explore the meaning behind the responses.

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.

Despite the best intentions of ourselves and our family members, we are often tangled in patterns of invalidation, rejection, frustration and blame. It can feel so messy that we operate in a constant state of fear and a crippling sense of unworthiness. I’ve worked as a family therapist for 6 years. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space for all voices to be respectfully heard, while helping to identify bigger ‘systems’ patterns that keep you stuck in pain and finger-pointing. I will help to smooth out communication, make room for wants and needs and to heal the old wounds.

Families who are finding it difficult to communicate in a respectful and healthy way benefit from cognitive behavioural programs. Parents and their children learn how to be flexible in their thinking, manage their emotions and moderate their behaviour. Children learn their role in the family, how to stay out of the middle and how to cope with family stress.

Families can be complicated, and being able to speak about issues in a safe environment is an excellent way to work towards more respectful and supportive relationships. It is important to hear the voice and story of each family member in order to understand the full picture of the problem. I believe a successful home life depends on the quality of the relationships and sometimes communication can get in the way of that. Using a Systemic Family Therapy model the goal is to understand unhelpful patterns and support families in breaking them.

Today family can mean different things to different people. Each family structure is challenged with their own set of difficulties and problems. Whether you are a blended family, single parent family due to divorce or loss, adoptive family, same sex parents, or traditional, we recognize family dynamics can be complicated. Together we will work to develop strong communication skills between each family member, while nurturing and solidifying the family unit. We will work to overcome conflict, heal the wounds of the past, build parenting skills and create a safe environment where all family members can be heard.