Family Counselling Services in Elora, ON.

How do you love your family without "losing your mind". If so, it doesn't have to, there is hope. It may feel like you are living on the edge of a volcano never knowing when the next eruption might happen. Come learn how to not only survie but thrive in your family. There is such joy in helping to shape the next generation. Take a step off the volcano to firmer ground and develop positive ways of building the family you want.

My family therapy approach involves seeing the whole family initially to understand each person's unique perspective, provide safety for each person to express themselves and to give each person the opportunity to determine their comfort level with me as therapist. I will then work with parts of the family (eg, siblings, parents, dyads such as Mother/Child, Father/Child, Sib/Sib) to support recognition of the unique cycle each group/dyad experiences as problematic in having the closeness and safety they desire within the family. I use Emotion Focused Family Therapy which is based on attachment research and which acknowledges our need to be known and loved by family members.

As a parent or caregiver it may be confusing about meeting the needs and children and youth with mental health difficulties. Children and youth may function well at home, but struggle in school or peer situations. Some may struggle with depression or anxiety, while others struggle with issues of anger management, substance use, or defiance. I will work with your family to develop healthy communication skills, set appropriate boundaries, and if necessary create a behaviour management plan.

We all learn differently, express differently, and quite often perceive experiences differently because we bring a different "lens" and that is why your counsellor needs to be CREATIVE and FLEXIBLE. As parents we feel a deep responsibility to be these great parents and raise remarkable kids, but life isn't so easy and we are far from perfect. We need to give ourselves a break sometimes because we are only doing the best we can with what we have. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way. No matter how large your family is, lets find solutions and have FUN while we are doing it!

I have specialized training in working with families in achieving their goals. Family dynamics can be complicated to work through, but with me, I can be an unbiased source of support. We can sort through the potential feelings of being unheard or invalidated and get a clearer sense for optimal functioning in the family. Reach out today to begin this journey.

Treating family issues using a systems approach is highly successful! We try to change ourselves but when we do this others dig their heals in and the outcome can be quite challenging. Did you know - you are already well on your way to change because 'when one person changes, everyone around them must change'. Managing and understanding the dynamics and involving all players is key with Family Therapy!!!