Family Counselling Services in Haldimand County, ON.

Sometimes the difficulties occurring in a family are systemic - which means that there is not really a 'problem person' but a family interaction malfunction. In family counselling, it is understood that everyone in the family impacts and affects everyone else and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. It is also understood that the way to 'fix' a family problem is not by simply changing specific behaviours, but by changing the structure of the family. This can be a very important process for the many different types of families that we have in our society.

Conflict and other issues often challenge the integrity of the family. Poor communication can be one of the main contributors. Many families give up unnecessarily, leaving minimal or even no contact between family members. Family therapy can help individuals understand the root of the dysfunction and open respectful lines of communication presenting the potential for healthy family relationships. Learning to let go of the past, healthy communication and conflict resolution can often lay the foundation to build a solid future of healthy relationships.

Our first connection with love is with family, in its complex, colorful, and sometimes chaotic forms. It is also an area that can be the source of conflict and misunderstanding. In our Family Counselling sessions, I am not a referee, but instead I am a facilitator for difficult conversations. Together we will create a safe space where each voice is heard, everyone’s story is acknowledged, without judgment or expectation.

For over 10 years, my approach is very much client-centred, drawing from both Family Systems and Solution-Focused theories. I also use psychoeducation and Play Therapy in sessions. I have found these approaches widely accepted by previous clients who seem to want to gain understanding as to why things were occurring in their relationships, but also quickly wanted to press on towards practical solutions.

Dr. Ellen's Thrive is a fresh approach to family therapy, equipping families with a great capacity for change, renewal and vision. With the belief, “What you pay attention to grows!” I do not focus on "fixing" children or deep problem analysis, but I centre inquiry on what is working and how to move forward. I will listen deeply to your concerns, ask supportive questions to open up your understanding, share with you new ideas and a fresh perspective, and offer considered suggestions. This process is about self reflection and building relationships in the family; moving you toward the family you want to be!

Our relationships in our families often bring you love, joy, and a sense of fulfillment. But when things aren't going well, your relationship can often be exhausting and painful. Family therapy provides a safe and fair space for all of you to be heard, and can help you discover and process the root of the issue. Family therapy is hard work, but when all individuals are willing to put the work in, great things can happen.

As a family working with me, we will work on giving everyone the space to feel heard in the family unit, collaboratively working to find solutions to what feels challenging, working to repair fractured relationships in the family unit, and building a space together where family members can feel heard, validated, and supported through what they are going through. Despite family therapy feeling challenging at times, there is so much growth to be experienced as a family in therapy.

Through a combination of Family Systems techniques, therapeutic art making, and talking therapy, I help families build communication, become aware of their habits and ways of interacting, identify problems, and come up with solutions for the best way to solve or manage these problems. I help families become a more open and cohesive unit by helping them become more aware of the ways that they interact with each other, and helping them resolve conflicts and anxieties. I help families strengthen their relationships through honesty and open communication, so that they can overcome conflicts together.

Conflict in families is a normal part of our life but situations can arise which make navigating the road of life difficult. Experiencing parent/teen difficulties? Teens have a developmental task of separating from their parents, and life at this stage can produce conflict. This does not take away from the fact that good parents are the key to producing resilient teens. Perhaps conflict is due to different parenting styles in a blended family. There are many factors which go into making a happy stress free home. Seeking help in a safe and caring environment is sometimes needed to achieve this goal.

Every family is different, but every family deserves to feel love. When this is not the case, it is time to change things up. Everyone in the family is important and deserves to be heard, understood and respected. Together, we can make this happen. This is important because this will open the doors to the needed healing and the formation of healthy expectations and boundaries that will help make sharing your love for each other easier.

Families are immersed in issues and transformative experiences that give rise to personal stories that shape the identity of each member within it and the group as a whole. Although the issues may be diverse, opportunity exists to construct new narratives capable of not only resolving them, but producing new changes, directions, and purpose in life. As a practitioner of narrative therapy, a therapy often used with families to reauthor dominant stories upheld through an integration of new perspectives, it is my pleasure to be able to collaborate in assisting with the first steps towards this.

Family relationships are the ones that form us and often have the most meaning in our lives. My approach to family therapy begins with respect for each individual in the family with the realization that each person’s behavior affects the whole. I am an empathetic listener as well as a facilitator of healthy relationships and communication. I enjoy helping families work through conflict and develop the insight and skills needed to improve their relationships and their personal well-being.

Families will have a safe and supportive space to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships. Therapy can help family members develop a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives, improve trust and empathy, and learn effective problem-solving skills. We can offer tools to address family dynamics, improve parenting strategies, and navigate life transitions. Issues such as divorce, substance abuse, or mental health challenges that affect the entire family can be addressed within this space.

It can be hard to know where to start when trying to address conflict within the family because each member is unique and may have very different concerns and goals. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment to foster family healing while also honouring individual differences. My approach to family therapy is rooted in the healing power of relationships and focuses on collaboration to create shared meaning. Reach out today to learn more about my approach and your journey to healing and book a free 15-minute consultation.

My background in relational therapy allows me to understand individuals through the relationships they cohabit. Families come in various forms and sizes, and at times, navigating through these relational dynamics and understanding differing perspectives may be difficult. Throughout our time together, we will work to make each member’s voice heard, find ways of communication that feel helpful, and establish and restore connection. Please reach out for a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Working on the parent-child relationship and/or sibling relationship can set the foundation for a happier and healthier family. Our therapists have extensive experience in supporting children, youth, adults and their caregivers to learn skills and process emotions that are necessary to feel more connected as a family unit using a variety of different tools and techniques.

Blood is thicker than water... but we don't get to choose our blood. It can be tough sometimes, but family is family - you want to work things out, and I can help. Whether you're dealing with immediate relatives, a blended family, or your stubborn in laws, there are certain things that are proven to help improve the relationship. Most people have limited perspective; they only know their family and maybe the family of a few close friends. I've worked with dozens of families over the past seven years, and I've seen what helps and what hurts in almost every situation you can imagine. Get the tools you need to move forward and bring your family together again.

Family therapy can be supportive in addressing challenging dynamics within a family system that may be impacting individuals and to create positive, meaningful changes within these relationships. Family therapy can be appropriate for parent/child dyads or parents and adult children who may be navigating new stages of life or transitions. Attending therapy with your loved one is a wonderful way to deepen your relationship and connection in a safe, supported space.

Sometimes the difficulties occurring in a family are systemic - which means that there is not really a 'problem person' but a family interaction malfunction. In family counselling, it is understood that everyone in the family impacts and affects everyone else and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. It is also understood that the way to 'fix' a family problem is not by simply changing specific behaviours, but by changing the structure of the family. This can be a very important process for the many different types of families that we have in our society.

My approach is systemic, meaning I will look at the ways the family is functioning as a whole to gather potential insights and ideas for gently helping the family imagine a different way of being together. I believe family environments are fundamental learning grounds for building attachment and love. I deeply value your own expertise and insight on the ways your family has already come to know how to best love and support each other. My aim is to help you explore the boundaries, frameworks, and patterns that get you closer to where you hope to be as a family. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.