Family Counselling Services in Oak Ridges, ON.

It might not be spoken about overly openly in society, but, the truth is it's not uncommon for any relationship dynamic to undergo tension at some point or another - especially in today's world. Having a neutral third party can be helpful in helping two (or more) people get on the same page. It's not about pointing out flaws or concluding who is in the wrong; instead, it's about finding alternative ways to view the situation and even learning how to see the situation from the other person's shoes.

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.

Our families can benefit from family therapy when they experience any stressful event that puts pressure on family relationships, such as financial hardship, family fractures or break ups, or the death of a loved one. Some issues we would focus on in family sessions are improving communication and solving conflicts, exploring ways we can support a family member who is experiencing difficulties, and how to grow stronger moving forward. It can seem like a monumental task. However with hope, optimism and commitment families can get better.

My family therapy provides coaching, support, guidance and empowerment to all members. I coach parents to become better "parenting coaches", and children to become better "game of life" payers. I help each member tap into his/her "life tools" and empower personal abilities, flexibility, and self-control. It is not "power over" another person, but "power shared." It is about becoming the right person. When you focus on your own behaviors and the way you treat the person you love, it will not be long before things begin to change. we can make ourselves do what we need to do in order to become the kind of person who is worthy of being in a healthy family relationship.

Families can be tough. No doubt about it. I'd be more worried if a family got along 100% of the time. Conflict is an opportunity to bring us closer together. And with the right tools of communication and conflict resolution, based upon the theories of Emotion-focused therapy, we can get there together.

Family therapy is a unique opportunity for loved ones to come together, listen to one another, and navigate challenges. Are you a parent wanting to support your young child or teenager through a challenging transition? Are you an adult child wanting to reconnect with your parent or a parent wanting to reconnect with your adult child? Or are you a family processing a new event, like blending your family, a divorce, or a change in lifestyle? As a family therapist, I am here to ensure that everyone’s voice and opinions are heard, so that you can navigate your goals in your most authentic and preferred way. Connect with me today for a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

In the area of family matters, I provide mediation services. Family Mediation process is focused on resolution of concerns and issues that arise in families. In the mediation process, as a neutral party, I assists the disputing parties resolve their disagreement by facilitating their discussions and guiding them to appropriate resources and possible solutions until they reach desired outcomes. *Family mediation is not psychotherapy, marital counseling, or legal representation.

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.

Clients come to see me in my practice in downtown Toronto in order to help them focus on problems and conflicts between family members. In some cases, this includes parent-child conflicts. And in others, this may include conflicts between the adults in home, who may have differing approaches to parenting. Finally, excessive conflicts between siblings may also be a reason for family therapy.

Dr. Van Blyderveen, Dr. Saliba, and Dr. Brunet each offer family therapy at New Leaf Psychology Centre. Through family therapy, you and your family will learn to communicate more effectively with one another, better understand each other, and experience more frequent moments of closeness. Attention will be given to balancing the relationship quality with the different roles of parents and children. Dr. Saliba has a special interest in working with blended families, and Dr. Brunet has a special interest in facilitating attachment between young children (ages 0 through 6) and their parents.

Families naturally experience periods of stress, conflict, and change. Family therapy offers an opportunity to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and work together toward healthier relationships. I provide a respectful and balanced environment where every family member has the opportunity to feel heard. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be creating tension and develop practical ways to improve connection, resolve conflict, and support one another more effectively.

When a family is facing serious illness, end-of-life decisions (including MAiD), or the aftermath of a loss, emotions and practical responsibilities can become overwhelming for everyone involved. In family sessions, I create a structured & respectful space where family members can speak openly about fears, hopes, and difficult decisions while remaining connected to one another. Drawing on narrative therapy, ACT, and my experience in hospice palliative care, I help families navigate communication challenges, honour different perspectives, and focus on what matters most during this time. These conversations reduce conflict, strengthen understanding, and support a more compassionate experience.

Each family has its own unique personality that impacts the functioning of its members. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic models and the approach I take will be catered to your family dynamics and the special challenges that brought you here today. When working with the family, I help improve their ability communicate openly to challenging issues and work through ups and downs in their relationships.