Family Counselling Services in Whitby, ON.

Families undergo constant change as each member strives to learn, grow and develop individually and in relation to others. Stress and challenges are a normal part of family development and, at times, these can become "too much" to handle alone. When arguments, disagreements, confusion and conflict arise it can be quite helpful to draw upon an experienced family systems specialist. Assessing and prioritizing concerns and developing a game plan for improving communication, relationships and overall functioning is available. Teamwork require good coaches (parents/caregivers) and good coaches benefit from training. Problem-solving, mediation and stress management coaching improves family.

Working with families is assessed on a case by case basis in my practice. If your family is assessed as a good fit for my practice we will work together to support problem-solving, increase clear communication, reduce tension and increase ease between family members. I also work with parents to understand the complex needs of babies, children, youth, and young adults by learning and practicing tools to support compassionate parenting. My associate and I work with clients to understand the complexities of family systems, and how to navigate boundary setting with family members, and we work together to practice tools that support healing wounds created from trauma within families.

We will work together to achieve more harmony & less conflict in your family. We may need to work through helping you & your family members adjust to difficulties or transitions you are going through or have gone through. Each family member's opinions (including children) will be valued. All family members will be validated & each person will be given a voice & time to share their thoughts on what is & isn't working in family life. I have years of experience helping clients with: parent-child conflict; parent disagreements; blended family issues; coping with a sick or mentally ill family member; dealing with trauma and loss; grief. We will work to achieve compromise.

Are you a parent challenged by the illness of a child? Do you feel exhausted & sad at times? Has your partnership or marriage become strained? Is your family unit having trouble staying positive and enjoying one another due to stress and anxiety? I can help you develop coping strategies, restore balance, and manage the day to day challenges using brief solution focused therapy.

Research shows when one family member is struggling, all the members of the family are affected in some way. Giving each person in the family a safe place to voice their concerns can help families improve communication and resolve conflict. Family therapy addresses the behaviors of individuals as well as the dynamic between family members. • It can provide vital communication skills. • Help family members develop healthy boundaries. • Promote problem-solving • Build empathy and understanding

Families go through a lot together. Managing changes and transitions, experiencing illnesses and loss, as well as employment or school issues, divorce or trauma can be challenging to navigate and can lead to disagreements or differences within a family. As a family therapist working with your family, I will support you all in being able to share your experiences as a member of the family, better understand each other’s perspectives and work through difficult feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space to help you meet your goals. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.

In working with families, we aim to explore the power dynamics that exist between individual members and the ways in which these dynamics can work to maintain a particular pattern that is not of interest to everyone in the family. We look at the ways these patterns can prevent "success", or the achievement of what it is the family truly wants and values. In this way, we adopt a method of systemic or relational thinking; we hope to understand patterns rather than making any one person in the family the "problem". As such, we understand problems as a system of unsatisfying responses. Note: When working with families, there are times when it is useful to meet with members individually.