FAMILY COUNSELLING CENTRES
At Family Counselling Centres we recognize that therapy cannot be a one
size fits all approach. Every individual is unique in how they respond
to therapy. Accordingly, we provide a variety of options--we utilize
play therapy, animal assisted (canine) therapy, EMDR, art therapy, filial therapy, sand
play therapy, and traditional psychotherapy to provide clients with
comprehensive care. We treat children, teens, adults, and families using both traditional and non-traditional therapies.
We believe that people can live up to their full potential if a nurturing
environment is available-- this is why we put such a strong focus on
the family. Relationships are the core of the human experience so we
provide services that encourages the re-establishment of supportive
bonds. We also believe in holistic wellness. An approach that
considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions. We
utilize the latest research in brain development, mental health
methodology, and provide referrals to those in our community who can
further assist in the care of the individual seeking help.
Child Therapy: Play Therapy
Play is to the child what talk
is to the adult. It is a medium for expressing feelings, exploring
relationships, describing experiences, disclosing wishes, and
self-fulfillment. Children express themselves and their needs, relive
their past, and connect with others through play. In play therapy toys
are viewed as the child’s words and play as the child’s language. In
play therapy emotionally significant experiences can be expressed more
comfortably and safely through the symbolic representation the toys
provided. The therapist is trained to read the metaphors of the play and
observe emerging patterns.
The
use of toys enables children to transfer anxieties, fears, fantasies,
and guilt to objects rather than people. In the process, children are
safe from their own feelings and reactions because play enables children
to distance themselves from traumatic events and experiences. The benefits of play therapy include:
- A safe space for thoughts and emotional expression
- Fosters decision-making, self-control, and acceptance of responsibility
- Assists child in developing empathy for others
- Facilitates the development of problem-solving, coping skills, and resilience
- Helps children to explore and practice social skills
- Allows children to learn from mistakes safely
- Encourages confidence and concentration
- Fosters imagination and creativity
- Supports healing and growth
- Strengthens and repairs relationships
EMDR
Family Counselling
Centres is proud to offer this specialized, evidence-based treatment for
trauma offered by two of our clinicians. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy
that allows people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress
that are the result of traumatic experiences. Research related to EMDR
therapy shows that the mind can recover from psychological trauma
much as the body heals from physical trauma. The brain's
information processing system naturally moves toward mental health--
if the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event,
the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the
block is removed, healing resumes. Using the detailed protocols and
procedures learned in EMDR training sessions, clinicians help clients
activate their natural healing processes (http://www.emdr.com/general-information/what-is-emdr/what-is-emdr.html)
Canine Assisted Therapy
Family Counselling Centres provides canine assisted therapy and we are fortunate to have two therapy dogs who work with clients. Research indicates that the addition of animals to the therapeutic process promotes stronger attachment, empathy, catharsis, higher cognitive functioning, problem solving, and the facilitation of social skills. The use of Animal Assisted Therapy is completely optional and the client is under no obligation to have my canine companion in his or her session
Major Goal Areas:
1. Attachment and Relationship
2. Empathy
3. Self Regulation
4. Problem Resolution
5. Self-Efficacy 
Assessments
Psychological assessments consist of a thorough evaluation of cognitive function, differential diagnosis, and the provision of
recommendations for the purpose of treatment planning.Family Counselling Centres provides the following types of assessments:
- Psychoeducational assessments
- Emotional and Behavioural Assessments
- Autism: child and adult
- Parenting Assessments
-Forensic Assessments
- Cognitive function (intelligence testing)
Family Counselling Centres in Edmonton Reaches
Mill Woods, Edmonton ABEdmonton AB