Every family experiences challenging times. Sometimes families need support to move through difficulties, such as marital breakdown or divorce, an illness or death, financial challenges, or ineffective communication.
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a type of group psychotherapy. At Steyaert counselling, we define any and all “families” as any group of people who care about each other and call themselves a family.
Family counselling aims to identify and address emotional, psychological, or behavioural problems within the family. The therapist assists the family to develop and maintain a healthy relationship.
How Does Family Counselling Work?
We help family members understand each other and work through difficult feelings that you and your loved ones may have while keeping a safe space. Our family therapy helps your family improve the interactions and communication between all family members.
Family Therapy Goals
The main goal of family therapy is to help family members understand how to develop and maintain healthy boundaries within the family. This goal may be achieved by our family counsellors helping:
- Improve family communication
- Build empathy and understanding among one another
- Exploring the interactional dynamics of a family relationship
- Strengthening the family’s problem-solving behaviour
Our Family Therapists May Help By:
- Talking about each person’s hopes
- Encouraging everyone to take time and discuss their experiences.
- Help clarify each family member’s values, beliefs, needs, hopes and assumptions so everyone can understand each other.
- Guide your loved ones to discover the root of the problem instead of blaming each other. Explore how to work together to make positive changes.
- Help families understand how impactful words can be towards other family members.
- Assist families in discussing all the challenges they may be facing.
- Support the goals of each family and work towards their own goals.
Family Counselling Methods
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Family Systems Theory
- Psychoeducation
Even though one theory may work for one family, there is no single path toward family counselling. Therapy may be a couple of sessions, or it may be months of work with a combination of other types of support, such as medication, to find success with your family.
Who Can Benefit From Family Counselling
Family counselling can benefit any family members who are facing hardships in their life. Including any families:
- Striving for a closer relationship
- Facing any mental or physical challenges
- That is concerned about their child’s behaviour
- Who has shown interest in adopting a child
- Those who have experienced divorce or separation
Mental Disorders That Family Therapy Can Help Cure
Family counselling can be beneficial for people who may be dealing with one or more of these disorders:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders (ED)
- Bipolar Disorders
- Depression
- Addiction
Contact Steyaert Psychotherapy’s Family Therapy Today
If you and your loved ones believe we are the right fit for you, then call us, and we will be happy to start helping you achieve your family’s goals.
Commonly Asked Questions
When Should We Consider Family Therapy?
Family counselling is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within a family unit. It involves working with a trained therapist who helps family members understand and address issues that affect the entire family system.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
In family counselling, the therapist creates a safe and inclusive space for all family members to express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. The therapist helps identify and understand patterns of interaction within the family, facilitates effective communication, and guides the family towards healthier dynamics. The focus is on improving relationships, enhancing problem-solving skills, and fostering mutual understanding and support
Who Can Participate in Family Therapy?
Family counselling typically involves immediate family members, including parents, siblings, and sometimes extended family members who are directly involved in the identified issues. The therapist will assess the specific family dynamics and determine the most appropriate participants for therapy sessions.
How Long Does Family Therapy Last?
The duration of family counselling varies depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed and the progress made by the family. Family counselling can range from a few sessions to several months, with sessions typically held on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The therapist will collaborate with the family to determine the optimal length of therapy.
Can Family Therapy Help in Situations of Parental Separation or Divorce?
Yes, the therapy can be beneficial for families navigating the challenges of parental separation or divorce. It can help family members cope with the changes, improve communication between parents, support children in adjusting to new dynamics, and establish co-parenting strategies that prioritize the well-being of all family members.
Is Family Therapy Confidential?
Yes, family counselling sessions are generally confidential. Therapists are ethically and legally bound to maintain client confidentiality. However, it’s important to note that there are exceptions to confidentiality when there is a risk of harm to oneself or others. Your therapist will explain the limits of confidentiality during the initial sessions.
Can We Use Our Insurance To Cover Family Therapy Expenses?
Many extended healthcare plans in Ontario provide coverage for the therapy. Check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage, including reimbursement procedures, any deductibles or copayments, and the number of sessions covered.