All of our therapists are offering online counselling at this time!
Also known as family therapy, family counselling is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within a family system. It is a collaborative process in which a trained therapist works with family members to identify and address issues that are causing distress or dysfunction.
What is Family Counselling?
How Family Counselling Can Help?
Family therapy works with the following key factors:
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Systemic Perspective: Family therapy operates from a systemic perspective, considering the family as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual members. This approach recognizes that changes in one family member can impact the entire system. Source: Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapy. Harvard University Press.
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Assessment: During family therapy, the family counselor conducts a thorough evaluation to gain insight into the distinct dynamics of the family, their communication patterns, and specific areas of distress. This evaluation encompasses techniques such as individual interviews, observing family interactions, and employing standardized assessment tools. Source: McDaniel, S. H., Doherty, W. J., & Hepworth, J. (2014). Medical Family Therapy
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Collaboration: In family therapy, active participation from all family members is essential as it is a collaborative endeavor. The therapist plays a vital role in facilitating open communication, promoting empathy, and creating a secure and accepting environment where family members can freely express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Source: Gehart, D. R. (2014). Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy
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Goal setting: Collaboratively, the therapist and the family set clear and realistic objectives that stem from the family's recognized concerns and desires for transformation. These goals serve as a roadmap for therapy, informing the interventions and strategies employed. Source: Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods. Pearson.
What Modalities Are Used in Family Therapy?
Our family therapists in Toronto & Vaughan utilize a range of modalities or approaches to the specific needs and dynamics of each family during the family counselling sessions. Several frequently utilized modalities in family counseling comprise:
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Structural Family Therapy: This emphasizes comprehending and reconfiguring the family structure to cultivate healthier patterns and boundaries. It underscores the active role of the therapist in facilitating changes in family interactions, aiming to enhance overall family functioning. Source: (Minuchin, 1974)
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Strategic Family Therapy: In this modality, the focus is on problem-solving and identifying practical solutions to specific issues within the family system. Therapists frequently assign tasks or homework to assist families in implementing the desired changes and achieving meaningful outcome. Source: https://academic.oup.com/sw/article-abstract/22/3/241/1905918
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Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy delves into the narratives and significance families attribute to their experiences, with the goal of disentangling individuals from their problems. Its objective is to empower them to reframe and reconstruct their narratives in more positive and constructive ways. Source: White & Epston, 1990
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Emotionally Focused Family Therapy: This approach places emphasis on comprehending and reshaping emotional patterns within the family. It concentrates on cultivating secure emotional bonds and fostering empathy and understanding among family members. Johnson, 2004
Who Can Benefit from Family Therapy?
Family therapy has the potential to bring positive outcomes to a diverse range of individuals and groups. Below are some of the primary recipients who can derive benefits from engaging in family therapy:
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During Crisis: Research has shown that family therapy proves effective in providing assistance to families dealing with crises such as divorce. Source: camh.ca, Sebstian 2003
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Families with members who have mental health issues: Family therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and other related issues. Source: Handbook of Clinical Family Therapy
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Children & Youth: Evidence suggests that family therapy is advantageous for children and adolescents grappling with a range of challenges such as eating disorders. Source: Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents
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Adoptions and blended families: Family therapy can aid blended families in effectively navigating the difficulties that arise when merging households.