Your family is an important priority in your life and you would do anything to preserve that precious bond. At times, challenging dynamics can take control of your family and can cause a breakdown in communication.

Family therapy is a wonderful way to attend to the needs of each individual member. As an experienced family therapist in North York, I’ve helped many families strengthen their interactional bond and build a powerful support system through counselling. 

Is it really a good idea for your family? Do you need therapy at this time? I tackle some of the most-asked questions about family therapy below. 

 

Is Family Counselling a Good Idea?

It all dials back to your therapy goals. Family Therapy is meant to establish a judgment-free space for all family members to feel heard, supported and understood. 

Especially in overwhelming times; a divorce, mental illness, substance abuse, behavioural problems in children, death, trauma, or unemployment, emotions are heightened at home. Many find it impossible to have a productive conversation, even with people they’ve known their entire lives; this can lead to feelings of resentment, sadness and loneliness.

As a Family Therapist, my goal is to harness the power of your family to heal itself. It is a huge step to make the decision to approach a therapist, but you shouldn’t look at it as admitting defeat. 

Family Therapy is meant to give you an effective toolkit to create a space for healthier interactions in the future – with or without a therapist!

 

How Does Family Therapy Work?

A certified family therapist goes through immense training to be up for the challenge of navigating complex relationship dynamics. Depending on the situation, the therapist will observe:

  • How members interact and express their thoughts within the family
  • The manner in which members feel their contribution to the family is compromised
  • Key relationship and communication gaps
  • Psychological disorders that may be affecting the family
  • Transitional crises such as death or divorce
  • Unaddressed behavioural patterns

At the outset, the goal is never to find someone to blame or figure out who is “right” or “wrong.” Rather, Family Therapy focuses on acknowledging that each member makes a difference and contributes valuably to the family.

 

What Are the Types of Family Therapy?

Family Therapy can look vastly different on a case-by-case basis. It all depends on the type of therapy each family responds to. 

Bowenian: This takes the form of a one-on-one therapy session between one family member and the counsellor. It allows the member to vent without the rest of the family in the room, and explore ways to de-escalate unproductive emotions when expressing oneself. 

Structural: Here, the therapist draws attention to familial interactions rather than the individual psyche. The goal is to build a strong entity and help the family overcome restrictive harmful patterns. 

Systematic: This therapy explores issues that are caused by a social or linguistic standpoint, basically, the unconscious meaning behind people’s behaviours. The therapist sets the stage and then adopts a distant approach to enable members to delve deeper into their problems as a unit.

Strategic: The therapist occupies a position of power and assigns certain tools to enable the family to communicate better. It involves the following stages; problem identification, interactional dynamics, goal setting, task accomplishment. 

Psychoeducation: This type of therapy empowers and supports a family member with mental illness and enables the family to find common ground to express their viewpoints, difficulties in coping with the situation and any attached stigmatization.

 

Does Insurance Pay for Family Counselling?

This really depends on your plan. Some Extended Plans may cover a range of items including Paramedical Services. 

Paramedical services include family and mental health therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, massage therapists, optometrists, osteopaths, etc. These often pull from the same coverage, meaning if you were to use your benefits for a podiatrist, for example, you would have less for a psychologist. 

Don’t assume anything. It’s best to check with your provider before making any decisions. 

 

Turn to a Family Counsellor in North York You Can Trust

Family Therapy is a great way to learn how to communicate and cooperate within the family. This is an unbiased and unique approach to problem-solving and focuses on forging long-lasting bonds. 

At Family Support, I combine my training in mediation and psychoeducational assessments with a broad range of work experience in solution-focused therapy, family systems and cognitive therapy. This background allows me to provide you with a unique and innovative approach to treatment.

Are you interested in setting up a family counselling session? I’m available to answer any questions you might have. 

 

Call: (416) 512-6356

Email: susan@familysupport.net