Couples and Family Therapy
Our relationships with others have a powerful impact on our well-being – they are the source of our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. Even the best of communicators can be ineffective or speechless when the most important relationships in their lives are at stake.
For Couples
Discernment Counselling is a brief (maximum 5 sessions) intervention designed to help couples who are considering but unsure about divorce. The goal is to better understand the relationship and possibilities for the future, in order to gain clarity as to whether or not divorce is the best option. Both individuals in the couple are supported in the process of deciding how to proceed, with the outcome options including 1) maintain the status quo and decide later, 2) proceed with a divorce, or 3) commit to six months of couples therapy with the possibility of divorce off the table.
Emotion Focused Therapy for couples is an evidence based therapeutic approach to repair and restore the connection between couples. Existing patterns of communication, and associated emotions, are explored. Alternative ways of interacting are encouraged and practiced in order to facilitate greater connection. Therapy begins with delineating the negative interactional cycle between partners, with an emphasis on the attachment related emotions (e.g., fears of disconnection,) driving unproductive behaviors (e.g., angry escalation, withdrawal). The initial goal is to increase couples’ empathy for one another in order to increase their emotional availability. Couples are then supported in sharing their deeper/underlying emotions and asking for their needs to be met from a place of vulnerability. The goal is to reduce conflict while creating greater emotional closeness. Finally, couples practice new communication strategies and skills when interacting with each other.
For Families
Emotion Focused Therapy for families is an evidence based therapeutic approach to repair and restore the connection between family members. Existing patterns of communication, and associated emotions, are explored. Alternative ways of interacting are encouraged and practiced in order to facilitate greater connection. Therapy begins with delineating the negative interactional cycle between family members, with an emphasis on the attachment related emotions (e.g., fears of disconnection,) driving unproductive behaviors (e.g., angry escalation, withdrawal). The initial goal is to increase family members’ empathy for one another in order to increase their emotional availability. Taking child development into consideration, family members are then supported in sharing their deeper/underlying emotions and asking for their needs to be met from a place of vulnerability. The goal is to reduce conflict while creating greater emotional closeness. Finally, family members practice new communication strategies and skills when interacting with each other.
For Parents
Emotion Focused Family Therapy is a parent coaching approach designed for parents and caregivers with children who are struggling with emotion dysregulation, behavioral problems, mental health, or any challenging life experiences. This approach is beneficial for parents of young children interested in “prevention parenting” strategies as well as parents of adolescents who have been struggling for some time. It is particularly helpful for parents and caregivers who struggle with their child’s behavior and/or setting limits.
During sessions you will enhance your skills and confidence as a behavior coach and an emotion coach for your child. You will learn strategies to interrupt your child’s maladaptive behaviors, help them cope with stressful life transitions, and support them as they approach and process difficult emotions. You will learn practical skills to improve your relationship with your loved one, increase cooperation, heal your relationship, and respond to strong emotional reactions your loved one may be having (such as anxiety, hopelessness, anger, and silence). You will also be supported to identify your own thoughts and fears that may “block” your capacity to support your loved one.
Parent Coaching is a personalized treatment designed to help parents of younger children (ages 2 to 12) navigate the challenges that inevitably arise when parenting. Such challenges may be situational, occurring at times of transition, or may be related to your child’s personality or temperament. Whether you are struggling to parent in the midst of a current stressor or in response to a child who is particularly energetic, emotional, spirited, defiant, aggressive, sensitive, and/or inflexible, parent coaching can help you tailor your parenting skills to the situation and your child. Coaching is a collaborative non-judgmental process, with the goal of improving your relationship with your child.