Counselling
As a Registered Social Worker (RSW), I work with individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing various challenges and want to come to counselling for better understanding and healthier relationships.
Navigating relationships between adult children and their parents can be complex and challenging. Our intergenerational family counselling services are designed to help families bridge gaps, resolve conflicts, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Our sessions could address topics such as:
Emotional regulation
Trying to reconnect
Solving problems and making decisions
Improving communication
Clarifying positions and interests
Financial issues
Planning for the future
Identifying, claryifying, and articulating needs, wants, and goals
I can help you
As an Individual
Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions
Self-reflection takes time and work. I can help individuals have greater awareness and insight into their life.
Find clarity and direction in your personal and professional life
It can often be difficult to express or articulate needs, wants, and values. I can help explore these things to help make decisions.
Develop effective coping strategies to manage distress and worry
Grief, loss, trauma, stress, and anxiety is different for everyone. I can help individuals better understand, frame, and describe what they are experiencing and how to manage their emotions.
Build stronger self-esteem and
self-worth
We are often our worst critics. I can help increase positive self-talk help individuals recognize and affirm their strengths.
Navigate and overcome personal challenges and life transitions
Life constantly changes. I can help process and discuss strategies for managing expectations, adapting, and thriving.
As a Couple
Improve communication and understanding
Sometimes it's hard to talk to each other. I can facilitate open dialogue and teach effective listening skills to address underlying challenges in your relationship.
Enhance your intimacy and reconnect with your partner
Connection requires effort. I can help identify and overcome barriers to closeness and foster new ways to connect.
Resolve conflicts and strengthen your relationship
Conflict can be healthy. I can help guide you through conflict with mutual respect.
Navigate major life changes and their impact on your relationship
Life is full of transitions. I can help couples support each other through change and identify shared goals.
Rebuild trust and deepen your emotional connection
Sometimes we hurt each other. I can address past hurts and promote transparency and empathy.
Break negative patterns and foster a healthier relationship dynamic
It's important to feel safe to express your feelings and concerns. I can help build and foster that safe space.
As a Family
Bridge the generational gap
It is hard to see eye to eye based on past experiences. Building and fostering mutual understanding can be key to moving forward.
Develop a family narrative that honors each generation's experiences
Each family member holds value. I can help facilitate intergenerational discussions to build appreciation for each family member's unique contributions.
Address and resolve long-standing family conflicts
Even when people argue about the same topics and issues, change and reconciliation is possible. I can help families navigate conflict.
Support and strengthen the family unit during significant life transitions
Family dynamics shift over time.
Understand and respect the diverse perspectives within your family
Communication and empathy are skills that can be learned to help families have more positive relationships.
The Process
Introductory Session
Each member of the family will be offered a free 15-20 minute intake call to discuss individual concerns and identify main topics or points that want to be addressed. I will meet with each person individually as needed. If more time is needed to explore issues, an additional paid individual session will be booked.
Sessions
After each family member has had an individual session with the counsellour, a family session will be scheduled. In general, for intergenerational counselling sessions where more than 2 people are involved, sessions will be 80 minutes in length. In the case of 2 people, such as a parent and adult child, a 50 minute may also be sufficient. Both options will be discussed during the intake sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Intergenerational Family Counselling?
Intergenerational Family Counselling is a form of therapy that explores how family dynamics and patterns of behavior are passed down through generations. It aims to address and resolve issues that may have originated in previous generations and continue to affect the family today.
Who can participate in Intergenerational Family Counselling?
Typically, multiple family members across different generations participate. This can include parents, children, grandparents, and sometimes extended family members.
What issues can be addressed through counselling?
Counselling can address a wide range of issues, such as communication problems, unresolved conflicts, patterns of behavior, mental health issues, family financial topics, and trauma that have been passed down through generations.
How does the counselling process work?
The therapist will explore family history, identify patterns, and work with family members to understand and address these issues in the present and discuss how these dynamics are impacting their relationships now.
How long does counselling take?
The duration of counselling can vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of family members to participate. It can range from a few months to several years.
What are the benefits of Intergenerational Family Counselling?
Benefits include improved communication, better understanding of family dynamics, resolution of long-standing conflicts, and breaking the cycle of negative behaviors and patterns.
What is the cost of Intergenerational Family Counselling?
Costs will vary depending on the number of family members and will increase as the number of family participants increase. This fee will be discussed in the intake session. Family members can divide up the cost depending on their insurance providers and extended health benefits. It is up to the family to discuss and decide how they want to share and divide up the session fees.
Couples Counselling - what if my partner/spouse does not want to come to counselling?
Couples counselling is generally only possible when both parties are willing to engage and participate. I am open to meeting with one party first for an intake to see if counselling is still a good fit or assess how individual counselling can still be beneficial to a relationship.
Do I need to commit to a certain number of sessions before beginning the counselling process?
No. It is important that you are able to find a counsellor that you are comfortable with. If at any point you do not feel it is a good fit, I will gladly provide a list of other well-trained, professional counsellors you can reach out to.
Is counselling covered by my healthcare plan?
Basic healthcare coverage does not cover counselling, but many extended health plans do cover the services of Registered Social Workers (RSW). Check with your extended health benefits provider or your employer if you are not sure. I do not offer direct billing at this time with the exception of First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) clients.
