Takeaway: All families face challenges from time to time. Thankfully, family therapy can help. Our therapists specialize in supporting all members of the family with resolving conflict, strengthening relationships, and navigating mental health issues. Family counselling in Toronto provides a safe, supportive space for you and your loved ones to work through your struggles together. Get started today.
Family is often both a source of tremendous joy and complex challenges. Family dynamics can be intricate, and when struggles and conflicts arise, many people consider turning to family therapy to heal and improve these relationships. This blog will provide some essential information about family therapy, some common reasons that people consider trying family therapy, and why The Therapy Centre is your ideal destination for family counselling.
Family therapy is a form of counselling that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within a family system. Families may choose to explore this option for various reasons, such as:
- Communication Issues: Breakdowns in communication can lead to misunderstandings, tension, and unresolved conflicts within the entire family.
- Major Life Transitions: Events like divorce, remarriage, the arrival of a new family member, or relocation can disrupt family dynamics and lead to the need for therapeutic intervention.
- Mental or Physical Illnesses: When a family member struggles with health issues, it can impact the entire family’s well-being.
- Trauma or Grief: Families may seek therapy to cope with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic event or the loss of a loved one.
- Chronic Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts, including generational disputes or sibling rivalry, can create an environment of continuous stress.
It’s never too early to consider family counselling. When you recognize recurring conflicts or communication breakdowns within your family, seeking professional help is a wise choice. Early intervention can prevent issues from escalating, making the therapy process smoother and more effective. Family therapy offers a structured and safe environment for family members to improve communication, develop coping skills, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and manage change.
5 Highly Recommended Family Therapists in Toronto
1. Dr. Maria Antoniou, C.Psych
- Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
- License number: 4839
- Teletherapy or in-person
- Dr. Maria Antoniou is a registered Clinical Psychologist who received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (OISE/UT). She has extensive experience providing assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She primarily works within a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approach to treat anxiety and mood disorders, stress management, self-esteem difficulties and behavioural problems. Dr. Antoniou is particularly interested in treating individuals with eating disorders. She was trained at The Hospital for Sick Children and with the Maudsley Institute for Family Based Therapy.
2. Julie Barasevic, MSW, RSW
- Registered Social Worker
- License number: 825053
- Teletherapy or in-person counselling
- Julie Barasevic is a Registered Social Worker who received her Master’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) with a clinical focus. Julie has trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Trauma Therapy (EMDR), which has extensive research in successively supporting people with trauma and PTSD. Julie has trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she is a Hypnotherapist and Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner (NLP) with over 10 years of experience.
3. Wajma Omer, MSc. Psych., RP
- Registered Psychotherapist
- License number: 001058
- Teletherapy or in-person
- Wajma Omer is a Registered Psychotherapist and holds an MSc. in Mental Health Psychology from the University of Liverpool. Wajma has over 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy and mental health support to adults, youth, and families, addressing issues such as stress management, ADHD, emotional difficulties, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, relationship difficulties, parenting, and family conflict. Her main framework includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SBT), and elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI). She also has extensive training in Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST).
4. Juliette Tilbury, MSW, RSW
- Registered Social Worker
- License number: 803439
- Teletherapy or in-person
- Juliette Tilbury is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from York University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from The University of Waterloo. Juliette engages in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and a variety of other therapeutic modalities best suited to each unique client. Particular areas of focus have included children’s mental health, treatment of self-harm behaviours, and crisis and suicide intervention.
5. Joanne Fox, MSW, RSW
- Registered Social Worker
- License number: 327768
- Teletherapy or in-person
- Joanne Fox is a registered social worker who received her masters degree from the University of Toronto with a family therapy focus. She works with children, adolescents and parents who are experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep issues, poor self-esteem, family conflict, peer conflict and school-related stress. Joanne uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and attachment-focused family therapy.
Why choose The Therapy Centre for Family Counselling in Toronto
At The Therapy Centre, we are committed to helping families navigate their unique challenges with compassion and expertise. Our experienced family therapists can offer support for your family unit in all of its life stages. Here are a few more reasons you might want to choose The Therapy Centre:
- Client-centred Approach: We believe in the power of a client-centred therapeutic approach, where your unique needs, goals, and concerns are at the forefront of our sessions. Our therapists work with you and your family members to generate positive changes by helping you find solutions and address your family unit’s various challenges.
- Flexible and Convenient Location: Our clinicians have offices across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, and all offer both in-person and virtual sessions, ensuring you can easily fit sessions into your schedule.
- Varied Treatment Modalities: The Therapy Centre provides a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and more. This diversity allows us to tailor our services to your specific needs.
- Multiple therapy options: We have a full-service team of highly qualified specialists. New clients seeking a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker, or dietitian may all find support through The Therapy Centre.
- Empathetic and Supportive Environment: Our therapists are known for creating a safe space that is non-judgemental and empathetic, where clients can openly explore their thoughts and emotions. We believe in fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust and confidentiality.
When The Therapy Centre might not be the best fit for you
While The Therapy Centre is a trusted choice for many seeking therapy, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Here are a few scenarios in which you might consider alternative options:
- You are looking for free psychotherapy.
- You live outside of Ontario.
- If you require highly specialized treatment or interventions outside our therapists’ areas of expertise, you may need to consider other practitioners or facilities.
- While our locations are central, it may not be convenient for individuals living outside of the GTA.
- If you are experiencing a severe mental health crisis or have suicidal thoughts, seeking immediate help through a crisis hotline, emergency services, or a hospital is crucial.
FAQs about Toronto family therapy
What is the difference between family counselling and family therapy?
Family therapy and family counselling are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions.
Family therapy:
- Tends to be more focused on addressing the family system as a whole, viewing the family as a complex system with interdependent relationships, and may involve different therapeutic techniques.
- Usually involves a longer and more comprehensive process. It is not solely focused on resolving a particular issue but on transforming the entire family system and dynamics.
- Involves all family members attending sessions together. The therapy sessions aim to improve family relationships, communication, and overall functioning.
Family Counselling:
- Primarily focuses on improving communication and addressing conflicts within the family, including communication problems or behavioural concerns.
- Often more short-term and solution-focused. It aims to resolve immediate issues and equip the family with practical strategies to handle their problems.
- Individual family members may receive individual counselling alongside family sessions. The emphasis is on understanding each individual’s role in the family issues and working towards individual change.
What is the success rate of family therapy?
The success of family therapy varies depending on the specific issues, the family’s commitment to the process, and the skill of the therapist. However, research indicates that family therapy effectively resolves many family-related problems, with many families reporting improved relationships and communication.
How do I choose a family counsellor?
Choosing the right family counsellor is a crucial decision. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Qualifications: Ensure the therapist has proper training and credentials in family therapy.
- Experience: Look for a counsellor with experience in dealing with issues similar to yours.
- Approach: Discuss their therapeutic approach and see if it aligns with your family’s needs and values.
- Communication: A strong therapeutic relationship requires effective communication. Choose someone with whom you and all the members of your family feel comfortable.
Find harmony with family therapy in Toronto
Family therapy is a valuable resource for families facing difficulties in their relationships. Whether you’re dealing with communication problems, conflicts, or life-changing events, family therapy can provide the support and tools necessary to build stronger bonds and improve your family’s overall well-being.
The Therapy Centre is a full-service practice that works with children, teens, adults, seniors, couples and families. We are comprised of dedicated clinicians with extensive professional training, including psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and a dietitian.
Our offices are located across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, at 2525 Old Bronte Road in Oakville, 849 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton, and in Toronto at 1849 Yonge St (Yonge and Davisville). We offer both in-person and Virtual Telehealth services, including secure phone sessions and videoconferencing.
Contact our team today at (289) 291-0205 or info@thetherapycentre.ca
