Family & Reunification
Family Therapy
When home starts to feel tense, conversations turn into arguments, or a big change has everyone out of step, it can be hard to find your way back to each other. Family therapy gives everyone a shared space to talk, be heard, and build new ways of getting along.
In person in Burlington for clients from Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and Hamilton, and online across Ontario.
What is family therapy?
Family therapy treats the family as a whole. Instead of focusing on one person as “the problem,” sessions look at the patterns between family members: how you communicate, how conflict starts and ends, and what each person needs. Parents, children, teens and other family members can take part, together or in smaller groups.
The goal is not to assign blame, but to help everyone understand each other better and practise ways of relating that carry into daily life.
Common reasons families reach out
Frequent arguments or tension at home
Communication that has broken down between parents and kids
A teen who has become withdrawn, angry or distant
Adjusting to separation, divorce, or co-parenting across two homes
A new partner, step-parent or step-siblings joining the family
Grief after a death in the family
Stress from illness, a move, money or work affecting everyone
Sibling conflict that has become hard to manage
Blended and step-families
When a parent marries or moves in with a new partner, everyone has to adjust: children, the new partner, and sometimes the other parent too. It is common for children to feel loyal to their other parent, unsure of new rules, or pushed aside, while adults may disagree about parenting roles.
Family therapy gives everyone a place to talk about these changes, set realistic expectations, and build routines that help the household feel like home. It can also help a step-parent and step-children build a relationship at a pace that feels right for the child.
Family therapy or reunification therapy?
Family therapy is for families who are still in contact but struggling with conflict, communication or change. If contact between a parent and child has broken down, or a parent is returning after time apart, family reunification and reintegration therapy offers a more structured process. Not sure which fits? Ask during your free consultation.
What to expect
- Free consultationA 15-minute call with a parent or family member to talk about what is happening and whether family therapy is a good fit.
- Getting the pictureA first session, often with parents or caregivers, to understand the family’s history, strengths and goals.
- Hearing from everyoneSessions with the whole family or smaller groups, so each person has a chance to share their view.
- Building new patternsPractising clearer communication, calmer ways through conflict, and routines that work for your household.
- Reviewing progressChecking in on what is changing and adjusting who attends and how often.
Not everyone needs to attend every session. The therapist will suggest who should come based on what will help most.
Pricing
Session rates are based on 50-minute appointments, in person at our Burlington office or online by secure video or phone anywhere in Ontario. Appointments are available days, evenings and weekends. Extended sessions are available on request.
Insurance and OHIP Coverage
Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist. Please confirm with your insurance provider before your first session. OHIP does not cover these services, but fees may be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return.
Frequently asked questions
Does the whole family need to come?
Not always. Some sessions include everyone, and others include just parents or a parent and child. The therapist will suggest who should attend.
What if one family member does not want to take part?
That is common. We can start with the people who are willing, and others can join later.
How is family therapy different from individual counselling?
Individual counselling focuses on one person. Family therapy focuses on the relationships and patterns between family members.
Can you help with co-parenting across two homes?
Yes. We can work with parents, together or separately, on communication, consistency and helping children adjust between homes.
Are sessions in person or online?
Both. Sessions can be in person at our Burlington office, or online by secure video or phone anywhere in Ontario.
Related reading
Take the first step
You do not need every family member on board to begin. A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to describe what is happening at home and ask whether family therapy could help.
Safety disclaimer
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis, an assessment, or a substitute for individual care. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8, available 24/7 across Canada. Booking requests and messages to our office are not emergency services. You do not need to manage an emergency on your own.