Family & Group Counselling

"Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one."

Suzy Kassem

Loving families whether born into or chosen are a remarkable gift made up of imperfect people living imperfect lives. They also have a considerable wealth of strengths and resources that can be utilized to overcome the challenges life may present. When the members of a family are each able to discover and nurture the best versions of themselves and the best version of the family they long to be, they are able to grow together in unity and enjoy a happy and fulfilling family life. 

In meeting with families, as with individuals, I begin by inquiring about what each individual present is hoping for in spending this time together. This question begins to guide the direction of the conversation as each person’s hope and perspective is important and plays a valuable role in describing how they will accomplish what they desire and what the family will look like and how they will function once the problem is diminished or gone. I think that questions that focus on what is desired, the role of each family member in accomplishing what is desired, and the possible pathways to accomplish the future they desire are more valuable and effective than asking questions that only amplify the problem and reiterate what is wrong. 

Whatever issue brings the family into counselling, there are usually instances when the issue is either not present or not as significant and the family is functioning well. By exploring what is different during these times some solutions to the issues often emerge.  

I am reminded of skipping stones on a lake. Each stone is capable of creating a ripple effect. So is each member of the family capable of causing a powerful ripple effect in their family by doing even one small thing differently. As we focus on small changes and those small changes begin to be noticed within the dynamics of the family, hope grows and the overall family experience begins to improve.