Family Therapy

The focus of family therapy is often to improve the relationships and communication between family members and help increase problem solving.  Family therapy can also be helpful to bring family members together in order to gain a better understanding of an issue or problem experienced by one or more family members.

Common Challenges

The main aim of family therapy is typically to strengthen communication and relationships among family members, which in turn, enhances their ability to resolve conflicts. In addition, family therapy can be a valuable resource for bringing family members closer together so they can understand and address a problem or difficulty affecting one or more family members.

Sometimes families may need help in dealing with these challenges and stressors as they may be overwhelmed or enmeshed with the problem.

At Journeys of Life, we provide support for a range of challenges that families experience, including:

  • Family Conflict

  • Life Transition Issues

  • Separation or Divorce

  • Blended Families

  • Single Parent Families

  • Extended Family

  • Difficulties and Decisions

  • Communication Issues

  • Financial Issues

  • Sibling Disputes

  • Grief and Loss

  • Chronic Pain

  • Abuse

  • Trauma/ PTSD

  • Family Violence

  • Co-Parenting Issues

  • Parenting Struggles

  • Anger Management

  • School Performance

  • Problems

  • Stress Management

  • Substance Abuse Issues

"Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach greater heights and our comfort when we occasionally falter."

Brad Henry

The Impact of Family Therapy

Engaging in family therapy serves as an impactful method for managing familial issues. Since children form a critical part of this unit, family therapy often becomes key in providing your child or adolescent with the necessary support, resilience, and coping strategies to overcome potential obstacles. Family therapy can involve only those members willing to engage, or it may encompass all family members. The suggested therapeutic approach will be customised based on the problems identified during therapy sessions and a thorough assessment of your family’s unique dynamics.

Family therapy is beneficial in offering essential skills to strengthen familial bonds through enhanced understanding and communication. These skills can help your family navigate and withstand stressful times.

If you need immediate assistance, please use these resources

  • Crisis Line: 416-408-4357
  • The Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-45-4566 or text 45645 4 pm-midnight ET.
  • Warm line  12pm -8pm 416-323-3721
  • Warmline 8pm to midnight – 416-960-9276 (WARM) or text 647-557-5882
  • Health Link – 811
  • Community Resources – 211 Alberta
  • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 686868
  • MyHealth.Alberta.ca
  • Addiction Services Helpline: Help for problems with gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 1-866-332-2322 (24 Hours)
  • Alberta Quits Helpline: Tobacco cessation counsellors can help you plan to quit, manage cravings, and stay on track.
    Website
    www.albertaquits.ca or 1-866-710-7848 (8am-8pm)
  • Bullying Helpline: Advice or support on bullying.
    www.bullyfreealberta.ca or 1-888-456-2323 (24 Hours)
  • Child Abuse Hotline: Call if you think a child is being abused or neglected by a parent or guardian.  1-800-387-5437 (24 Hours)
  • Dementia Advice: Advice and support for people who have problems with thinking, reasoning, or remembering (e.g., dementia) or the people who care for them. 811 (24 hours)
  • Family Violence Info Line: Call if you (or someone you know) are going through family violence or abuse if you have questions or want to find out about programs, resources, and services.  310-1818 (24 Hours)
  • First Nations, Inuit and Metís Peoples: Call 1-855-242-3310 if you are in a mental health crisis.  
  • Income Support Contact Centre: Financial help for Albertans who don’t have resources to meet their basic needs (e.g., food, clothing, shelter).
    1-866-644-5135 (24 Hours)
  • Kids Help Phone: Free, anonymous, confidential telephone and web counselling for youth in Canada.)  
    www.kidshelpphone.ca or 1-800-668-6868 (24 Hours)
  • Medication & Herbal Preparation Advice Line: Advice and information about medicines and herbal products from pharmacists and nurses. 1-800-332-1414 (5pm-9am)
  • Mental Health Helpline: Offers help for mental health concerns for Albertans. 1-877-303-2642 (24 Hours)
  • Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples: 1-844-413-6649 
  • National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 
  • Poison & Drug Information Service: Confidential advice about poisons, chemicals, medicines, and herbal products. 1-800-332-1414 (24 Hours)
  • Rehabilitation Advice Line: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists give advice and help finding services for people with concerns about pain, movement, and daily activities. Phone line:
    1-833-379-0563 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
  • Native Youth Crisis Hot Line: 1-877-209-1266



Make a decision to show up for yourself today!