Common Questions About Therapy

The length of therapy depends on many factors including the complexity of the problem, how long it has existed, the developmental age of the child(ren) and the support systems surrounding your family.

Some issues can be resolved within three to four sessions. Other complex issues benefit from much longer treatment plans.

Friends and family can often help us through rough times, but sometimes we need an objective person, who won’t be impacted by choices made and to whom anything at all can be said without concern of judgement or reprisal. Therapists will listen, keep everything confidential, and recognize there are no easy answers.

Therapists who specialize in working with children and families are familiar with approaches and techniques that will empower parents and assist children to process their experiences in order to minimize subsequent issues in the future.

Sessions are generally scheduled weekly in order to retain focus and momentum. Once goals have been attained, some people schedule a “check-up” session several months down the road.

Sessions are 50 therapeutic minutes unless otherwise arranged.

Some issues can be resolved within three to four sessions. Other complex issues benefit from much longer treatment plans.

In therapy, each individual is heard, cared for and accepted. The education and experiences gained from therapy enable individuals to function from a place of health and wholeness, and for families to come together and relate to each other in constructive ways.

Talking about difficult topics may bring temporary discomfort. It is common to feel ‘drained’ and physically / emotionally tired after particularly emotional sessions.

When implementing new routines or practices in a family, there is typically a ‘testing’ period when children check to see if you really intend to follow through. Once children realize you are committed to a new course of action, this time of extra testing will abate.

Theraplay® is based on attachment theories and research. It is a playful and engaging method of treatment involving parent and child.

The MIM® is a structured observation technique where a trained assessor observes participants interacting with each other. It is used as a tool for planning appropriate interventions, typically with parents and children.

Depending on the issue, the counsellor may see any combination of parents and child(ren).

The counsellor will specify who should be present at the first session when the appointment is made. The following appointments will proceed according to the therapeutic plan developed for your family.

Family Matters Centre (FMC), does not provide emergency services. In case of emergency, please call:
– 911
– your family physician
– [ADULTS] COAST Phone 1-877-825-9011
– [   KIDS  ]  HELP   Phone 1-800-668-6868
– visit the local hospital emergency department

Emails and texts are a great way to arrange a convenient appointment time. However, it is not considered a secure and confidential way of communicating. For the protection of your privacy, please do not email/text information you would not be comfortable discussing in a public space.