Family Counselling Services in Ottawa

Supportive Family Counselling for Changing Family Dynamics

Families experience many transitions and challenges over time. At Family-Therapy™, we provide family counselling services in Ottawa to support families and stepfamilies as they navigate communication difficulties, conflict, stress, and life changes.

Family counselling offers a structured and supportive space where family members can better understand one another, explore challenges together, and develop healthier ways of relating. Counselling may involve parents, children, teens, caregivers, or other family members, depending on your situation. Our therapists ae trained to be culturally sensitive to meet the needs of newcomers to Canada.

When Family Counselling May Be Helpful

Family counselling may be helpful when families are experiencing:

  • Ongoing communication difficulties or misunderstandings
  • Increased conflict or tension at home
  • Stress related to life transitions such as separation, divorce, relocation, or blended families
  • Emotional strain connected to illness, grief, or loss
  • Changes in behaviour, mood, or relationships affecting family life

Counselling is not about assigning blame. Instead, it focuses on understanding patterns, strengthening communication, and supporting families through challenging periods.

What to Expect from Family Counselling

Family counselling provides an opportunity for family members to explore concerns together in a respectful and neutral environment. Sessions may focus on:

  • Improving communication and listening between family members
  • Exploring how stressors and life events are affecting relationships
  • Identifying patterns that may be contributing to ongoing conflict
  • Emotional strain connected to illness, grief, or loss
  • Developing practical strategies to navigate challenges more effectively

Progress in family counselling takes time, and each family’s process is different. Sessions move at a pace that considers the comfort and readiness of those involved.

Who We Work With

At Family-Therapy™, we work with individuals who consider themselves a family in many forms. This may include:

  • Parents and children
  • Teens and caregivers
  • Step-families and blended families
  • Grandparents and extended family members
  • Guardians, caregivers, or chosen family members

Family counselling is available to families across Ottawa, Nepean, and Kanata, with options for in-person and virtual sessions depending on availability.

Taking the First Step

Deciding to seek family counselling can feel difficult, especially during stressful or emotional times. Reaching out for support is a way to create space for understanding, communication, and shared problem-solving.

Call 613-287-3799 to learn more about family counselling services in Ottawa or to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Counselling in Ottawa

Family counselling is a form of therapy that focuses on relationships within a family system. It provides a space for family members to explore communication patterns, address challenges, and work toward healthier ways of interacting.

Attendance depends on the family’s needs. Some sessions may include all family members, while others may involve only certain individuals. Your therapist will help determine an approach that feels appropriate and manageable.

No. Families seek counselling for many reasons, including communication concerns, life transitions, parenting challenges, or ongoing tension. Counselling can be helpful at different stages, not only during crises.

Family counselling can support families navigating separation, divorce, co-parenting, or blended family dynamics. Sessions focus on communication, boundaries, and supporting children and caregivers through change.

The length of family counselling varies depending on the family’s goals and circumstances. Some families attend a limited number of sessions, while others engage in counselling over a longer period. Your therapist can discuss expectations during early sessions.

Yes. Family counselling follows professional and legal confidentiality standards in Ontario. Your therapist will explain confidentiality and any limitations at the beginning of the counselling process.

Children and teens are encouraged, but not forced, to participate. Therapists work in age-appropriate ways and respect each family member’s comfort level.

Yes. Family counselling may be available virtually or in person, depending on therapist availability and family preferences.

You can get started by contacting Family-Therapy™ by phone or booking an appointment online. Our therapists can help answer questions and guide you through next steps.