Family Therapy
Family challenges may be addressed using either a parent-/caregiver-focused approach or a systemic approach (focused on what is happening in the present moment between family members).

For parent-/caregiver-focused therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), developed by Drs. Adele Lafrance and Joanne Dolhanty, harnesses the parent-child relationship to help parents support their young/teenage children:

  • cope with challenging behaviours and/or mental health symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression)
  • transition through stressful life events (e.g. divorce)
  • process challenging emotions and emotional pain
  • heal ruptures and let go of the weight of old injuries in the parent-child relationship
  • receive their parents' help more effectively by helping parents/caregivers process inner obstacles that may be impacting their best efforts to parent

Parents and caregivers can learn these skills and take on these roles regardless of their child’s level of motivation or involvement in formal treatment. Lafrance's model of EFFT can be delivered with individuals only, parents and caregivers only, and with families.

For more information about Lafrance's EFFT approach, please visit:
https://www.emotionfocusedfamilytherapy.org/

When distress occurs between family members, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (also known as EFFT but a different style) developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and her colleagues may be used. This attachment-based therapy focuses on what is happening within and between family members and works toward reshaping family interactions to create more secure attachment bonds. With the help of the therapist, family members are supported to increase responsiveness, attunement and engagement with each other (particularly from parent to child), in turn increasing understanding and closeness.

For more information about Sue Johnson's approach to EFFT, please visit:
https://iceeft.com/what-is-eft/

​For more information or to book a session, please fill out the form on the Contact page.

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