Counselling Services
Family Therapy
Helping families communicate better, understand each other more deeply, and grow stronger — together.
Family Therapy
Families Are Their Own Unique Ecosystem
Each member of a family is an important part of the whole. When one person struggles, the entire family feels the ripple effects.
Family therapy at Sunray provides a safe, structured space where all family members can come together to be heard, understood, and supported. The goal is not to assign blame — it is to build connection, restore balance, and develop skills the whole family can use long after sessions end.
Sessions facilitate improved communication and deeper mutual understanding, while helping families strengthen problem-solving skills together. Depending on the age of the children involved, sessions may use play-based methods alongside talk therapy to ensure every family member can participate meaningfully.
"Together, your family learns coping strategies while healing and growing stronger as a unit."
Areas of Support
Family Therapy Can Help With
Drawing from multiple evidence-based frameworks, sessions are tailored to help you or your child navigate a wide range of challenges
Communication & Connection
- Recurring conflict or communication breakdowns
- Difficulty expressing feelings or being heard
- Emotional distance between family members
- Parent-child relationship strain
- Rebuilding trust after a difficult event
Transitions & Stressors
- Separation, divorce, or blended family adjustments
- Grief and loss within the family
- Major life changes (moves, new siblings, illness)
- Parenting stress and overwhelm
- Intergenerational patterns affecting the family
Child & Youth Challenges
- Behavioural difficulties at home or school
- Anxiety or emotional dysregulation in children
- Supporting a child through trauma or grief
- Attachment and bonding concerns
Problem Solving & Coping
- Developing shared coping strategies
- Building family routines and structure
- Improving collaboration and teamwork
- Strengthening resilience as a unit
Therapeutic Approach
How Sessions Work
Sessions are tailored to your family's unique makeup — drawing on evidence-based frameworks and adapted to the ages of the children involved.
01
Free 15-Minute Consultation
A brief video call to discuss your family's situation, answer questions, and confirm family therapy is the right fit.
02
Initial Assessment Session
An in-depth intake to understand your family's history, dynamics, and goals. Together we develop a collaborative treatment plan tailored to your family.
03
Ongoing Sessions
Regular sessions bring the family together in a structured, safe space. Methods include play-based techniques for younger children, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, and Collaborative Problem Solving — always adapted to what your family needs.
04
Skills to Take Home
Every session builds practical tools your family can use day-to-day — communication strategies, coping techniques, and conflict resolution skills that last well beyond the therapy room.
"You set the pace, and together we work toward meaningful, lasting change."
Methods Used in Family Therapy
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Collaborative Problem Solving
Expressive Play Therapy
Attachment Theory
Trauma-Informed Practice
Mindfulness
Filial Therapy
Questions & Answers
Family Therapy FAQs
Who should attend family therapy Sessions?
Ideally, all immediate family members who share the same household attend together. However, this is flexible — sessions can be adapted based on what makes sense for your family's specific situation and the ages of any children involved.
How long are sessions, and how many will we need?
Family therapy sessions are 60 minutes or 75 minutes, depending on your family's needs. The number of sessions varies based on your family's goals and circumstances — some families see meaningful change in 6–8 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Consistency is key. This is discussed and agreed upon collaboratively during the intake session.
Is family therapy available online?
Family therapy is offered in-person at the Victoria, BC office, where in-person attendance allows Kiran to work more effectively with group dynamics and incorporate play-based methods with younger children; it is also available virtually for clients located in British Columbia or Ontario at the time of receiving services. Teen girl counselling and parent counselling are available virtually.
Does insurance cover family therapy?
Many extended health plans cover services from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). Direct billing is available for Sunlife, Greenshield, FNHA, Blue Cross Medavie, Telus e-claims, and CVAP. Contact us to confirm coverage under your specific plan before your first session.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled session will incur the full session fee, except in cases of emergency. Please contact us as early as possible if you need to reschedule.
What if one family member is unwilling to attend?
This is common and doesn't mean therapy can't help. Get in touch to discuss your situation — there may be other service options such as parent counselling that can still create meaningful positive change for the whole family.
