Family Therapy

Tension is rising.

Conversations turn into arguments, or worse - silence.

You feel like you’re walking on eggshells, misunderstood, or disconnected from the people you care most about.

Maybe your child is acting out, sibling dynamics are explosive, or you're stuck in the same old patterns that no one knows how to change.

Family life wasn’t supposed to feel this hard.

Families can be complicated - and full of love, history, stress, and deep connection.

Whether your family is navigating conflict, big life transitions, or just struggling to communicate, family therapy offers a space where everyone can feel heard, understood, and supported.

Together, in family counselling, we’ll explore the patterns that are creating tension, strengthen communication, and help your family move toward a more connected, supportive, and resilient dynamic.

Common Reasons Families Seek Therapy

• Constant conflict or communication breakdowns

• A child or teen’s behaviour is causing stress at home

• Divorce, separation, or blending families

• Sibling rivalry or parent-child disconnection

• Mental health concerns that affect the whole family

• Navigating cultural differences or intergenerational tension

• Grief, trauma, or a recent crisis

No matter the issue, family therapy is about shifting patterns.

How can Family Counselling Help?

In family counselling, we look beyond individual “problems” and instead focus on the patterns that show up between people—how you communicate, how you respond to stress, and how your roles within the family have been shaped over time.

Our therapists work collaboratively with your family to uncover what’s fueling conflict or distance, and help each member express themselves more clearly and compassionately. We don’t take sides—we hold space for all voices while staying focused on shared goals like connection, emotional safety, and healthier ways of relating.

Sessions might include the whole family or smaller pairings (like parent and child), depending on what’s most helpful. Along the way, we also provide parenting strategies and psychoeducation to support boundaries, emotional regulation, and more effective communication at home.

Using evidence-based approaches like the IPscope Model, Family Systems, Gottman Method, CBT, DBT, ACT, and attachment-based models, we help your family interrupt the cycle of reactivity and start creating new, more supportive ways of being together.

Free 20 minute phone consultation

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Therapy

What is the difference between Family Counseling and Family Therapy?

At Tri Lotus Psychotherapy, we use both family counseling and family therapy interchangeably. Both refer to a collaborative process, where our trained Calgary family therapists work with families to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships.

What kind of therapy is best for family issues?

There are many effective, evidence-based approaches to family therapy, and the best one depends on your family's unique needs. At Tri Lotus Psychotherapy, we draw from several proven models to help families improve communication, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.

Here are a few of the approaches we use:

• Family Systems Therapy: This approach views the family as an interconnected emotional unit. Instead of focusing on one person, it helps all members understand their roles and how their interactions affect the entire family's well-being. The goal is to improve the family's overall functioning and strengthen connections.

• The IPscope Model: Created by Karl Tomm and colleagues, the IPscope (Interpersonal Patterns) is a tool used to identify recurring patterns of interaction within a family. It helps distinguish between negative patterns that create conflict and positive patterns that promote healing and wellness. This framework allows us to tailor interventions that shift family dynamics in a healthier direction.

• The Gottman Method (Adapted for Families): Originally developed for couples, the Gottman Method's principles are highly effective for families. This research-based approach focuses on building a culture of empathy, enhancing emotional awareness, and managing conflict constructively. For families, this can involve improving communication, fostering respect, and learning to support each other's emotional needs.

Why is the first session 75 minutes?

With multiple people in the room, it takes more time to hear everyone’s perspective and understand the full picture. The extended session allows your therapist to complete a thorough assessment and begin setting meaningful goals that reflect your family’s unique needs.

When not to use family therapy?

Family therapy may not be appropriate when there is ongoing domestic violence, or a mental health crisis that requires individual stabilization first. It’s also not ideal if a key family member is unwilling or unsafe to attend. In these cases, individual therapy is often the best starting point.

Click here for more frequently asked questions.

Book a free 20 minute consultation call to have all of your questions answered.

I don't see my concern listed here. Can you still help me?

If you don't see your concern listed here, you can always schedule a complimentary introductory call with one of our therapists to see if they can help! If it is not a speciality of theirs, they will provide you with referrals to other therapists.

“Strong families aren’t perfect—they’re willing to grow, together.”

– Unknown