Family Counselling
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What is family counselling, and when is a good time to reach out?
Family counselling is therapy that works with the family as a whole, rather than focusing on one individual, to address the patterns, communication, and relationships that shape everyday life at home. It recognizes that struggles rarely exist in isolation — what affects one family member often affects the whole household.
Every family goes through periods of tension, miscommunication, or change. It becomes a concern when conflict is frequent or intense, when communication has broken down, or when the family feels stuck in the same unhelpful patterns, whether that’s around parenting, blended-family dynamics, a major life transition, or supporting a family member through a difficult time.
At Brock Counselling, we work collaboratively with your family to understand what’s driving the tension, strengthen communication, and build a healthier, more connected way of functioning together, at a pace that respects everyone’s needs.
Who It’s For
Common reasons families seek counselling
Every family is different, but these are some of the common reasons families reach out.
Common Concerns
- Ongoing conflict or communication breakdown
- Blended family or step-family adjustment
- Major life transitions (separation, divorce, relocation)
- Supporting a family member through mental health or behavioural challenges
- Rebuilding trust after a difficult event
Signs Counselling Could Help
- Arguments that escalate quickly or repeat the same issues
- Family members withdrawing or avoiding each other
- Feeling like you're constantly walking on eggshells at home
- Disagreement on parenting, roles, or household expectations
- Wanting a neutral space to be heard and understood by each other
How we support your family
Our therapists use evidence-based, family-centred approaches. Therapy is tailored to your family’s unique dynamics and goals.
No two families are the same, and neither is their therapy.

Understand Family Dynamics
Therapy begins by exploring your family's relationships, roles, and patterns of communication, so we can address what's really driving the tension, not just the surface conflict.

Build Communication Tools
Together we develop practical tools for expressing needs, resolving conflict, and listening to one another, so every family member feels heard.

Strengthen Family Connection
As communication improves, we help your family strengthen trust and connection, building a foundation that supports you through future challenges.
Treatment Approaches
How we work with families
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based modalities, selecting and blending approaches based on what will work best for your family.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifies unhelpful thought and communication patterns that fuel family conflict.
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Helps caregivers respond to family members' emotions in ways that build connection, strengthen communication, and support healing.
Family Systems Therapy
Explores conflict and behaviour as patterns within the whole family system, rather than a "problem" with one individual.
Psychoeducation & Skills Training
Builds practical communication, boundary-setting, and conflict-resolution skills suited to your family.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Identifies realistic, achievable changes that create more calm and cooperation at home.
Sessions are offered in-person, virtually, or by phone, and may include the whole family, sub-groups, or individual sessions depending on what’s most helpful.
What to expect when you reach out
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You’re right – it is! Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Brief Consultation
Therapy starts with an initial 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your family's needs and explore fit with your therapist.
2
Your First Session
Your therapist will take time to understand your family's dynamics, goals, and the obstacles you're facing, in a way that respects everyone in the room.
3
Ongoing Support
You and your therapist will agree on a session frequency and plan tailored to your family, adjusting as your needs and circumstances change.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.
Ready When You Are
Book a Free Phone Consultation
Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
There are many ways to book an appointment:
NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.
You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.
EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.
Therapy may be a good fit if:
- You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
- You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
- Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
- You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
- Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
- You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.
People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.
You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.
Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.
The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.
RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).
It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.
Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.
Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.
The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.
If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.
Short answer, no.
Services are not offered outside of Ontario.
Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.
The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
Absolutely!
In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.
Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.
It may be a good fit if:
- You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
- You feel heard, understood, and respected;
- You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
- You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.
Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.
Contact
Get In Touch
We are here to answer your questions and help you begin your healing journey. Contact us via phone, email, or visit our office to get started.
Address
3344 Mainway, Burlington, ON, L7M 1A7
Phone/Text
905-320-2342
info@brockcounselling.ca