Family Issues Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

Family Issues

Family and Systemic Psychotherapy uses the close interpersonal relationships between family members to help one another. The key to dealing with family issues is to help couples, family members or siblings to explore difficult emotions and thoughts in a safe manner. It helps each member to understand and acknowledge one another's emotions and allow them to express it safely, and in an effective manner.

Family therapy has been shown to be effective for people of all ages who are experiencing family issues or problems in their key systems (relationships) with people with whom they are close. It helps to build relationships and boosts the strengths and self-esteem of everyone in the system. Your family might need intervention if members have substance abuse problems, violent outbursts, if the family experienced a trauma,  if a close family member died or if the family is not functioning at its normal capacity.

This type of therapy enables people to work with one another, instead of on one another and enables families to talk about issues that are causing distress without disrespecting emotions. Instead, it invites engagement of the family members in order to support recovery.

Therapists who address family issues use a range of different approaches to bring about the best results. While group therapy will probably take place once weekly, where the family will all meet with the therapist, individual sessions might be required too. This provides a great supplement to the  family therapy work and is an ideal place for individuals to express their personal family issues that are hard to discuss in front of everyone.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who does family counselling you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Adlerian Therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has helped couples and family members to treat distressed relationships, depression and a range of other emotional difficulties. It is one of the most common treatments used in private counselling and psychologist practices, training centres and hospital clinics around the world.

The main goal of Emotionally focused therapy is to create a secure bond between romantic partners and to reorganize and expand critical emotional responses. It helps to improve communication between partners, which is more beneficial to the relationship. EFT is a practical therapy that has been used successfully in relationships and marriages for many years, due to the fact that it creates a spirit of respect and harmony.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy generally only lasts between six to twenty sessions and has been shown effective in 90% of relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note:  Some practitioners practice Emotion Focused Therapy rather than Emotionally Focused therapy.  You will want to confirm that it is indeed Emotionally Focused Therapy that the counsellor/psychologist practices.

Adlerian Therapy is based on Alfred Adler’s theories and practice, also known as Individual Psychology. Encouragement is the root of Adlerian psychotherapy. It aims to help the client to become aware of his or her life plan and potential. Once the client is aware of this life plan, the therapist can offer a different perspective which can be adapted to a range of settings.

Adler saw a person's personality as a whole, instead of a result of different components. He also believed that people wanted to belong, and to feel that they are making a contribution to society. His therapies helped clients to develop the courage to accept imperfection in themselves.

Adlerian Therapy is a valuable tool, particularly for those people who work in professions that strive to educate and develop children, especially since Adler was very focussed on therapeutic education in his lifetime.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Adlerian Therapy,  have a look at the counsellors listed below.

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Dana Begg

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi there! My name is Dana and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I have experience working in private practice and government agency settings, supporting... Read more

Meagan Maddocks

M.Couns., RCC
Meagan is a registered clinical counsellor who has over 20 years of expertise in working with clients who live with chronic illnesses. Balancing life’s stressors and joys can be a difficult task. When... Read more

Karla Vargas

MCP, RCC
**Currently accepting new clients** Hi! I’m Karla and it is a pleasure to meet you! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) holding a Master of Counselling Psychology degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts... Read more

David Holmes

M.A., RCC
David provides Individual and Couples Counselling. He is an Adlerian Psychotherapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor at Clear Counselling private practice in downtown Vancouver.... Read more

Joe Ramirez

M.Couns., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Joe Ramirez, owner of ClearCounselling.ca, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and an Adlerian psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology, providing Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, and Sex... Read more

Mike Mathers

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Clinical Counsellor with 15 years of experience working in residential and outpatient treatment programs with both individuals and groups. I have a passion for helping individuals and families impacted by... Read more

Nadia Neely

MCP, RCC
I believe that cultivating self-awareness and gaining insight is a crucial first step in bringing about change and facilitating healing. By engaging in self-exploration and becoming more mindful, we can develop a deeper... Read more

Katie Burden

M.A., RCC
I believe that suffering can often carry with it important messages about who we are as people, what’s important to us, and what gives our life meaning. Therefore the goal of therapy in my opinion is never to... Read more

Elise Girardin

MCP:AT, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Creative Arts Therapist. I am also the director of The Woods Arts and Wellness based in North Vancouver, where we address the wellbeing of mind-body-spirit through engagement... Read more

Wendy Huang

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Wendy, a registered clinical counsellor and an art therapist. I work with children aged 5 years old and above, with or without special needs, and adults to heal from traumatic experiences, to learn emotional... Read more

Gloria McArter

Ph.D., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. McArter has been in private practice since receiving her MA in Counselling Psychology in 1990. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2002. Her research and dissertation focused on the relationship between religion... Read more

Nathalie Chang

MCP:AT, RCC
I practice an integrative, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach, including Art Therapy, Somatic Experiencing Therapy, and Mindfulness practice. I am passionate about helping people who have experienced traumas... Read more

Ishtar Beck

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
I believe that healing is possible. In the therapeutic space, I aim to provide a supportive space for you to grow as an individual and in your relationships. You will be attentively listened to. You will find... Read more

Andrea McLaren

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Thank you for checking out my counselling profile. I appreciate and know how hard it can be to reach out for help. I support individuals to feel better in their lives. Are you having anxious thoughts, depressed... Read more
    • Online booking
Starting with a new therapist, whether you’re new to counselling or a more experienced client, takes a lot of courage. With that courage also comes the discomfort of exploring some of the impactful and painful... Read more

Chi Hung

M.Couns., RCC
You don’t have to struggle alone Living with anxiety, fear, and helplessness is difficult. Relationship can be confusing and disappointing. Dealing with your parents or your children can be frustrating. You are... Read more

Uri Sanhedrai

M.A., RCC
Uri Sanhedrai is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Therapist in Private Practice in downtown Vancouver, providing counselling, therapy, coaching and consultation to individuals, groups and businesses. Uri... Read more

David Tong

M.Ed., RCC
Do you feel that life gets you going in circles, leaving you distressed, stuck, or barely holding on? Or perhaps you're left feeling alone, helpless, or disconnected from your loved ones. Simply ignoring or... Read more

Robert Phillips

MC, RCC
How long will this last? Am I doomed to feel like this forever? It’s possible that you may be asking these questions. You might also be feeling alone - like no one else truly understands what you’re going... Read more

Debbie Day

M.A., RCC
Debbie Day has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Debbie is a Registered Clinical counselor (1519) with BC Association of Clinical Counselors. She has... Read more

Leia Newland

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
In my therapeutic approach, I prioritize creating a non-judgmental and secure environment where clients feel empowered to explore their concerns openly. Together, we navigate through obstacles, fostering growth and... Read more

Spencer Copland

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Spencer Copland Therapy I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. My offices are located in Vancouver and I work with clients throughout BC.  ... Read more

Maryam Mills

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
COVID-19 Update: To provide a safe alternative for treatment, we are also available for video conferencing via secure connection. Led by Clinic Director Maryam Mills, who is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and... Read more

Sebastian-Poichi Ang

M.Couns., RCC
I have a master’s degree in counselling and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia. I offer in-person and video-call counselling. Apart from English,  I speak fluent Mandarin and... Read more

Ayesha Azfar

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello, I am Ayesha Azfar, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and I have my Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University. My practice is located in Coquitlam BC and I provide Individual, Couples and... Read more

Mary Wilkerson

MCP, RCC
Step into a nurturing space for your transformative journey. As someone who's lived the roles of wife, mother, and teacher, I deeply understand life's challenges. My focus is on supporting individuals through... Read more

Teesha Morgan

M.A., CCC
Dr. Teesha Morgan is a Psychotherapist, published author, adjunct professor, and co-founder of the Westland Academy of Clinical Sex Therapy and Westland Therapy Group. Dr Morgan specializes in Sex Therapy and Couples... Read more

Mercedes Baines

M.A., RCC
Mercedes Baines is a Registered Clinical Counsellor & a Certified Adlerian Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology & a research focus in grief & loss. Inspiring fully embodied living... Read more

Meghan Hodgson

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello - I'm Meghan, a Registered Clinical Counsellor living and practicing in Vancouver, BC, also known as the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-... Read more

Ryan Schebek

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
If you are reading this, then you have taken the first courageous step in a long journey of healing and self-discovery… Or maybe this journey began long ago, but now you are looking for a new direction. As a... Read more