Divorce and/or Separation, Family Issues Mindfulness approaches

Divorce and/or Separation, Family Issues

Breaking the vow of "till death do us part" and getting divorced has been listed on the list of top things that people fear. The end of a marriage can indeed cause incredible confusion, sadness, grief, anger, guilt, fear, anxiety and shame. Not only does the end of a marriage affect a couple, but also the children.

Issues that can cause a marriage to fail include criticism, lack of respect, defensiveness, and aloofness, to name a few. Dealing with these issues might save a marriage. Mediation therapy can help couples even before a divorce, when the signs of marital disintegration starts to show. Couples therapy is an excellent tool at that point in a marriage to see whether saving the marriage is a viable option, and if it's not, it can help them find ways to reach settlements, move forward, and co-parent in a healthy and constructive way.

For children going through the divorce of their parents, therapy is critical. While parents are facing the realities of divorce and the emotional trauma, they often don't have the time or inclination to help their children deal with their sense of abandonment, pain, loss or guilt. Children may even feel that they are to blame for their parents' problems. Therapy can help children to come to terms with these issues and find strategies to move forward in a positive way.

In the case where couples counselling is not an option, a therapist can help the person who was left behind deal with the grief from the divorce. Therapy is aimed at empowering the individual to overcome grief and negative emotions and to move forward as a single person.

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

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.

Mindfulness approaches

Mindfulness approaches help clients to be focused in the here and now. Generally rooted in Eastern meditative techniques,  Mindfulness approaches offer a non-judgmental alternative therapy for dealing with stress and other psychological issues.

By observing worrisome thoughts and learning to accept situations for what they are, people can learn to cope with issues better and make more productive choices.

Mindfulness approaches include a range of models, including dialectical behaviour therapy,  mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These approaches can be used in a wide range of settings to reduce the symptoms of a broad spectrum of psychological issues.  These therapies can be practiced effectively in individual or group therapy.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Mindfulness approaches, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

    • Online booking
Vernon Playroom Now Open! At Pathways Play Therapy Services, my mission is to support children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, strengthen their attachments, and increase their connection to self. As a play... Read more

Donna Steadman

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Langley, my job is to help you feel better.    Whether you are struggling with relationship issues, suffering from the pain and paralysis of depression, or... Read more

Danielle Peloquin

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Are things out of balance? Tired of the same old patterns? Stuck? Taking care of mental wellness is like maintaining a vehicle. Anxiety, depression, relationship trouble and anger may mean it's time for a tune-up.... Read more

Alita Dommann

M.D., RCC
Alita is an Adlerian Psychotherapist providing Individual and Couples Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Adler University Alumni. After working as a medical... Read more

Laurissa Kowalchuk

M.Ed., RCC
Our work together will allow us to explore both your internal and external experiences to shed the light of awareness on what may be contributing to the places that feel stuck and confusing, as well as those that... Read more

Paul Bains

M.A., RCC
Paul Bains, B.Sc., M.A., RCC is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He has over 25 years experience working with couples, families, children, adolescents and individual adults. Benefits you may gain or learn... Read more

Jennifer Turnbrook

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Life can have many challenges. Sometimes you can navigate through difficult things on your own while some issues are not so easily resolved. If you’re having a rough time and unsure how to get started, counselling... Read more

Sharon Southey

M.A., RCC
Sharon Southey is a skilled professional with a nursing background, who has been counselling people since 1992. She likes to work with individuals who are teenage or adult, families of all types and couples,... Read more

Sharon Jeyakumar

Ph.D., R.Psych
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and unable to move forward? Are you looking for a safe space to work through your challenges? I am a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ clinical experience across various... Read more

Cynthia Gyuk

B.S.W., RSW
Welcome and thank you for taking a moment to read my profile. As a Registered Social Worker with specialized training, I provide a compassionate and safe space to support individuals and families who may be ... Read more

Nadia Oomer

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have been working in the mental health and substance abuse sector for over twelve years. I work with clients with a wide variety of psychological, health and life problems... Read more

Heather Bach

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
For over 20 years, Heather Bach of Bach Counselling Group brings clinical expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD... Read more

Alma Vaugeois

M.A., RCC
You Don't Have to let Anxiety Run Your Life! Are you struggling in your life with anxiety or fear that you can't manage ? Does your anxiety keep you from following your dreams and creating the life you... Read more

Maureen Lee

Ph.D., RCC
Dr. Maureen Lee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in North Vancouver. She practices a client-centred approach to therapy which means you, the client, decide the outcome, goals and direction... Read more

Tara McCaffery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Tara McCaffery Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCTP Tara received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University and has over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life... Read more

Jeffrey Hoy

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am a therapist who wants to help you, in the way that works for you, and at the pace that works for you. I seek to create a safe, calm, and open place for you to explore what is really going on. I have lived a richly... Read more

Jena Tharani

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Relationship Counselling (for individuals or couples) with Jena is for you if you: - Struggle to communicate effectively in your relationship - Are struggling with a specific issue or a general sense of... Read more

Chelsie Pilon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of repeating the same limiting patterns in your life? Does anxiety, overwhelm, or depression feel like a constant battle for you? Maybe you feel stuck, confused and alone. My name is Chelsie Pilon, and I... Read more

Sandy Hawkins

M.A., RCC
"Although feelings of stress, anxiety, depression or relationship conflict may sometimes seem all-encompassing, they do not define who we are. Therapy is a process, and I believe we are each the experts of our own... Read more

Karen Goble

M.A., RCC
I’m a psychotherapist (MA, RCC) who offers therapy with heart. My private practice is a safe, nurturing space for acceptance and growth. I’m committed to helping my clients move courageously beyond... Read more

Christopher Conley

M.A., RCC
Sessions are available by phone or Zoom Pro online/video.  Grove Centre's mission as a respectful member of the community, is to support children and families within home, school and community... Read more

Deena Chochinov

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Deena is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in Vancouver since 2000. She works with individuals, couples and families and uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients find the self-... Read more