Relational & Family Therapy

My approach to Family Therapy and Relational Therapy is to help reduce conflict, increase connection and increase understanding.  It is common for physical and mental health conditions, substance use, transitions and betrayal to create chaos in relationships.  The focus of my work is to help find new ways of connecting that help evolving relationships.  This can mean many things from working with those of the sandwich generation (those caring for children, youth and their own parents), dynamic relationships (consensual non-monogamous, common law, undefined), couples or individual therapy with a focus on interpersonal dynamics.

Rules of confidentiality continue to apply and there is additional consideration paid to managing dual relationships.  

Confidentiality and consent to share information conversations are ongoing in family and relational therapy.

Children and youth’s involvement in family therapy requires all guardians to be aware of the children and youth’s engagement in therapy ideally with all guardians providing consent for their loved one to participate.  In accordance with the Family Law Act it is expected that the guardian with decision making powers inform other guardians of their children and youth’s participation in counselling.  Tyler Lampard Counselling will respect and follow court orders, please inform me of any orders that are in place.

In efforts to support parents in those situations where there are safety concerns or challenges in obtaining consent please let me know so I can ensure the appropriate supports are in place.

Session format is a blend of group and individual sessions in efforts to ensure safety and appropriate process.  Group sessions may be for all involved, parents or all partners when it is most effective.  Individual sessions are done to support the group process and address individual issues that may not be appropriate in the group sessions or require specific attention in efforts to move forward with group work.  

In some situations individuals may be required to seek out their own separate counsellor to address concerns if requiring more support.  Examples of situations where this would be beneficial would be during legal separations, seeking treatment for problematic substance use, mental health and in situations in which violence has occurred. 

Family and relational work is different from a lot of other therapy approaches as while there are standard approaches and processes it is less formulaic than other individual focused styles of counselling.  To engage in this type of work requires a commitment and if you have read this far likely you are already committed to attending to the relational concern present in your life.