Photo of Pamela C. Smith, Registered Psychotherapist in M9B, ON
Pamela C. Smith
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9B  (Online Only)
I believe in the healing capacity of people and my role as a psychotherapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment to help people access their own potential within. My therapeutic approach is diverse and includes transpersonal, solution-focused, client-centred, mindfulness, and narrative psychotherapies. I approach therapy and the clients I serve by connecting to the needs and unique style of each person I am supporting. I work with people navigating various difficulties including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues and more. I have extensive experience in grief and trauma.
I believe in the healing capacity of people and my role as a psychotherapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment to help people access their own potential within. My therapeutic approach is diverse and includes transpersonal, solution-focused, client-centred, mindfulness, and narrative psychotherapies. I approach therapy and the clients I serve by connecting to the needs and unique style of each person I am supporting. I work with people navigating various difficulties including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues and more. I have extensive experience in grief and trauma.
(647) 699-2427 View (647) 699-2427

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Family Therapy Counsellors

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.