Photo of Sebastian Shinwell, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Sebastian Shinwell
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
My therapeutic approach is centred on the client’s needs. Everyone comes from different and unique circumstances in life, and I believe that the therapy process should be unique to each client. For this reason, my approach is warm, judgment free, and draws on a variety of evidence-based therapeutic methods. Therapy can provide positive outcomes for a wide variety of reasons. My belief is that therapy itself can be a healing process. The act of sharing your thoughts, feelings, and worries is an essential step to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
My therapeutic approach is centred on the client’s needs. Everyone comes from different and unique circumstances in life, and I believe that the therapy process should be unique to each client. For this reason, my approach is warm, judgment free, and draws on a variety of evidence-based therapeutic methods. Therapy can provide positive outcomes for a wide variety of reasons. My belief is that therapy itself can be a healing process. The act of sharing your thoughts, feelings, and worries is an essential step to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
(647) 694-4993 View (647) 694-4993
Photo of Dr. Andrew Wong, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Dr. Andrew Wong
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6R
I am a doctoral level psychologist with 12 years of clinical and research experience. I provide assessment, therapy, and consultation to help children, adolescents, and adults through academic, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. By building a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship, I help clients adapt and grow when faced with challenges. I also guide my clients to tap into their strengths so that they can make the most comfortable choices in order to move forward. Along the way, we work together to create new strategies while modifying existing ones so that clients and their families will become more resilient.
I am a doctoral level psychologist with 12 years of clinical and research experience. I provide assessment, therapy, and consultation to help children, adolescents, and adults through academic, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. By building a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship, I help clients adapt and grow when faced with challenges. I also guide my clients to tap into their strengths so that they can make the most comfortable choices in order to move forward. Along the way, we work together to create new strategies while modifying existing ones so that clients and their families will become more resilient.
(877) 571-3037 View (877) 571-3037

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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.