Family Counselling (3+)

Families are complex systems — when one part changes, everyone feels it. Whether you’re navigating conflict, communication challenges, life transitions, or evolving family roles, family counselling offers a supportive space to slow down, listen, and rebuild understanding.

At In Good Company Counselling, we see family therapy as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster empathy. Our sessions help families develop healthier ways of relating to one another, while acknowledging the values, histories, and identities that shape how you connect.

When to consider family counselling

Families seek counselling for many reasons. You might notice increasing tension, distance, or recurring misunderstandings — or simply want to feel closer and more supported in your relationships.

Common themes we explore together include:

  • Communication breakdowns or recurring conflict

  • Parenting stress or transitions (including blended families)

  • Intergenerational tension or family-of-origin issues

  • Supporting a loved one’s mental health, identity, or transition

  • Processing grief, change, or loss within the family system

  • Navigating multi-partner or chosen-family relationships

You don’t have to be “in crisis” to benefit. Many families come simply to strengthen connection, clarify roles, or practice more compassionate ways of relating.

Our approach

We approach family counselling from a relational and systemic lens, understanding that each person’s voice matters and that family patterns are shaped by broader social, cultural, and generational factors.

Your counsellor will guide conversations with care and curiosity, helping family members:

  • Communicate needs and boundaries with clarity

  • Build empathy and emotional understanding

  • Address conflict without blame

  • Develop shared tools for decision-making and problem-solving

  • Reconnect to a sense of belonging and respect

Sessions are structured to ensure every participant feels seen and heard. Our therapists integrate approaches such as Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Narrative Therapy, grounded in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice.

Who we support

We welcome families of all shapes and configurations, including:

  • Parents and adult children

  • Blended and multi-generational families

  • Queer, trans, and chosen families

  • Multi-partner or polyamorous relationships (3+ participants)

Our goal is to create a safe, affirming environment where each person can explore their experience and feel valued within the whole.

What a typical process looks like

Complimentary 15-minute consultation. Finding the right fit matters. We offer a no-cost 15-minute phone call to discuss your goals as a couple or relationship unit and to see if our approach feels right for you.

First session. We start by understanding your relationship story, what brought you together, what’s been hard, and what you’re hoping will change. Together, we’ll clarify your shared goals and set a direction for therapy that supports healing and reconnection.

Ongoing work. Sessions are 50–80 minutes (depending on agreed-upon structure) and may include communication skill-building, emotional regulation strategies, attachment repair, or exploring family-of-origin patterns that influence how you relate and find connection within the relationship. 

Review & adapt. We periodically reflect together on what’s improving, what’s emerging, and what still needs attention — ensuring the process remains meaningful and responsive to both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Family counselling is ideal for three or more participants who share a close relationship — whether that’s a traditional family, chosen family, or relationship network. Your counsellor will help determine the most supportive configuration.

  • It’s common for some members to feel hesitant. Therapy can still begin with whoever is willing to participate; meaningful change can ripple through the system even if everyone isn’t in the room.

  • At this time, family counselling is offered in person only, as the in-room dynamic is central to this work. However, some family members may join virtually if distance is a barrier — discuss this option with your counsellor.

  • Yes. We support polyamorous, open, and other relationship structures with three or more participants. These sessions follow the same relational and systemic principles as family work, adapted for your unique context.

  • Every family is different. Some benefit from 4–6 sessions to address a specific issue, while others continue longer to deepen communication and connection. Your counsellor will collaborate with you to set goals and pacing.

Getting Started

You don’t have to do this alone, we’re here, in good company. 

Sessions are available in person at our downtown Vancouver offices or online anywhere in British Columbia.

  • Book a Phone Consultation

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  • Get Matched with a Therapist

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  • Visit Our FAQ

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Our Counsellors

Contact Us

In Good Company Counselling
Unit 205 – 402 W Pender
Vancouver, BC
get directions

236-471-6680
connect@igccounselling.ca

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that our healing work takes place on the traditional unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) & Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. We are committed to understanding the lasting impacts of colonization and working to actively decolonize ourselves and our practices.