Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to address issues that impact the health and functioning of a family system. It brings family members together in a structured setting to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. Whether your family is facing a specific crisis or navigating ongoing challenges, therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, identify patterns, and build a path forward together.
Therapy Can Benefit You If...
You’re navigating a major transition or loss...
Life transitions can bring uncertainty and emotional strain to the entire family. Whether it's adjusting to a divorce, blending two households, grieving a loved one, or coping with relocation or serious illness, each member may process the change differently. Therapy helps families make sense of change, express emotions in healthy ways, and support one another through periods of adjustment.
There’s unresolved conflict between family members...
Unspoken tension, unresolved arguments, or historical wounds between parents, siblings, or generations can quietly undermine the health of the family unit. These conflicts often resurface in daily life, affecting trust and emotional safety. Family therapy provides a neutral space where issues can be explored without judgment, helping families move toward understanding, forgiveness, and resolution.
A Child or Adolescent Is Struggling Emotionally or Behaviorally
When a child or teen experiences anxiety, depression, school issues, or behavioral concerns, the entire family can be affected. Therapy helps caregivers understand what’s behind the child’s behavior, learn supportive parenting techniques, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. It also empowers siblings and other family members to respond with empathy and consistency.
There Are Differences in Parenting Styles or Household Expectations
Parents or caregivers may have different views on discipline, boundaries, chores, or routines—especially in blended families or multicultural households. These differences can cause confusion for children and strain between adults. Family therapy helps clarify values, set shared expectations, and foster cooperation, so that the household operates from a place of unity and mutual respect.
Your Family Is Experiencing Recurring Patterns of Tension
When the same arguments or issues keep arising—despite everyone’s best efforts—it may be a sign of deeper, underlying patterns. These might include roles that family members unconsciously adopt, emotional cutoffs, or generational dynamics. Therapy can uncover and shift these patterns, replacing frustration with compassion and creating new, healthier ways to relate to each other.
Your Family Is Navigating the Challenges of Adoption or Fostering
Adopting a child or fostering a young person is a life-changing experience, but it often comes with unique emotional and behavioural challenges. Children who come from difficult or traumatic backgrounds—whether through adoption, foster care, or the welfare system—may struggle with attachment, trust, and trauma-related behaviours. These struggles can create stress for the entire family, as parents may feel unsure about how to provide the emotional support their child needs. Family therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where adoptive and foster families can explore these challenges, understand the impact of trauma, and learn how to build a secure, trusting attachment.
Discover The Benefits
Our licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to work with families of all backgrounds, structures, and life stages. We honour the uniqueness of each family and tailor our support to meet your specific needs.
Who We Help
We work with all types of families, including:
-
Nuclear families
-
Blended families and stepfamilies
-
Single-parent households
-
Co-parenting and divorced families
-
Multigenerational families
-
LGBTQIA+ families
​
Our therapists are trained to work across cultural, generational, and identity-based differences, ensuring that every family feels respected and understood.
Why Choose STAR?
At STAR, we understand that every family is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care that addresses the specific needs of your family. Our experienced therapists specialize in helping families navigate complex emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges, from communication breakdowns to trauma recovery.
Experienced Therapists
Our team brings warmth, professionalism, and a wide range of evidence-based approaches to every session.
Client-Centered Care
We tailor each session to your needs, goals, and pace. You’re the expert on your life—we’re here to support, not direct.
​Flexible Therapy Options
In-person, virtual, phone, or walk-and-talk—we make it easy to get support in a way that fits your lifestyle.
In-Person Sessions
Join us at our Vaughan office for a calming, confidential space to engage in therapy face-to-face. In-person sessions allow for deeper presence and a grounded environment away from the distractions of home
Phone Sessions
Prefer a voice-only session? Phone therapy offers privacy, ease, and accessibility—no video required. It’s a great option if you're camera-shy, on the move, or just need a flexible, low-pressure way to talk. All you need is a quiet space and a phone.
Virtual Session
Secure, convenient, and just as effective as in-person sessions, virtual therapy allows you to connect from wherever you're most comfortable. Ideal for busy schedules, parents, or anyone looking for flexibility across the GTA. All sessions are conducted through a secure, encrypted platform.
Walk-and-Talk
This unique and dynamic approach to therapy takes your session outside the traditional office and into nature. Walk-and-talk therapy allows you to engage in meaningful conversation with the combination of light physical activity,