Parents and families
Family Counselling & Parent Support
Supporting your child starts with supporting you.
I’m Emily Corkery, a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #006695) and former teacher. I see children from age 4, teens, young adults, adults and families in person in Stittsville (Ottawa) and online anywhere in Ontario, and I’m accepting new clients. The first step is a free 15-minute call.
When a child or teen is struggling, parents often feel worried, frustrated or unsure what to do next. You might be walking on eggshells, dreading the next meltdown, or feeling like nothing you try is working.
You’re one of the most important people in your child’s life, which also means you’re in a powerful position to help. Family counselling gives you support, practical skills and a calmer way forward.
When families reach out
- A child or teen has big emotions, anxiety, low mood or behaviour challenges.
- Conflict at home has become a pattern that’s hard to break.
- A child resists talking to a counsellor, and parents want to help from home.
- The family is adjusting to a change, such as a separation, a move or a loss.
- Parents want to feel more confident responding to their child’s emotions.
What is Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)?
EFFT puts parents and caregivers at the centre of a child’s support. Rather than working only with the child, it helps you:
- Understand what your child is feeling underneath their behaviour.
- Respond to big emotions in ways that help your child feel understood and settle.
- Support your child through change, step by step.
- Repair after conflict, so the relationship feels stronger.
- Notice and work through the worries or emotions that can get in the way for parents too.
EFFT can be used with children of any age, including teens and young adults. Parents can come to sessions on their own, with their child, or both.
How family counselling works
We start by understanding what’s happening at home and what you’d like to change. From there, we decide together who comes to which sessions. Some families start with a few parent-only sessions, then bring their child in. Others meet together from the start.
I also draw on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when they fit your family’s goals. As a former teacher, I often help families think through school challenges too.
Family and parent sessions work well in person in Stittsville or online anywhere in Ontario, which can be easier when parents are joining from different places.
Sessions, fees and scope
Sessions are 50 minutes: $170 for individual sessions and $200 for family sessions. No HST, and I provide receipts for insurance. See Fees and the FAQ for details.
Counselling with me focuses on emotional and everyday mental health concerns. I don’t provide diagnoses or formal assessments; if another kind of support would serve you better, I’ll help you think about where to turn.
Common questions
Does my child have to come to every session?
No. Some sessions may be for parents only. We decide together what will help most.
Can separated parents both take part?
Yes. Parents can attend together or separately, depending on what works for your family.
How much is a family session?
Family sessions are 50 minutes and cost $200, with no HST.
Related support
Let’s take the first step
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. A free 15-minute call is an easy way to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.
Book a free 15-minute callPrefer to talk? Call 613-577-2275
50-minute sessions · $170 individual · $200 family · No HST · Receipts for insurance