Family Violence
Domestic or family violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. This type of violent behaviour can be physical, but it can also be emotional, psychological, economic, legal, and spiritual. While domestic violence is a rampant problem, it's often undetected and misunderstood.
Many abusers engage in multiple types of abuse against their victims, and some children grow up believing this treatment is normal. If they question what's going on, they risk getting punished.
All types of family violence are dangerous and unacceptable. If you believe you're experiencing any kind of domestic abuse, help and support are available.
To begin therapy, book with:
Amy Parsons
Dayirai Kapfunde (virtual only)
Kim Cardinal
Samantha LeBlanc
Types of Family Violence
Family violence includes a diverse range of behaviours committed by one family member against another family member. The behaviours are intended to obtain (or maintain) a sense of power and control within the household. Some perpetrators are aware of their abusive patterns - and some will seek professional support - but many will deny, rationalize, or downright lie about their actions.
Family violence is multifaceted, but it can include:
Any type of physical abuse, including hitting, kicking, pushing, or otherwise using bodily force against someone else.
Sexual abuse of any kind
Intentionally destroying or violating someone else's personal property
Engaging in specific behaviours designed to make family members feel unsafe
Name-calling, criticizing, or berating someone else's behaviour
Neglect, such as failing to provide basic items like water, food, clothing, medicine, shelter, and safe supervision
Exploitation, such as using someone else for financial gain or other emotional needs
Many perpetrators and victims of family violence attempt to conceal the violence or deny the severity of abuse within the household. Some try to convince the children that they're overreacting to what they have witnessed. Family members might also use threats, guilt, and other forms of emotional manipulation to convince people to remain quiet.
What Should You Do If You're Being Abused by a Family Member?
If you recognize that abuse is happening in your home, it's normal to feel frightened, angry, and confused. You may worry that talking about the situation will make things worse. It's important to note that abusive relationships rarely improve on their own. If an adult is using emotional or physical violence against you, it's unlikely they will just stop.
There are laws against child abuse, and children are federally protected under the Criminal Code. Each province and territory has distinct laws to protect children from domestic violence. It is always against the law to assault someone or threaten to assault someone, regardless of their age.
Professionals who work with children and teenagers are mandated reporters, which means they must report child abuse if they know or suspect someone is in danger. Even though this can sound scary, this protection is meant to help keep you safe.
If someone at home is hurting you or another person, it's important to speak up about what's going on. Consider telling a trusted adult, whether that's a teacher, coach, friend's parent, or your therapist. Abuse is never your fault, even if an abuser wants you to believe it is.
If you are looking for immediate support, please check our list of resources here.
Therapy for Family Violence
Survivors of family violence often experience anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. Children, in particular, may act out in school or with friends. They may have a hard time trusting adults, and they might engage in bullying behaviour.
Therapy can help family violence victims gain control over their lives. Treatment may include a combination of safety planning, talk therapy, support groups, and learning healthy coping strategies. Young children may benefit from play therapy, and teenagers often need a safe place to explore their feelings and manage unwanted mental health symptoms.
Violent behaviour is unacceptable, and you deserve to have healthy relationships with your loved ones. If you need support for domestic violence, we are here for you or your child.
Family Violence Therapy in Fort McMurray
How to Start Therapy
Beginning therapy with Boreal Therapy Collective is easy and requires no referral. You can book your initial assessment here.
Understanding Length of Therapy and Treatment
Your first appointment will be 90-minutes long. For all future appointments, you can choose to book for 1 hour or 90-minutes. During your first appointment, your therapist will ask you questions to better understand you and your areas of struggle. This is known as an assessment. Depending on how much you share, the assessment phase can last anywhere from one to three appointments. The assessment is critical. It helps you and your therapist understand your goals, and it helps your therapist develop a treatment plan to support you in achieving these goals.
After the assessment is complete, treatment begins! In the treatment phase, you will validated and introduced to a variety of skills to support your mental health and wellness. Most people will have a therapy session every two weeks, and we recommend this for optimal treatment. Effective therapy typically takes somewhere between six to twelve appointments (for some more, others less). Many choose to continue therapy once formal treatment is complete. This is referred to as maintenance. People who do this typically have an appointment once every six to eight weeks. This is not a requirement and is a matter of personal choice.
Family Violence Therapy at Boreal Therapy Collective
Where We Are Located
We’re located at 8530 Manning Avenue, Unit 104. You’ll find us in the Service Canada building (on the side of the building that faces the Clearwater River). To check out our space, click here.
Parking is located at the front and back of the building. The front parking lot is closer to us but tends to fill up quickly. There is also an empty dirt lot adjacent to our office that many use for parking. If you park at the back (where Service Canada is located), you can walk around the building to reach our office. To learn more about parking, click here.
Importantly, you do not need to be in town for treatment. We offer in-person and virtual therapy and our therapists are happy to provide whatever option works best for you!
Rates & Benefit Coverage
Initial assessments are billed at a rate of $300.00 for a 90-minute appointment. Follow-up sessions are billed at a rate of $200.00/hour or $300.00/90-minutes (you can choose your preferred appointment length when booking). We offer direct billing to 25+ benefit providers. With your consent, we will always direct bill first. If we are unable to direct bill, you can pay via email money transfer or credit card. You will be given a receipt once payment has been collected. For more information, click here.
