5 Available Calgary Family Therapists
therapy for families
Calgary Family Therapists
Takeaway: Recognizing signs that you need family counselling is critical for maintaining a healthy family dynamic. If you're experiencing persistent family communication issues, frequent conflicts, or signs of family dysfunction, it may be time to seek family therapy.
Family counselling can help address common family problems such as parenting disagreements, unresolved trauma, and poor conflict resolution.Consulting with a qualified family therapist can help improve family relationships and provide strategies for successfully navigating complex family dynamics.
5 Best Calgary Family Therapists
1. Marizabel Forno
Marizabel Forno is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who recognizes that every person's journey is unique and offers specialized support for adults navigating ADHD, and parents seeking answers about their children's learning needs.
She excels as a family therapist because of her collaborative, person-centered, and evidence-based approach that creates a warm, non-judgmental space where she meets families exactly where they are, helping them navigate challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, and life transitions together.
Her focus on building practical tools for long-term growth, emotional regulation, and stronger sense of self empowers entire families to move forward with purpose and clarity, whether they're dealing with relationship challenges, performance issues, or major life changes.
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Registered Provisional Psychologist (CAPP)
Education:
Master of Counselling
Undergrad & university completed at Mount Royal University
Post grad & university completed at City University of Seattle
Approaches and Modalities
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Trauma-Informed
Motivational InterviewingSomatic Therapies
Strength Based Therapy
Years Practicing: 5
2. Smyrna Gonzalez
Smyrna Gonzalez is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with experience helping youth, adults, and couples through change-oriented therapy designed to promote empowerment when facing life's challenges.
She makes an excellent Calgary family therapist because she deeply understands the vulnerability that comes with seeking help and sharing personal thoughts and feelings, approaching each client with honor and excitement to create goals as unique as they are.
Her commitment to providing a safe and warm environment where every family member feels heard, seen, and understood creates the ideal foundation for meaningful therapeutic progress and lasting change.
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Alberta Registered Provisional Psychologist (CAPP)
Education
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP)
Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University
Approaches and Modalities
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Solution Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Strengths-Based Approach
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma-Informed
Socratic Method – Socratic Dialogue
Years Practicing: 2.5
3. Laura Laidlaw, MA, RPC
Laura Laidlaw is a Licensed Professional Canadian Counsellor with a decade of clinical experience. She helps children, adults, and families work through trauma, heal their relationships, and navigate eating disorders.
Laura’s approach to family therapy is integrative and evidence-based, making her an excellent fit for families with complex dynamics who want to foster more understanding and create lasting positive change. She creates a safe, compassionate environment where every family member feels heard.
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Canadian Clinical Counsellor
Education:
University of Manitoba bachelor (psychology)
Post grad- Mental Health and Addiction - Camosun College
Masters in Counseling Psychology - Yorkville University
Years Practicing: 10
4. Lorena Koenig, MSW
Lorena is a Registered Social Worker in Alberta with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), British Columbia College of Social Workers, and Ontario College of Social Workers, Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
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Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Education:
Master of Social Work
Undergrad & university completed at University of Calgary
Post grad & university completed at University of Calgary
Years Practicing: 2.5
5. Shelly Qualtieri
Shelly Qualtieri is a Registered Social Worker with over 30 years of experience. She makes an exceptional family therapist because of her deep belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, combined with her practical, bite-sized approach that provides real tools rather than abstract concepts.
Her 16 years of clinical experience and trauma-informed, evidence-based methods help families build clarity, confidence, and long-term resilience while meeting them exactly where they are in their healing journey.
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Alberta Registered Social Worker (RSW, MA)
Education:
Bachelor's Degree, University of Calgary
Graduate Degree, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Approaches and Modalities
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Strength Based Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Person-Centered
Somatic Therapies
Mindfulness Based
Stress Reduction
Narrative Therapy
Trauma-Informed
Years Practicing: 20
Who Calgary Family Counselling is for?
Our Calgary Family Therapy team specializes in working with diverse family structures. Our team is here to provide tailored support for your unique family needs.
Blended Families:
Family therapy is particularly valuable for blended families, providing essential support for step-parenting challenges, fostering unity, and promoting positive relationships.
Grief and Loss Support:
Families navigating grief and loss can benefit from family therapy, which offers a supportive space to cope with emotional challenges.
Parent-Child Relationship Enhancement:
Family therapy addresses parent-child relationship struggles, offering guidance in conflict resolution and improving connections. If you have a troubled child or teenager who has experienced trauma, is being bullied, struggles with a learning or developmental disability, or has other mental health concerns, all family members may be affected.
Life Transition Adjustment:
Families undergoing transitional life stages, such as children leaving for college, can find assistance in family therapy to adjust to new dynamics.
Stress Management for Families:
Family therapy is effective in supporting families in high-stress environments, providing coping strategies, and improving communication.
Learn more about us.
FAQs about working with a family therapist in Calgary
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Family counselling is most effective when all relevant family members, including parents, children, and siblings, actively participate. The decision on who should be involved depends on the specific issues and family dynamics. Your family counsellor will consider factors such as the presenting concerns, current family dynamics, age of children, etc. In some cases, extended family members may also benefit from participation. It's crucial that individuals willingly engage in the process, and if there is resistance, open communication about the potential benefits can be helpful. Consultation with a mental health professional can provide personalized guidance on the most appropriate approach for your family.
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Family counselling sessions can be conducted either in person or virtually. In-person sessions offer face-to-face interactions, fostering non-verbal communication and a sense of physical presence. However, virtual counselling provides convenience and flexibility, allowing families to engage from the comfort of their homes. The choice between the two depends on factors such as scheduling preferences, comfort with technology, and the nature of the issues being addressed. Both formats can be effective, and some families may opt for a combination of in-person and virtual sessions based on their unique needs.
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If you're facing resistance to family counseling from a loved one, initiate an open dialogue to address concerns and emphasize the positive outcomes, such as improved communication and stronger relationships. Offer the option of individual counseling as a stepping stone and assure them that counseling is a collaborative, non-blaming process. Patience and understanding are key, and seeking professional advice for yourself can provide strategies for navigating the situation effectively. Remember, successful counseling hinges on voluntary participation and a willingness to engage in the therapeutic process.
Please reach out directly if they have additional questions here, or you can call us at 587.229.8529.