Since its inception in the early 1990’s, the Pomerantz Foundation has dedicated its resources to supporting education, social intervention and health organizations that help children who are different and their families. Terry Pomerantz and the leaders of this family foundation, as well as all those who work with children’s organizations, stress the importance of family harmony in helping children thrive.
Sources of imbalance in family harmony
Several unpredictable events can gradually or suddenly throw the harmony of a family off balance. These may include the illness of a spouse, bereavement, the emergence of conflicts between children and parents in a blended family, financial problems or conflicts related to telecommuting and distance learning. Often, these problems lead to new ones, worse than their causes. These problems can include anorexia, bulimia, addiction (gambling, alcohol, drugs, etc.) and verbal and physical abuse.
When should I seek family therapy?
Family therapy comes into play when there is a deterioration in family relationships. This breakdown in serene communication between family members leads to denial, lies, denial of responsibility and inability to face reality. These drifts have major consequences on the family balance and the well-being of children and spouses.
Don’t wait until tensions escalate into conflict and aggression before asking your children and partner to participate in family therapy.
What is family therapy?
Family therapy consists of a series of consultations with a specialized psychologist. These consultations take place in a neutral and calm atmosphere that allows each person to express their perceptions and emotions. This way, unspoken and false perceptions are revealed to everyone.
How can a family psychologist help you?
A family psychologist will help all members of the family to thrive by helping to re-establish communication between individuals within the family. When communication is re-established, tensions are reduced, and family ties are strengthened rather than broken.
Who is family therapy for?
Children, teenagers and parents like to express themselves in a calm atmosphere where active listening is present. The therapist manages the conversations in such a way that no judgement or positional statements are made that would inhibit what someone is trying to express.
How to find a therapist?
To find family therapy specialists, you can visit several websites such as the Ordre des psychologues du Québec and eMentalHealth.ca.
Organisations supported by the Pomerantz Foundation
Many of the organisations that the Pomerantz Foundation assists are involved directly or indirectly in various forms of family therapy. If these organizations cannot help you directly, they can refer you to specialized practitioners. These include Sun Youth, the Yaldei Developmental Center, the Center for Child Development and Mental Health of the Jewish General Hospital and the West Island Women’s Centre.
The Pomerantz Foundation
Over the years, the Pomerantz Foundation has donated millions of dollars to charities that help children in need and children who are different. All donations received by the Pomerantz Foundation are fully and completely donated to the many organizations it supports.
When a family notices that one of its members is experiencing behavioral difficulties, Terry Pomerantz recommends seeking the assistance of competent individuals as soon as possible. “Those involved with families in need of support consistently stress the importance of seeking competent help as soon as any member exhibits unusual behavior,” he states.
I propose a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section which, I hope, will answer your main questions about family therapy.
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy aims to improve communication within the family unit to ease relational difficulties among its members.
What Happens During a Family Therapy Session?
A family therapy session includes the family members and the therapist, typically lasting about 45 minutes. The therapist’s role is to introduce the family to new perspectives that help understand the dynamics among its members.
What is a Family Therapist?
A family therapist provides support and guidance to families dealing with everyday challenges.
How to Obtain Free Psychological Services?
- By contacting Info-Social at 811
- By visiting your family medicine group (GMF)
- By going to a CLSC
- By consulting a community mental health organization
- By visiting the emergency department of a hospital if the situation is severe
When Should You Consult a Family Therapist?
Consult a family therapist as soon as a family member experiences problems that affect the family’s balance. This can include parental disputes, parent-child conflicts, psychological distress, school dropout, or financial difficulties.
Behavioral Changes to Monitor
- Mood changes, aggressiveness
- Discouragement
- Decision-making difficulties
- Isolation
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Feeling overwhelmed: “I have too much on my plate!”
Why is Family Therapy Effective?
During sessions, the therapist creates a neutral environment that allows each family member to express their perceptions, feelings, untold stories, and fears. Gradually, the family members begin to view the situation less dramatically, the family dynamics improve, and tensions decrease. Each family member learns to express their point of view and to listen to others, restoring previously defective communication.
Difference Between Family Counseling and Family Therapy
Both family counseling and family therapy aim to identify and resolve family problems to develop and maintain healthy family relationships.
However, family therapists and family counselors have different qualifications. Typically, a family counselor holds a bachelor’s degree, while a family therapist holds a master’s degree in psychology and is licensed to practice.
How to Become a Family Therapist?
L’Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ) currently recognizes only McGill University, which offers a Master of Applied Science in marital and family therapy. This program provides access to a license for marital and family therapy issued by OTSTCFQ and a psychotherapist license issued by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec.
Entrepreneur and prominent figure in Montreal's real estate and manufacturing sectors, Terry Pomerantz approaches every aspect of life with heart and character. At the helm of Domfoam and T.R.A.M.S Property Management, he carries on his late father's legacy while dedicating his philanthropic commitment to the Pomerantz Foundation, which has been actively supporting children's causes since 1991.