Family therapy: Why is it important?

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.