Parenting toddlers can feel like a rollercoaster, but connection doesn’t have to be complicated. In our Island Parent feature article, we explore how play, your child’s first language, can turn daily struggles into moments of cooperation and joy. Even small bursts of silliness help build trust, ease tension, and make family life feel lighter.

Finding connection around the table this Thanksgiving starts with intention. It means focusing on warmth and understanding rather than perfection. By choosing topics that bring people closer, redirecting tense moments, and responding with calm and kindness, we can create a gathering that feels peaceful, meaningful, and full of genuine connection.

Boys can unlearn toxic masculinity and develop healthy, authentic strength. Harbour Family Counselling helps young men grow with empathy and balance.

Support your daughter with middle school friendship issues by listening with empathy, teaching healthy relationship skills, and guiding her when friendships feel difficult or limited.

Old childhood roles and rivalries can continue to affect adult sibling relationships, but they do not have to define them. With understanding and support, siblings can break free from those patterns. Family counselling offers tools to improve communication, ease tension, and create more balanced, caring relationships.

In Victoria, BC, counselling sessions typically range from $35 to $210 per session, depending on the counsellor’s experience, qualifications, and the type of service offered. Most private counselling rates fall between $140 and $170, with specialized or highly experienced practitioners charging more.

Family counselling creates a safe, supportive space where everyone can be heard and understood. It helps families navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and build lasting patterns of connection through calm, compassionate conversations rather than blame or judgment.

In Canada, counsellors and therapists are essentially the same. While “therapy” can suggest deeper, long-term work and “counselling” shorter-term support, Registered Clinical Counsellors in BC are trained to do both. In practice, you do not need to choose between them. What matters most is finding the right person to help you.

Harbour Family Counselling is thrilled to welcome Maria Butler, RCC, to our team. Learn about her background, approach, and why we’re proud to recommend her.

Kids often lie not out of defiance, but to avoid punishment, prevent conflict, or manage emotions. Understanding why children lie helps parents respond with empathy and guide them toward honesty and trust.

Children today are growing up with smartphones and social media. Jonathan Haidt’s research shows the impact on kids’ mental health and what parents can do.

Here is explained Dr. Daniel Siegel’s groundbreaking approach to parenting. Brain science, connection, and emotional attunement can help your child thrive.