Blended Family Counselling

Blended families often find themselves challenged by the complex issues they face. The most frequently reported issue that couples argue about in re-marriages is children.

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What is Blended Family Counselling?

Blended families often find themselves surprised and challenged by the complex issues they face. The most frequently reported issue that couples argue about in re-marriages is children.

Couples in blended families are typically not prepared for: Disputes over parenting, money, privacy, vacations, responsibilities, boundaries, rituals, holidays, etc.

Couples can often feel overwhelmed, confused, discouraged, “depressed,” and self-doubting about their step-family situation.

Physiological symptoms can include

Muscle tension
Raised blood pressure
Trouble sleeping
Elevated heart rate
Increased sweating
Shaking
Shallow breathing
Fatigue

Psychological symptoms can include

Difficulty concentrating
Trouble retaining and/or processing information
Irritability
Restlessness
Feeling of being “on edge”

When to seek treatment

When the symptoms are persistent and severe, and social, cognitive and daily life is impacted. Some of these experiences are a typical part of being human in appropriate amounts. Otherwise, can be an indication of a medical and/or psychological problem. Out of the normal range they can cause substantial personal suffering, and significant difficulties in the areas of social and occupational effectiveness, as well as other areas of functioning (ie. self-care, health, etc.).

Please do not use the above for diagnostic purposes, as it is very general. Self-diagnosis can be harmful. Contact a healthcare provider to consult if you believe there is a concern.

How counselling can help

Quick-access counselling for immediate issues is an innovative and effective solution for Ontarians experiencing mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship conflicts. It has proven to divert emergency department mental health visits by tackling mental health issues before they escalate into a crisis. Additionally, a reduction in primary care usage is realized when Quick Access Mental Health counselling clinics are available and accessed

Who blended family counselling is for

Clinicians at CFS Counselling + Wellbeing can provide assistance regarding: Step family structure (realistic expectations, how your family changes over time, stages you may progress through), parenting strategies (helping you and your children adjust to blended family life) and how to be unified as a couple (view time alone together as a necessity, children benefit from the model of a happy relationship, disagree in private).

Ways We Serve You

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(No need for appointments at our walk-in clinics)

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Mon, Thurs, Fri: 9am-5pm
Tues, Wed: 9am-8pm

Why Choose CFS?

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing is the only family service agency in Simcoe County and Muskoka. We are dedicated to offering high quality, affordable and accessible services to support the growing and changing needs of individuals, couples, families and workplaces across our region.

Inclusive Programming

CFS welcomes all members of our local communities, without the need for a referral or diagnosis. We strive to create safe spaces for everyone.

Ease of Service Access

CFS welcomes all members of our local communities, without the need for a referral or diagnosis. We strive to create safe spaces for everyone.

Our Counselling Process

Click on the icons below to review our process.

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Session

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Next Steps

Book

At CFS, all adult counselling programs begin with a session at one of our no-cost #ready2talk counselling Clinics. Appointments can be made online for an in-person or virtual session. Alternatively, you may plan to arrive early to our first-come, first-served walk-in clinic every Wednesday afternoon in Barrie – no appointment required.

Our adult counselling program offers high-quality sessions with experienced social workers and psychotherapists who are registered with their professional colleges. Sessions may be used for individual, couples or family counselling and focus on a topic of your choosing.

Session

Regardless of whether you’re arriving for an individual, couples or family session, you don’t have to be concerned about knowing what to do. It’s the job if our professional counsellors to put you at ease and set the stage for a helpful conversation.

Please be aware that babies and children who are not part of individual and couples counselling sessions are not permitted in the session room. At this time, our agency does not provide childminding services. Prior to attending, please contact our Client Care Coordinator at (705) 726-2503 if you need assistance in attending.

Survey

All counselling clients are asked to complete a short survey after their session. This ongoing feedback allows CFS to continuously access our services, and advocate on behalf of clients for more accessible programming.

Surveys are completed online and take about five minutes. All results are confidential. If client comments are used in CFS marketing materials, details are changed to protect the identity of our clients.

Next Steps

For many individuals, couples and families, a visit to CFS’s single-session, #ready2talk Counselling Clinic provides the assistance they’re looking for. If they wish to return to the clinic, they may – up to twice per month! Our funder, Ontario’s Ministry of Health, ensures there is no cost for this service.

For others, at their counsellors’ discretion, there is an opportunity to continue into a multi-session block for individual, couples and family counselling. The cost of these sessions is not currently covered by OHIP or a funder and are valued at $150/session. However, as a registered charity dedicated to equity, CFS has a flexible pay-what-you-can fee structure designed for inclusion. Many private health insurance plans cover counselling services. Receipts will be provided.

Client Rights & Responsibilities

At CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, we foster a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels safe and valued. We do not tolerate discriminatory or aggressive behaviors and expect all clients, staff, volunteers, and partners to contribute to this positive environment. I understand that a failure to uphold this culture of respect may result in termination of services.

Frequently Asked Questions

With the number of locations and mental health and wellbeing services offered by CFS, we know the details can become confusing.

While you can contact us at 1-888-726-2503 or info@cfssc.ca, we’ve also compiled this list of FAQs for you to browse in the meantime. Maybe your question will be on the list!

View all FAQs

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Is there a fee for this service?

Yes, although CFS is committed to delivering the same high-quality, professional services to all residents and employees regardless of their ability to pay. Our multi-session counselling blocks are valued at $150/session. If this amount is a barrier to service, CFS does offer a sliding scale option at the time of booking.

What happens if I cancel or do not attend my session? Will I still be charged?

CFS has reserved this time for you and requires at least 2 business days’ notice to avoid a charge to your account. Failure to do so will result in being charged the full amount of the session fee. We understand that emergencies arise when we least expect them to. If this occurs, please discuss the situation with your clinician.

Will my employee health insurance plan cover the fee?

CFS’s clinical team consists of registered social workers and psychotherapists. Most insurance plans cover registered social workers and/or psychotherapists. To avoid disappointment, please check your coverage to ensure that your insurance plan does indeed cover counselling services with one of these providers - and that your coverage matches the credentials of your assigned clinician.

What methods of payment do you take?

We take e-transfer, credit card, and cash (if your session is in person).

Can I claim my receipt?

Yes! Your receipt will include your clinician’s professional designation (e.g., Bachelor or Master of Social Work, Master of Counselling), and their registration number. At this time, we do not direct bill. However, you can submit your receipt to your healthcare insurance provider following your payment to our agency. If you do not have healthcare insurance or if your insurance does not cover the entire fee, you may be eligible to claim the uncovered portion of your fee on your year-end personal income tax forms. Please discuss your eligibility with your tax preparer.

Why is there a fee for service?

Although CFS is a non-profit agency, we rely on a variety of revenue sources to meet the needs of our operating expenses. Client fees contribute directly towards our clinical programs and provide CFS with the ability to continue offering inclusive community-based counselling and psychotherapy sessions.

Book an Appointment

With the exception of CFS’s walk-in counselling clinics, all counselling services now require an appointment. To book your session, click the Book Now button and you’ll be directed to our online booking tool. If no appointments are currently available, please check back soon. New appointments are added daily. If you require support in securing your appointment, please call 1-888-726-2503.

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