Frequently Asked Questions:

What is family therapy all about, anyway? 

Family therapy had it's beginnings in the early 1950's.  Therapists in the United States began to shift from perceiving the individual as the source of the "problem" to a seeing that there was a family context by which the difficulty expressed in the individual could be understood.  Therefore, the family was treated by the therapist, and not merely the individual member of the family.  Dr. Murray Bowen was a pioneer in this approach.  This was an enormous change, as traditional therapies did not fully explore  the intense family interactions and understand what appeared to be significant impacts on the individual members in the family.  Family therapy views the individual through the lens of the family system and therefore addresses problems with that perspective in mind.

How would I know that I need therapy?

The reasons can vary greatly and can include persistent feelings of depression or anxiety, spousal difficulties, loss of a relationship with a partner, family changes, vocational concerns, health worries, pre-spousal counselling, a desire to explore "unfinished family business", parenting concerns and developmental changes to name just a few.  Sometimes clients express that having someone to share their story with and to be listened to is in itself a powerful experience that they may not get elsewhere in their lives.

Who is involved?

Typically, family therapy is an orientation; therefore the same method is used whether the therapist is seeing an individual client or a couple or family.  As family therapists think that problems do not exist in isolation, in most situations family members - this can be a partner or spouse as well - are encouraged to participate even if one client is requesting a consult. There are other times, however, when it is not appropriate for a family or other people to join a session with a client. 

What happens at the first visit? 

The first time I meet with a client, a Genogram, or "family tree" is conducted.  This helps me to understand the individual(s) from a multi-generational perspective, and assists me in asking questions that are germane to the circumstances pertaining to the client's stated need.  From that family diagram, I will ask questions about the influences that their family had upon their development and will try to place the difficulty expressed within the context of their family, as appropriate.  From that point, I will help the client(s) to explore such things as family history, family themes, functionality, boundaries, anxiety, communication styles, relationship patterns & dynamics, loss, change, etc.and look at the present and the discuss how the client wishes to create their future and their goals. At all times, safety and respect guide what is hoped to be a very rewarding  and exciting process!

How often do sessions take place?  What about the cost?

Generally, I like to see clients on a weekly basis - depending on the circumstances - for up to 2 or 3 months.  After that, sessions may be every 2 weeks and diminsh to monthly consults.  Many clients may wish to be seen every few months after the more frequent amount of sessional work has taken place.  Change, if it is to be desired and sustained, may take at least 9 months to a year to achieve, perhaps with additional consults each 4-6 months subsequent or as necessary; clients will decide whether this is appropriate for them.

The fees for Family of Origin therapy will vary on a sliding scale.  However,I do not wish to allow cost to be an impediment for someone seeking assistance with a difficult situation or a desire  to explore their family.  My standard fee is $80.00 per one hour session, and a reduction of fee will be discussed as requested. I do not accept insurance benefits - it is strictly fee-for-service.

Are sessions confidential?

The content of sessions is held in confidence with the exception of when a client discloses current or active physical or sexual abuse of others, suicidality or homicidal intent.  In such cases, I will discuss with the client the legality of notifying the proper authorities as required by law.

How do I set up an appointment?

I can be reached at either the telephone number given - 604-685-6857 or through email: astamp@shaw.ca 

I will respond to your query as quickly as possible.  Appointments can usually be arranged within one week, and are available after normal business hours, if desired. Clients are kindly asked to provide 24 hours notice should they be unable to keep their appointment, and will thus avoid any charges.

Where is the office located?

The office is located on the 10th floor of the Marine Building, the famous 1930  Art Deco Tower at Burrard & Hastings.  The Marine Building is within 1-2 blocks of several transit systems, including two SkyTrain -Stations - Burrard and Waterfront , is near the terminus for the West Coast Express and Sea Bus systems and is steps away from stops on city busses.  There is parking in several parkades in the area, and there is also meter parking on Burrard, Hastings and Cordova Streets.