Family Kinnections

09/13/2025

Don't miss our upcoming block of "Not Your Typical Teen Group". Start date moved to September 25th.

Traditional therapy isn't for every teen. We get that. That's why we have developed a program that meets teens where they are at. This low-demand environment focuses on recreation, connection, and hanging out. Through this model we support teens in building connections, talking through tough stuff, and developing a sense of confidence and competence. It's not like traditional therapy, but it does meet teens where they are at.

🌟 Not Every Teen Wants Therapy — But Every Teen Deserves Support

Traditional therapy isn’t for everyone. Some teens feel uncomfortable talking one-on-one or sitting in a therapist’s office — but they still need connection, coping tools, and a place to belong.

That’s where our Not Your Typical Teen Group comes in.

This recreational, youth-driven group helps teens build confidence and well-being through activities they actually enjoy — video games, board games, and fun group challenges — while connecting with peers who understand them.

Through play and shared experiences, teens can:

Build social confidence and meaningful friendships

Develop coping strategies for stress and emotions

Explore identity and self-compassion in a low-pressure way

Improve their overall sense of mental well-being

There’s no pressure to talk, no expectation to “perform” or mask — just a safe space to grow and connect.

Facilitated by a registered psychotherapist, this is an OAP eligible expense, and covered by many extended healthcare insurance plans.

📍 St. Catharines, ON
🗓 Starts September 18, 2025, 7-9pm
💲 $190/week

Spots are limited so we can keep the group small and supportive.
Learn more and register by email: admin@familykinnections.ca

08/24/2025

I'm often asked about play therapy, and this video really gets to the heart of how many different ways we can approach play therapy!

08/17/2025

🌟 New Virtual DBT Group for Teens – Starting Sept 16th! 🌟

Is your teen struggling with big emotions, stress, or relationships?
We know how hard it can be to watch them feel overwhelmed — and how much you want to see them thrive. 💙

Our 8-week Virtual DBT Group helps teens learn practical skills to:
✔ Manage intense emotions
✔ Build meaningful relationships
✔ Increase self-awareness
✔ Improve mood

What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These are life skills every teen can benefit from — especially during challenging years.

👩‍⚕️ Facilitator: Carley Ross, MACP, BScN, RN – Registered Psychotherapist
💻 Format: Virtual (accessible anywhere!)
📅 When: 8 weeks, starting Sept 16, 2025
⏰ Time: Tuesdays, 4:30–6:00pm
💲 Cost: $90/session (may be covered by insurance or OAP funding)

➡ Spots are limited! Reserve your teen’s spot today: admin@familykinnections.ca

Help your teen gain the skills to navigate emotions, strengthen relationships, and build resilience. 💪✨

08/17/2025

🌟 New Virtual DBT Group for Teens – Starting Sept 16th! 🌟

Is your teen struggling with big emotions, stress, or relationships?
We know how hard it can be to watch them feel overwhelmed — and how much you want to see them thrive. 💙

Our 8-week Virtual DBT Group helps teens learn practical skills to:
✔ Manage intense emotions
✔ Build meaningful relationships
✔ Increase self-awareness
✔ Improve mood

What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These are life skills every teen can benefit from — especially during challenging years.

👩‍⚕️ Facilitator: Carley Ross, MACP, BScN, RN – Registered Psychotherapist
💻 Format: Virtual (accessible anywhere in Ontario!)
📅 When: 8 weeks, starting Sept 16, 2025
⏰ Time: Tuesdays, 4:30–6:00pm
💲 Cost: $90/session (may be covered by insurance or OAP funding)

➡ Spots are limited! Reserve your teen’s spot today: admin@familykinnections.ca

Help your teen gain the skills to navigate emotions, strengthen relationships, and build resilience. 💪✨

07/30/2025

Maybe. Lol.

07/19/2025

🧠 Helping Tweens and Young Teens Thrive — Therapy without feeling like therapy.

Middle school can be a tough time. Friendships shift, emotions run high, and coping skills are still developing. Not every young person feels comfortable in traditional therapy — but they still deserve support.

That’s why we created The Gathering Spot, a therapeutic group for Grades 6–8 that blends fun, structure, and skill-building in a way that feels natural for youth.

Through games, art, and group activities, participants will:

Learn how to handle stress and big emotions

Build healthy friendships and social confidence

Explore mental health topics in a safe, age-appropriate way

Feel supported — without therapy feeling like “therapy”

Facilitated by Meghan Maynard, Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with over 20 years of experience supporting youth.
Eligible for OAP funding and covered by many extended health plans.

📍 St. Catharines, ON
🗓 Thursdays 4:30–6:30 PM, starting September 18, 2025
💲 $190/week (OAP-eligible expense)

Spots are limited — register now: admin@familykinnections.ca

07/19/2025

🌟 Not Every Teen Wants Therapy — But Every Teen Deserves Support

Traditional therapy isn’t for everyone. Some teens feel uncomfortable talking one-on-one or sitting in a therapist’s office — but they still need connection, coping tools, and a place to belong.

That’s where our Not Your Typical Teen Group comes in.

This recreational, youth-driven group helps teens build confidence and well-being through activities they actually enjoy — video games, board games, and fun group challenges — while connecting with peers who understand them.

Through play and shared experiences, teens can:

Build social confidence and meaningful friendships

Develop coping strategies for stress and emotions

Explore identity and self-compassion in a low-pressure way

Improve their overall sense of mental well-being

There’s no pressure to talk, no expectation to “perform” or mask — just a safe space to grow and connect.

Facilitated by a registered psychotherapist, this is an OAP eligible expense, and covered by many extended healthcare insurance plans.

📍 St. Catharines, ON
🗓 Starts September 18, 2025, 7-9pm
💲 $190/week

Spots are limited so we can keep the group small and supportive.
Learn more and register by email: admin@familykinnections.ca

05/05/2025

Today, on Red Dress Day, we remember.

We honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) — those who never made it home, those still missing, and the families who carry the weight of their absence every day.

Red dresses hang in windows and trees across the country as a powerful symbol of grief, resilience, and resistance. They remind us that behind every name is a daughter, a mother, a sister, an auntie, a friend. A family still waiting. A community still grieving.

At Family Kinnections, we recognize that healing and justice are collective responsibilities. We are committed to listening, learning, and showing up in ways that honour the voices of Indigenous communities — not just today, but every day.

If you are grieving, remembering, or holding space today — we see you.
If you are sharing stories with your children — we honour your truth-telling.
And if you are learning — we invite you to keep going.

We encourage our community to reflect, to amplify Indigenous voices, and to support the ongoing calls for justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S.

🧡
May we be witnesses.
May we be changemakers.
May we never forget.

03/26/2025

PA Day Program! Calling all Niagara families! We are offering a PA day program. Kids 10-13 can join us April 4th for a day of wellness centred activities. Think of it as a mini wellness retreat! Only $25 per child to participate. Spaces are limited. Reach out today to secure your spot.

03/10/2025

Community care matters. We need to make sure everyone in society has what they need to thrive.

03/10/2025

Calling all teens and parents! If you are a teen, aged 12-18, and struggling with anxiety, we want to help!

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially for teens. But it doesn’t have to control your life.

We’re offering a no-fee package of 6-8 CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) individual sessions, designed specifically for teens ages 12-18. Together we will work to help you:

-Learn practical tools to manage anxiety
-Build coping skills for everyday stress
-Develop a more positive mindset

Our evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach has helped countless teens reduce anxiety and feel more confident in their ability to handle life’s challenges.

Spaces are limited — reach out today to book a consultation!

📞 888-530-8682 ext 2
🌐 www.familykinnections.ca

Counselling and psychotherapy for children, teens and families. Virtual & in-person services.

03/10/2025

Youth Wellness Series – Join Us for Three Transformative Events! 🌿

Hey parents & caregivers! 📢 We’re excited to launch our Youth Wellness Series—a 3-part event designed to help youth (ages 12-15) build essential skills for managing stress, understanding emotions, and practicing self-kindness. 💙✨
🔹 What is it?
A safe, welcoming space where youth will explore practical tools for stress management, emotional regulation, and self-compassion—all while connecting with peers in a supportive environment.
🔹 What’s Included?
🌱 Session 1: Stress Less – Discover fun and effective ways to manage stress & anxiety.
💡 Session 2: Emotional Regulation – Learn how to navigate big feelings with confidence.
💖 Session 3: Self-Kindness – Develop self-compassion and build a positive inner dialogue.
📅 Dates: March 22, 29, April 5
📍 Location: 80 King Street, Welland
🕒 Time: 1-3pm
💰 Cost: FREE
✨ Spots are limited! Sign up now to give your teen the tools to thrive, not just survive.
📩 Have questions? DM us or email aleksa@familykinnections.ca!