What Is Family Systems Counselling at Living Systems?
Counselling at Living Systems draws on Bowen family systems theory to help individuals, couples, and families understand recurring patterns in relationship systems. Clients can access sessions from home or in person across the lower mainland. There is a low fee counselling option for those who qualify—simply complete the counselling intake form to get started.
Supporting individuals, couples and families at all income levels since 1971.
Situations Where Living Systems Can Help
Relationship Conflict
Ongoing tension, communication difficulties, or patterns that create distance between partners.
Family Dynamics
Strained relationships with parents, adult children, siblings, or extended family members.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Ongoing stress, persistent worry, or periods of low mood that make everyday situations feel difficult to manage.
Life Transitions
Major life changes such as separation, parenting shifts, career transitions, or loss.
The Living Systems Approach
Living Systems counselling focuses on understanding how people function within relationships, families, and larger emotional systems. Rather than focusing only on immediate symptoms or problems, Living Systems helps individuals develop more awareness of patterns within their relationships and respond to them with clarity and steadiness.
Through this work, people often begin to recognize recurring dynamics in their relationships, manage emotional pressure more thoughtfully, and approach important decisions with greater perspective.
Session information
Online and In-Person Counselling
Counselling is available online or at select locations in the Greater Vancouver area. Availability depends on the counsellor.
Ask About Counsellor Availability
50-Minute Counselling Sessions
Sessions are typically a therapeutic hour, which is about 50 minutes. Longer sessions may be arranged with your counsellor if needed.
Counselling Fees
Fees vary depending on household income. Our low fee counselling program starts at $20.
Insurance Reimbursement
Many extended health plans reimburse counselling with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC). Clients receive receipts to submit for reimbursement.
*Counselling opportunities available based on income. Please inquire through the counselling intake form.
Meet the Counselling Team
Our counsellors bring a range of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Each counsellor shares a foundation in Bowen family systems theory while bringing their own areas of focus and professional background.
If you are unsure which counsellor may be the best fit, the intake process can help match you with the right person.
Our Clinical Counsellors
Over 5 years of Bowen family systems theory experience
50-minute Individual, Couple, or Family Session, starting at $85.
Our Associate Clinical Counsellors
Under 5 years of Bowen family systems theory experience.
50-minute Individual, Couple, or Family Session, starting at $65.
Our Practicum Students
Please complete our Counselling Inquiry Form to request a Practicum Student.
50-Minute Individual, Couple, or Family Session, starting at $20.
Counselling FAQ
Who is counselling for?
Counselling can help anyone, in many situations. No referral is required. You can begin by completing the counselling intake form or contacting Living Systems directly.
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How do I get started?
The first step is completing the counselling intake form. A member of the Living Systems team will review your information and follow up to discuss availability and help connect you with the most appropriate counsellor.
Are sessions available online or in person?
Counselling sessions are available online and in person, depending on the counsellor. Some counsellors offer online-only appointments, while others provide in-person sessions in our North Vancouver, Burnaby and downtown Vancouver locations.
How much does counselling cost?
Living Systems offers both regular rate counselling and a lower fee counselling program. For rates, please visit the counselling page of our website.
Is counselling covered by insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for counselling services, although coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. Some plans cover services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), while others may cover services provided by psychologists, social workers, or other regulated mental health professionals. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage, reimbursement limits, and any requirements that may apply. Clients are responsible for verifying their own benefits before attending counselling.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
Counselling may be helpful if you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected in important relationships, or repeating patterns that you would like to better understand. Many people seek counselling when they want to improve relationships, manage stress more effectively, navigate life transitions, or gain greater clarity about themselves and their circumstances. Counselling can provide a space to slow down, reflect, and consider new ways of responding to life’s challenges.
What happens during the first session?
The first counselling session is an opportunity to discuss what brings you to counselling and what your counselling goals are. Your counsellor will ask questions about your concerns, relationships, personal history, and current circumstances in order to better understand the context of your situation. There is no pressure to share everything at once. The initial session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether the counselling relationship feels like a good fit for your goals.
What if I am not sure which counsellor to choose?
If you are unsure which counsellor may be the best fit, the intake process can help match you with the most appropriate counsellor based on your needs and availability.
How long does counselling usually last?
The length of counselling varies depending on the concerns being addressed. Some people attend for a shorter period focused on a specific issue, while others choose to continue counselling over a longer period as they work through more complex patterns.
What if my situation changes or I need to switch counsellors?
If your needs change or you feel another counsellor may be a better fit, the Living Systems team can help explore other options within the counselling team.
How can counselling help with anxiety?
Counselling can help you better understand the factors that contribute to anxiety and develop a more thoughtful response to stressful situations. Rather than focusing only on symptom reduction, counselling can explore how anxiety operates within relationships, family dynamics, workplace pressures, and other life circumstances. As people become more aware of their patterns of thinking, feeling, and reacting, they often find they are better able to manage anxiety and make decisions with greater confidence and clarity.
Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns?
Why do family relationships affect my anxiety?
Family relationships are often among the most important emotional connections in a person’s life. Stress, conflict, distance, expectations, and unresolved tensions within family relationships can contribute to increased anxiety. Even when people are no longer living with their families, family patterns can continue to influence how they think, feel, and respond to challenges. Understanding these patterns can provide valuable insight into sources of anxiety and support more effective ways of managing stress.
What is Bowen Family Systems Theory?
Why do I feel responsible for everyone else's feelings?
Many people find themselves focusing on managing the emotions, reactions, or well-being of others. While caring about others is an important part of relationships, taking responsibility for another person’s feelings can become stressful and exhausting. Counselling can help individuals distinguish between what is theirs to manage and what belongs to others, leading to greater clarity, healthier relationships, and reduced emotional strain.
Why do I get caught in the middle of family conflict?
When tension develops between two people, it is common for a third person to become involved in an effort to reduce discomfort or restore stability. This can leave someone feeling pressured to mediate, take sides, or carry responsibility for resolving conflict. Over time, being caught in the middle can increase stress and strain relationships. Counselling can help individuals recognize these patterns and explore ways of remaining connected without becoming responsible for managing other people’s relationships.
When should couples seek counselling?
Couples counselling can be helpful at many stages of a relationship, not only during times of crisis. Some couples seek support when communication becomes difficult, conflict feels repetitive, trust has been strained, or they are navigating major life transitions. Others attend counselling proactively to strengthen their relationship and gain a deeper understanding of one another. Early intervention often provides more opportunities for meaningful change and growth.
How can understanding family patterns improve relationships?
Crisis Support
Living Systems Counselling does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are in immediate distress or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, support is available through the resources below.
If you need immediate help, please contact a crisis support service or your local emergency department.