Two Therapists, One Dream, and Way Too Much Caffeine: How Connected Family Counselling came to be

Every meaningful relationship has a beginning. Ours? It started in a therapy room—long before Connected Family Counselling had a name.

Lisa was my practicum supervisor during graduate school. She was patient, knowledgeable, and had a way of making even the most complex clinical concepts feel clear and grounded. I was open, eager, and doing my best to survive grad school without tripping over my own enthusiasm. From the very beginning, it felt like we spoke the same language. We shared a deep interest in attachment-based therapy, curiosity about parenting, and a quiet understanding of a truth many people don’t expect: therapists don’t have it all figured out either.

At the same time, we were tired—raising young children, balancing work, school, and family life, and trying to make it through each day with some sense of steadiness. We laughed at our mistakes, compared notes on moments we overreacted or felt unsure, and reflected on the double standards we often hold ourselves to. The same therapist who could guide a parent through calm breathing strategies might go home and feel overwhelmed trying to get our own kids to bed. In those honest conversations, we realized something essential: we didn’t need to be perfect parents to support others. Our questions, imperfections, and reflections were not weaknesses, they were part of what deepened our empathy and strengthened our therapeutic work.

Over time, our professional relationship grew into a meaningful friendship. Many cups of coffee and tea (and yes, a few glasses of wine) later, we had shared enough parenting stories, resources, successes, missteps, laughter, and tears to fill a small library. Our conversations were always safe and non-judgmental. Sometimes they were serious, sometimes playful, but always grounding in accepting it all. We became each other’s trusted “phone a friend” on the messy days, the hard days, and the moments where we wondered how anyone actually knows what they’re doing.

And somewhere in the middle of these parenting talks, we quietly confessed a little dream. A seed whispered at first: “What if we could create a safe space like this—for ourselves, and for the families, teens, and individuals we support?”

Over time, we nurtured that idea. Slowly, with intention, courage, and a lot of care, it grew into Connected Family Counselling—a small, relationship-centred therapy practice in Calgary, Alberta. Our work is grounded in attachment theory and built on the belief that connection comes first, and healing follows.

Connected Family Counselling offers individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy for children, teens, parents, and caregivers. We strive to create a warm, inclusive, and down-to-earth counselling experience where people feel seen, supported, and understood—exactly as they are.

We’re so glad you’re here. Follow along as we share stories, insights, and practical tools for navigating parenting, relationships, and life’s big emotions. Visit our website to learn more about our therapy services in Calgary and how we can support you or your family on your journey toward connection and healing.