Embrace a Fresh Start: Why January is the Best Time for Family Therapy
- Destinee Kreil
- Dec 29, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
By Destinee Kreil, Clinical Director & Child Therapist
Every January, we feel the energy of a fresh start. We declutter our homes and set fitness goals, but the most impactful resolution isn't found on a treadmill—it’s found in the emotional health of your home.
The close of the calendar year offers a universal opportunity for a reset. Instead of putting off support for family struggles or child anxiety, embrace this momentum. January isn’t just a good time to start counselling—it’s the best time to intentionally build a healthier future for your child.
Stop Waiting: 4 Reasons to Start Family Therapy This January
As a Child and Family Therapist in Coquitlam, I see January as the crucial turning point for family success. Here is why starting now ensures your family thrives all year long:
1. The Wisdom of Janus: Look Back to Move Forward
January is named after the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. He is depicted with two faces: one looking backward at the past year, and one looking forward toward the future.
This dual perspective is the foundation of effective therapy. We reflect on your family’s challenges from last year to set an intention for a more peaceful future. Booking now aligns your family with this symbolic moment of transition.
2. The "Clean Slate" Mindset is Your Superpower
The New Year mindset makes starting therapy feel less like a chore and more like an exciting step toward growth.
For Kids: It provides a natural "break point." It’s easy for a child to understand: "That was last year's problem; this year, we're learning new tools."
For Parents: You’re already motivated for change. Invest that energy into stronger communication and happier relationships.
3. Recalibrate After the Holiday Whirlwind
The holidays are a marathon. The break from routine and the travel can leave children feeling unregulated.
Managing Emotional Overflow: January is when the "post-holiday crash" surfaces. A session provides a safe space to process stress before it turns into family conflict.
Re-establishing Routine: Counselling provides a consistent schedule that helps ground your child as they transition back to school.
4. Build Skills Now to Prevent a Spring Crisis
Don't wait for a struggle to become a crisis. January offers the ideal window for proactive skill-building. By starting now, you have months to work on coping skills and emotional regulation before the high-pressure exam and sports seasons arrive in the spring.
How Counselling Benefits Your Whole Family
When you invest in professional counselling, you aren't just treating a "problem child"—you are strengthening the entire family system.
For Children: Tools for Life
Children often act out because they lack the language to express big emotions. Our sessions help them build:
Emotional Literacy: Naming feelings like frustration or anxiety instead of yelling.
Coping Techniques: Practical tools like deep breathing and grounding.
A Sense of Being Understood: Reducing feelings of isolation.
For Parents: Clarity and Confidence
Parenting support offers the objective guidance you need to lead with calm:
Effective Communication: Learning how to be heard without becoming defensive.
A Unified Front: Aligning parenting styles for a predictable home environment.
Reduced Reactivity: Recognizing your own triggers to respond intentionally.
Signs it’s Time to Seek a Child & Family Therapist
You don’t need to wait for a major crisis. Early intervention is the best way to change a family's trajectory. Consider reaching out if you notice:
Persistent Behavioral Changes: Intense mood swings, withdrawal from friends, or a sudden drop in school grades.
Parental Burnout: Feeling resentful, exhausted, or like your relationship with your child is defined only by conflict.
Communication Breakdown: The same arguments happen on repeat, and the home feels chronically tense.
Navigating Emotional Challenges Together
Every family faces emotional challenges at some point. It’s essential to recognize that seeking help is a proactive step. Therapy can provide a safe space for everyone to express their feelings and learn from one another.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Establishing a supportive environment at home can significantly impact your child's emotional well-being. Encourage open conversations about feelings and validate their experiences. This practice not only helps children feel understood but also fosters stronger family bonds.
The Role of Play in Therapy
Play is a powerful tool in therapy, especially for children. It allows them to express themselves in ways that words sometimes cannot. Through play, children can explore their emotions, practice new skills, and build resilience.
Building Resilience Through Challenges
Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. As your family navigates these emotional waters, you will learn to adapt and become more resilient. This resilience will serve as a foundation for your child's future, helping them face life's challenges with confidence.
Start Your Family’s New Chapter Today
The doorway to a brighter year is open. If you recognize the signs of child anxiety or repetitive family conflict, remember: seeking support is a sign of strength. Don't let the promise of renewal fade by February. Use this momentum to establish a healthy foundation for the next twelve months.
Book a Consultation in Coquitlam
Ready to prioritize your family's emotional health? Strong River Counselling provides specialized support for families in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody.
Destinee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the Clinical Director of Strong River Counselling in Coquitlam, BC. With a specialized focus on child and family mental health, she provides expert guidance for families navigating complex emotional landscapes, including childhood anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges. Destinee is an advocate for evidence-based support, utilizing her expertise in Play Therapy and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to help children and parents across the Tri-Cities build resilience and foster deeper emotional connections.
