Talking to Family About Therapy
Plan how, or whether, to tell family you are seeing a counsellor.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Culture, Migration & Identity
- Approach / concern
- Culture, Migration & Identity
- Technique
- Culture, Migration & Identity
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- November 2026
Key facts
What is Talking to Family About Therapy?
Plan how, or whether, to tell family you are seeing a counsellor. You decide who knows about your therapy. This sheet helps you weigh it up and find words that fit your family.
When to use it
- Clients navigating two or more cultures
- Newcomers, refugees and second-generation clients
- Family pressure, stigma or shame about seeking help
- Experiences of racism or exclusion
How to use it in session
- Explain the purpose and check that the client wants to do this.
- Who I am thinking of telling, and why.
- What I worry they might say or feel.
- What I want them to understand.
- Words that may fit my family.
- If the conversation goes badly, I will.
- Agree one small next step.
Clinician tips
- Ask what these ideas mean in the client’s own culture and family; do not assume.
- Avoid framing family closeness or duty as a problem to fix.
- Invite the client to use any language or word that fits.
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
