FRN Program
Free family therapy in Calgary
12-14 sessions of evidence-based family therapy that works with your whole family to improve communication, reduce conflict, and rebuild trust. Delivered by Carya. Completely free.
What is Functional Family Therapy?
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is a structured, evidence-based approach to family counselling. It's not open-ended talk therapy — it's a focused 12-14 session program designed to create real change in how your family communicates and functions together.
The therapy works in phases. First, your therapist builds a relationship with your family and understands what's happening. Then you work together on specific patterns of communication and behaviour that are causing conflict. Finally, you build new skills and strategies to maintain the changes you've made.
It's delivered by Carya, a Calgary agency that's been supporting families for over a century. Their therapists are trained specifically in the FFT model — this isn't general counselling repackaged as family therapy.
Eligibility
Who it's for
Families with children 0-18
FFT is available to any Calgary family with children under 18. Carya runs two tracks: one for families with younger children (0-11) and one for families with youth (11-18).
Families experiencing conflict
If your family is dealing with communication breakdown, parent-child conflict, behavioural issues, or you just feel stuck — this is designed for you. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit.
There are no income requirements, no immigration status checks, and no referral needed. You contact Carya directly.
What Happens
What to expect
Step 1
Reach out
Call Carya at 403-205-5244 (City Centre) or 403-269-9888 (Northeast). Tell them you're interested in Functional Family Therapy. They'll do a brief intake conversation.
Step 2
Engagement & assessment
Your therapist meets with your family to understand what's going on. Early sessions may involve individual meetings alongside family sessions. This phase builds trust and identifies the patterns to work on.
Step 3
Active therapy
Over 8-10 sessions, your family works on specific communication and behaviour patterns. This is where the real change happens. You'll practice new ways of interacting between sessions.
Step 4
Generalization
The final sessions focus on maintaining changes and applying what you've learned to new situations. Your therapist helps you build a plan so the progress sticks after therapy ends.
Key detail
12-14 sessions total
This is not open-ended therapy. The structure is intentional — research shows this focused approach creates lasting change. If you need more support after, your therapist will connect you.
Access Points
Where to access family therapy
Carya delivers Functional Family Therapy through two FRN zones in Calgary. Call the number for your area.
Carya — Downtown
Functional Family Therapy for families with children 0-11 and 11-18.
📍 180-839 5 Ave SW, Calgary
📞 403-205-5244
Hub: YW Calgary · caryacalgary.ca
Carya — Northeast
Functional Family Therapy for families with children 0-11 and 11-18.
📞 403-269-9888
Hub: Families Matter · caryacalgary.ca
Common Questions
Family therapy FAQ
How many sessions do we get?
12-14 sessions. It's designed to be intensive and time-limited — not open-ended therapy. Most families see meaningful change within that timeframe.
Does everyone have to attend?
FFT works with the whole family system. Early sessions may involve individual meetings, but the core work happens together. Your therapist will guide who attends each session.
What if our conflict is really serious?
FFT is specifically designed for families experiencing significant conflict, behavioural issues, or relationship breakdown. It's an evidence-based model with strong research outcomes for high-conflict situations.
Is this the same as individual counselling?
No. FFT focuses on family relationships and patterns rather than individual mental health. If you need individual therapy too, your therapist can help connect you — including to free Rapid Access Counselling.
What happens after the 14 sessions end?
The final phase of FFT specifically focuses on maintaining changes and building strategies for the future. If you need ongoing support, your therapist will connect you to appropriate resources — which may include other free FRN programs.
Related Programs
You might also need
Rapid Access Counselling
A single 75-minute counselling session for individuals or couples. Available within days, no waitlist. Good for urgent situations while you wait for family therapy to start.
Parenting classes & workshops
Group courses on communication, challenging behaviours, and positive parenting. A good complement to family therapy — or a starting point if you're not ready for therapy yet.
Home visitation
A professional visits your home regularly to support parenting skills and child development. For families with children 0-6.
Ready to start?
Call Carya directly — no referral, no wait for intake. If you're not sure which zone you're in, use the FRN Finder.