Strengthening the future of
couple & family therapy in Canada
A national charitable foundation dedicated to equitable educational access and research advancement in couple and family therapy.
Our Purpose
The foundation was established to strengthen access to education and research in the field of couple & family therapy.
Financial barriers continue to limit who is able to pursue advanced training in this profession. At the same time, ongoing research is essential to ensure that therapeutic practices evolve alongside the diverse needs of Canadian families, and that these findings are accessible to the broader professional community.
The Canadian Family Therapy Foundation exists to address both concerns.
Through charitable investment, we aim to expand educational opportunity and support research that advances the profession in thoughtful and responsible ways.
Why It Matters
Couple and family therapy plays a vital, systemic role in supporting individuals, relationships, and communities. The strength of the profession depends not only on the quality of training available, but on who can access it.
When educational pathways are more accessible, the next generation of therapists is better positioned to reflect and serve the diverse communities they support.
By improving access to accredited programs, research opportunities, and encouraging research dissemination, we contribute to a more inclusive and resilient future for the field, and for Canadians.
Supporting the Future of the Profession
Expanding Access to Education
When financial constraints determine who is able to pursue training, the profession risks limiting its own growth and diversity of perspective.
Our goal — through bursary opportunities — is to reduce financial barriers that limit who is able to pursue advanced training in couple and family therapy, ensuring that the future of the field reflects the breadth of communities it serves.
Bursary information coming soon
Advancing & Sharing Research
The practice of couple and family therapy does not stand still. As families and communities evolve, therapeutic approaches must continue to be examined, refined, and informed by current evidence.
Supporting research alone is not enough. Access to and dissemination of research findings strengthen the profession and promote evidence-informed care across Canada.
Our goal is to support research initiatives and expand access to their findings, helping ensure that knowledge meaningfully informs practice nationwide.
Grant information coming soon
Board of Directors
President
Kathryn Guthrie
Kathryn has been in practice as a Couple and Family Therapist since 1996, and has been a Supervisor since 2013. She is proud to be a charter member of CACFT, and has been involved with Membership and Credentialing, Supervision Oversight, and the Accreditation Working Group. For Kathryn, the Canadian Family Therapy Foundation is a way to support the future of CACFT, and to provide a legacy opportunity for its members.
Treasurer
Donna Chamberlain
Donna has worked with CACFT for many years. When she heard about Kathryn's idea of creating a Foundation that would eventually be able to financially assist those working towards becoming a couple and family therapist she felt the need to volunteer with the Canadian Family Therapy Foundation.
Secretary
Roberta J. Graham
Roberta is an RMFT with over 25 years experience in private practice. She has served in many different roles on the Board of the CACFT and the Manitoba Branch, as well as sitting on the AAMFT Ethics Committee. She has served as contract teaching faculty in the MMFT program at the University of Winnipeg and was Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Studies, Brandon University, Brandon, MB for 20 years.
Board Member
John E. Montgomery
John is an experienced board member serving a number of organizations in various roles including president and vice president. A Registered Psychotherapist, Marriage and Family therapist, and supervisor/mentor, John has spent 20 years in private practice, working with a diverse clientele. John lives in London, Ontario with his wife.
Board Member
Sam Berg
Sam is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor Mentor, and has been a member of the AAMFT since 1994 and of the CACFT since its inception. Sam’s career has included teaching and coordinating the marriage and family therapy program at Briercrest Seminary in Caronport, SK, and he is currently the Director of Counselling Services at The Caring Place in Regina, SK.
Board Member
Ayo Akanbi
Ayo is a Registered Couples and Family Therapist and an Approved Clinical Supervisor with the CACFT. He served on the CACFT Board of Directors, contributing to the advancement of clinical practice and professional standards in Canada. Ayo is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Certified Mental Health Professional.
Join Us
We are strengthened by the leadership and generosity of our volunteers. If you are interested in contributing your expertise through joining the board or sitting on one of our committees, we invite you to connect with us.
Donate to the Foundation
Support the future of the profession through a charitable contribution.
We look forward to accepting your donations shortly.