The purpose of family therapy is to focus on the family as a system and to assist the family to be in a healthier place so that all members can communicate better and be respectful toward one another. Encouraging and compassionate interventions can help the family reach their full potential and help the all family members strive to be the best they can be.
Family therapy can include all the family members dependent on the children’s ages or just the parents. Family therapy can address challenges people have with in-laws, their own families of origin, struggles with adult children or blended family issues.
I have observed that one tendency for families is to feel that one member is the problem. The goal of family therapy is not to perpetuate that notion but for all members to understand that the way they interact is the impetus for misunderstandings within the family system.
All families have inherent strengths and weaknesses. We often times don’t learn coping skills from our families of origin. We all have the tendency to repeat what is familiar and known even if it is not the healthiest way to interact with others. We have a tendency to develop a tunnel vision of our lives and this is when an objective third-party can help the family learn new skills and see that other options of interacting do exist.
I believe in order for counseling to be successful we must ‘peel back some layers’ to see why families continue to get stuck in unhealthy patterns. As I mentioned earlier, each parent’s family of origin needs to be explored. My intent is to not dwell on the past but to recognize that we all are products of where we come from. By helping parents understand how their individual dynamics interact with the family system is beneficial for the unhealthy patterns to be recognized and acted upon.
I have been in practice for almost twenty-five years. My approach encompasses both action and growth. I believe the therapeutic process is much more beneficial and effective when the process is viewed as a collaboration. I actively engage each family member so they can understand how their actions impact the entire family. I actively teach family members better ways of interacting and reacting in their families.
We will work together as a team to help your family gain different perspectives and solutions. I provide a safe, nurturing, compassionate and supportive environment where all family members will feel understood, heard and not judged.
I do not believe in a ‘one approach fits all’. I listen deeply to your concerns regarding your family and tailor an approach specifically designed for your family. I will continue to provide you with support, compassion, acceptance and caring.
Your family life can be rewarding, nourishing, supportive and satisfying. I consider it a privilege and an honor to assist your family in your striving to gain optimal family health.