Family Therapy
Connecting families navigating through daily life struggles
Challenges
Areas of Focus
Are you going through a divorce, separation, co-parenting?
Are you struggling with communication (consistent arguments, avoiding contact with each other, holding secrets, etc.) with members of your family?
Do you notice the toxic patterns passed down from previous generations?
Do you notice yourself feeling isolated, alone and unsure how you belong in your family?
Self-esteem
Diversity Issues
Generational Patterns/Family Conflict
Communication Issues
How I Help
Identifying unique qualities and strengths
Healing past challenges and traumas
Uncovering interconnections between the past, present and future
Family therapy addresses the whole family system. A family system can consist of multiple people, behaviors and experiences, impacting how the individual perceives themselves and the world around them. When I look at the whole system, I’m looking at each individual, their past, their parents, and generational patterns. I believe there is an interconnection between the past, present and future, and by identifying the patterns that impact communication, attachments and perceptions, I support families in exploring alternatives to interact with one another, and identify communication styles, attachment wounds, and new ways to interact within the family.
“In this great future, you can’t forget your past.”
- Bob Marley
I have to co-parent with my ex and we do not get along, do you work with conflicting co-parents?
Yes, working with parents who love their children and struggle with their ex can be a challenge, and the common goal is to be the best parents for your children. I do ask for any legal custody documents to be submitted with the intake paperwork prior to the start of therapy.
**Please note: I do not engage in treatment services for the purposes of custody evaluations, mediating, divorce/separation disputes or for the purposes of making recommendations regarding placement, custody or caregiver competency. If you have concerns or questions about these topics, please address them with me for further clarification.
Do you work with mixed/blended families?
Yes, I work with families of mixed race and ethnicities, children from previous relationships, multi-generational caregiving, and many different family dynamics. It is important to understand how your family is unique and how each person is influenced by the family and society, and how that affects the family unit. I use both individual and family strengths to support and strengthen the family bonds.
How do you work with so many personalities in a family session?
I find it is important for everyone to feel heard in family therapy, and provide direction and guidance for families to navigate daily challenges. We begin sessions with check ins, successes, challenges and desired topics for the session. During the session I check in about accuracy, clarification and authentic expression, allowing space for each member to express themselves and address others. Sessions typically end with appreciation statements, yet can end differently depending on the session.
I have a relative/loved one who struggles with substance use. Is family therapy the best option?
In short, it's complicated and it depends. Depending on the dynamics, circumstances and situation, family therapy may or may not be a good option. If family therapy is not an option at the moment, consider individual therapy and support groups.
Click the links for additional resources on support groups.
Frequently Ask Questions
