Family Therapy

Family therapy is beneficial whenever patterns of behavior are causing distress or preventing a family from functioning effectively. It shifts the focus from identifying a “problem person” to addressing problem interactions.

Common Family Issues We Address:

• Communication Breakdown: Persistent arguments, silence, or an inability to truly listen to one another.
• Major Life Transitions: Navigating the impact of divorce, remarriage (blended families), moving, or the birth of a new sibling.
• Parent-Child Conflict: Helping parents and children/adolescents understand each other’s needs, set healthy boundaries, and reduce tension.
• Grief and Loss: Supporting the family unit through the shared experience of loss or trauma.
• Chronic Illness or Mental Health Struggles: Helping the family support a member dealing with anxiety, depression, or a chronic physical condition without sacrificing their own well-being.
• Blended Family Issues: Addressing loyalty conflicts and integrating new family members with mutual respect.

My approach is rooted in Family Systems Theory, which views the family as an emotional unit. I focus on identifying the circular patterns of interaction that keep problems stuck in place. My role is to act as a supportive guide, helping each member find their voice and promoting empathy within the system.

How We Achieve Transformation in Family Therapy:

• Improve Communication: Develop tools for active listening and assertive, non-reactive expression of needs and feelings.
• Establish Healthy Boundaries: Clarify roles and expectations within the family to reduce resentment and increase individual autonomy.
• Identify Negative Cycles: Pinpoint the repeating destructive patterns (e.g., withdrawer-pursuer) and introduce new, positive cycles.
• Focus on Strengths: Highlight the family’s existing resources and resilience to build confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.

We integrate several evidence-based models, tailoring the approach to the unique developmental stage and cultural background of your family.

Therapeutic Modalities for Family Dynamics:

• Structural Family Therapy: Focuses on the organization of the family (structure, hierarchy, boundaries). We actively work in sessions to change these structures to resolve conflict and improve functioning.
• Bowen Family Systems Theory: Explores how patterns of behavior are transmitted across generations and helps individuals achieve greater differentiation (maintaining a sense of self while remaining emotionally connected).
• Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT): Based on attachment science, EFFT aims to identify and restructure the emotional bonds and distress cycles that keep family members stuck, helping them connect safely and securely.
• Narrative Therapy: Helps the family view their problems as external to themselves, allowing them to rewrite their personal and collective story in a way that emphasizes strength and resilience.

Learn more about with these helpful guides at the Child Mind Institute