Family therapy is recommended when conflicts between family members is the core challenge being faced, or when a stressful situation is impacting the whole family.  It is particularly useful when a family is adjusting to an addiction, medical issue, or mental health diagnosis of one of its members, or when a child is dealing with a crisis in school.

Family sessions typically last between 60 and 75 minutes.  The emphasis is on supporting  and coaching effective communication styles between family members, identifying obstacles that keep communication from flowing,  and examining family roles that are inflexible or do not support growth.  The goal of family therapy is to help the family develop into a more adaptive system where individuals can reach their full potential and healthy relationships can thrive.

Attachment studies have shown that positive parent-child relationships are the foundation for a healthy life, influencing a person’s emotional development, capacity for intimacy, and self-esteem (Bowlby 2008). In Parent-Child sessions, I help facilitate effective communication and the development of a healthy attachment between a caregiver and child when the bond between them has been adversely affected.  Art therapy and play are used to encourage this process.

 

References:

Bowlby, J. (2008). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic books.