Family Therapy

A Family Systems Approach

• Treatment of families requires a broader view of the dynamics that exist around, and between members, rather than focusing on one person at a time. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, even if it appears that symptoms impact primarily one member.

• Families are like puzzles. If you take one puzzle piece (an individual) and reshape it, the piece no longer fits unless the entire puzzle (family) changes, or the piece changes back to its original shape. This is why Family Therapy is so effective over time.

• Without involving the whole family ‘puzzle’, positive change in one individual doesn't last unless the family makes some changes. I often encourage family involvement even when the focus of therapy is an individual.

• I believe in focusing on the patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings of all of my clients, but also how they are created and maintained by the surrounding family environment.

Therapeutic Modalities

I realize that most people don’t know one family therapy modality from another, but I’ve listed my favorites below because sometimes potential clients tell me: “My friend’s family had ‘Strategic Family Therapy’, and it worked for them… do you do that?” or “My doctor says I should find a family therapist who is ‘Solution-Focused’...”

Every person and situation is unique so I use of a wide range of well-researched methods. But I’m most likely to rely a combination of these:

• Narrative Therapy

• Solution Focused Therapy

• Psychoeducational

• Experiential Family Therapy

If you want to chat about the best approach for your family, send me an email. My graduate degree, and primary training is in Marriage and Family Therapy.