Family therapy focuses on changes within a family and recognizes that family relationships influence the feelings, behavior and psychological well-being of every family member. Family therapy is often the treatment of choice when children or adolescents are struggling with psychological issues. Families are a child's greatest resource and the focus is on strengthening the family in order to support the child's continued development and growth.
When working with younger children, I will often combine individual, parent, and family therapy sessions. The parents may be seen to focus on behavior management, discipline and help in identifying specific behavioral problems. The child may be seen to focus on self-control issues, self-esteem, and to teach social skills and coping skills. The family therapy sessions will focus on all family members having input into identifying concerns and resolving them. We also work on identifying the family's strengths upon which we will build.
Family therapy may also be useful when an adult member is dealing with a significant issue that impacts other family members. An example of this may be when a parent is suffering from chronic depression or substance abuse. In these situations, family therapy addresses the impact of the problem on family relationships and explores how the family can work together to strengthen their relationships while coping or addressing the concern. This is most effective when used in conjunction with individual therapy for the family member who is struggling, to directly address the individual's personal change. I have helped families through the following challenges :
Adjustment of step-families
Children who may be experiencing behavioural problems either at home or at school
Adjustment to separation and divorce
Families experiencing high levels of conflict, such as in situations where there may be a conflict around custody and/or access
Recovery from trauma, whether from abuse or single-incident trauma (for example, an accident).
Children and adult family members with Anxiety or Depression
