What services we provide
Our highly qualified clinical team are trained in systemic or relational treatment. When clients
enter our clinic for treatment, we see them as individuals immersed in families and complicated
relational systems.
For All Kinds of Families: Nuclear, Single Parent, Step, Extended, & Grandparent Families
No matter the configuration of your family we provide systemic, attachment based therapy that is evidence based.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy aka EFFT is an approach to family therapy that draws upon the principles and techniques of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which was initially developed for couples therapy by Dr. Sue Johnson. EFFT focuses on creating secure emotional bonds within the family system. EFFT therapists focus on the emotional experience within a family and the problem patterns that block family members from accessing the resources and support they would otherwise share. Connecting family members through the power of emotional experience promotes healing and fosters a family’s resilience to the everyday and unexpected challenges of life.
Families with Children
The focus here is on understanding the child/children's behavior in terms of attachment needs or fears. Support is given to address blocks in parental caregiving responses and create more security within the family structure.
Families with Teens
Securely attached families are possible, even during the stormy period of adolescence. EFFT with families with teens is designed to move the relationship between parents/caregivers and their teens from distress toward comfort, understanding, and secure connection. Parents can create a secure base and safe haven for family members even while teens are saying, “Let me go.”
Adult Children and Their Parents
Therapy with parents of adult children can be a valuable and transformative process. As children grow into adulthood, the dynamics of the parent-child relationship
change. While these changes can be positive, they can also lead to challenges
that may require therapeutic intervention.
Key areas focused on in treatment are shifting roles and boundaries, conflict resolution, managing expectations, letting go and promoting independence, dealing with transitions and life changes, building healthy adult relationships, and self-care and well-being.
It is important to note that therapy with parents of adult children may involve a variety of settings. Our marriage and family therapists are specifically trained to establish and work with treatment plans involving individual sessions with each parent, joint sessions with both parents, or even including the adult children in the therapy process, depending on the specific circumstances and goals of therapy.
Key areas focused on in treatment are shifting roles and boundaries, conflict resolution, managing expectations, letting go and promoting independence, dealing with transitions and life changes, building healthy adult relationships, and self-care and well-being.
It is important to note that therapy with parents of adult children may involve a variety of settings. Our marriage and family therapists are specifically trained to establish and work with treatment plans involving individual sessions with each parent, joint sessions with both parents, or even including the adult children in the therapy process, depending on the specific circumstances and goals of therapy.
Factors to Consider
Impact on Families and Individuals
Dysfunctional family systems refer to family structures or dynamics that are characterized by unhealthy patterns of interaction, communication, and behavior. These patterns often hinder the family's ability to function effectively and can have a negative impact on individual members'
well-being. Some common characteristics of dysfunctional family systems include: lack of emotion regulation, lack of positive and open communication, poor boundaries, role confusion, enmeshment or disengagement, substance
abuse or addiction, emotional and/or physical abuse, and lack of support and nurturing.
Impact on Society
Dysfunctional family patterns, if left unaddressed, can perpetuate across generations. Children growing up in families with unaddressed problems may learn unhealthy relationship dynamics, communication styles, and coping mechanisms, which they may carry into their own adult lives and relationships. This perpetuation of hurt and ineffective coping strategies can contribute to societal issues such as higher rates of divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health problems. Suffering families need more support as issues such as substance abuse, mental health problems, and inadequate parenting can lead to increased reliance on social services, including healthcare, child welfare, and welfare systems. Without proper intervention and care the strain and pain can spread and impact overall societal well-being and divert
resources that could be allocated elsewhere.
Impact on Children
Children growing up in dysfunctional families may face a range of negative consequences that can affect their development and future success. They may struggle with emotional and
psychological issues, have difficulty forming healthy relationships, experience academic and educational challenges, and have an increased risk of engaging in delinquency or criminal behavior. These outcomes not only impact the individual but also have broader societal implications. Children raised in dysfunctional families may struggle with low self-esteem, poor social skills,
and difficulty managing emotions effectively. These challenges can impact their ability to contribute positively to society, engage in healthy relationships, and navigate social and professional settings.
Who Is At Risk?
Dysfunctional family dynamics can shape individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, and behavior patterns. It is important to note that not all individuals from dysfunctional families will experience these negative outcomes, as individual resilience and external factors can influence their trajectory.
Sensitive Treatment
Addressing dysfunctional family systems through interventions such as therapy, education, and support services can help mitigate the negative impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Providing accurate information, education, and counseling about healthy family dynamics can be beneficial for individuals, couples, and families.
Specific Training
Our therapists have specialized training to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective intervention when working with families seeking to repair relationships and find greater
strength and collaboration. Our therapists are specifically trained in working with families caught in negative patterns. Your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation which may include interviews, questionnaires, and other research-based instruments to assist in creating the best
treatment plan for your family’s needs.
Getting Started
As with any therapy, treatment approaches can vary depending on the family’s history, the nature of the symptoms, and the underlying causes. It is important not to delay consulting with
one of our therapists specializing in family therapy who will tailor your treatment plan to assist you in restructuring your family relationships leading to stability, well-being, and healthier living.