Times of transition can be especially trying for the strongest of families. When the things that seemed the most reliable begin to shift suddenly, it can disrupt everyone’s sense of well-being. Whether it’s the sadness of a separation and divorce or the joy of a marriage or re-marriage, the changes can seem the biggest to the people in the family who are the smallest.

Family Therapy is a great way to start your journey together as a blended or blending family. When we bring many voices of differing ages and views together, there is often a tendency to feel that in order to be heard one must be the loudest. I promise, we can learn some ways to communicate with each other that won’t have you checking your heart rate.

Whether you are in circumstances in which treatment and intervention services have been recommended by a school counselor, ordered by the court or another agency, or even just discussed at the dinner table, there is a program that will fit the needs of your unique family and even more unique circumstances.

We work together best when we each feel that we are being heard and seen - and that is especially true for kids and adolescents who can sometimes feel lost in a shuffle of adult concerns. Use your family time to communicate effectively and to learn to always send a message of love and acceptance no matter what the topic of the moment happens to be.

Reunification by Order of the Court, DSS, and Supervised Visitation

Even the most well-intentioned parents can find themselves in the most difficult of circumstances. Sometimes, despite our best efforts it becomes necessary for the courts or social services to take a temporarily active role in helping to protect children and promote the welfare of families. When you have had the opportunity to come into contact with the State or County Children's Services systems, I am willing to work with you to help bring your family back together.

Any time that reunification is indicated, there will be a need to help everyone involved - adults and children alike - reattune to one another and ease the adjustment period with special attention given to strengthening attachments and empowering children as they continue to grow into competent adults. In order to provide the counseling structure and support which benefits everyone in the family, each person’s needs must be considered individually.

Parent coaching, child-centered therapy, narrative therapy, or more emotion-focused approaches are all valid complements to restructuring and reunification efforts. As a Marriage and Family Therapist I have worked with clients as young as 3 years old and many into their elder years. No two families do ‘family’ exactly the same, but that does not mean that either is wrong. Protecting children, educating parents and caregivers, and promoting the healthful reintegration of families is always the highest of priorities.

Contact me by phone or email for more information.