In a perfect world, our families would provide us with support, unconditional love and acceptance and strength. They would be the people with whom we openly share our thoughts and feelings. However, all too often, family life can become riddled with conflict, resentments, dramatic arguments, disappointment, anger and guilt. We can feel rejected by misunderstandings, criticism or lack of support. We may build emotional walls or create distance to keep from being rejected or to avoid painful arguments.

Family therapy is different than other therapies in that the entire family is treated as the “client”. The basic understanding is that what affects one member affects all members of the family. An illness or acting out behavior of one member may be a result of a larger family problem. Often times, the family member who is problematic when treated in individual therapy only to recover and another member of the family become symptomatic. In order to resolve family issues the cooperation of everyone in the family is crucial to strengthening bonds and resolving conflicts. During family therapy sessions, members identify how conflicts affect one another individually and the family as a whole. The family develops improved skills for managing and working through conflicts.

“No family is perfect….we argue, we fight. We even stop talking to each other at times, but in the end, family is family…the love will always be there.” - Anonymous

COMMON FAMILY PROBLEMS:

• Communication Problems

• Parenting Concerns

• Blended Family Issues

• Death of a Family Member

• Separation /Divorce Adjustment

• Gay /Lesbian Acceptance Issues

• Individual Problems affecting Family

• Behavior Problems

• Illness of a Family Member