What to Expect at Family Therapy
MORE UNDERSTANDING, LESS FRUSTRATION.
The start of family therapy looks different for each family.
Most often, it begins with concern about “one person” who seems to be struggling the most. This concern usually expands into dynamic engagement with several members of the family system.
Sometimes, family therapy starts with multiple members disagreeing on the “true nature” of the problem. Over time, this disagreement becomes a shared understanding that integrates everyone’s perspectives.
In other cases, the therapeutic process is initiated by one or more members who want to be proactive about healing and growth.
No matter the circumstances that bring you to family therapy, my approach will be active and inclusive. Clients who work with me often appreciate my balance of direct honesty with thoughtful, caring open-mindedness. In fact, families are often relieved by how swiftly our process uncovers the root causes of their challenges, and by how effectively early recommendations can alleviate immediate symptoms.
Our first meeting will be a 50-minute intake session with all family members present (note: there are some exceptions). All meetings take place virtually, utilizing a free online therapy platform. During the intake session, I assess what is bringing your family to therapy and each of you gains an idea of my approach. The intake also offers preliminary guidance for developing a reasonable treatment plan.
As therapy progresses, I act as an observer of, and active participant in, your family’s dynamic. I share my perception of how, why, and where impasses exist, and what stands in the way of improvement. This gives family members the opportunity to clarify and refine their understanding of original problems. Participation in this process ultimately empowers you to navigate issues that emerge subsequent to completing family therapy.
All family therapy is thoughtfully designed for your family specifically. It is somewhat like individual therapy in that the nuances of each individual’s experience remain highly important. However, family therapy integrates our understanding of these personal nuances with “the bigger picture”: our awareness of the overall functioning of the family system. This ensures that the outcome is effective.
Relevant areas of consideration in family therapy can include but are not limited to:
Parent & grandparent family of origin (history and present functioning);
Multigenerational influences
Previous or current psychotherapy
Values, beliefs, and attitudes
Cultural, ethnic, and racial identity
Spiritual and religious connections
Sexual orientation
Gender expression and identification
Socioeconomic status
Past or present differences in ability
and more