My approach to family therapy is flexible and open. My belief is that the whole system is in a trauma reaction. My treatment approach is similar to that of working with individuals and couples. I focus on psycho-education, communication skills, coping skills, grief, loss, learning and practicing empathy. 

In my work with families, I provide empathy, understanding and support. Families are struggling with loss and trauma, no matter what stage they are in. 

I work with all members of the family depending on their needs, what stage they are in and the ages of the children. 

At times I may see siblings together or individually, have sessions with one or both of the parents, or see the family all together. I work with any configuration that will be helpful. The family may all be in crisis and unclear about who knows what. The parents may be working on the relationship or they may be working on a divorce. 

Some of the most common concerns are, how much have my children been affected? how much do the children know? what have they heard? what have they seen? It may have been a book on sex addiction on the night table, finding porn on the computer, hearing fighting, crying ….. they often have a gut sense that something is wrong and they do not feel safe. In most cases, children of all ages, know more than the parents think they know. 

Often in one family, siblings may all have different narratives and beliefs on what they think is going on. Often, there has been gaslighting in the family, not only of the partner, but of the children. 

“Everything is OK” when they know their family is not OK.

My goal is to help the family learn how to communicate better, understand and be more empathetic with one another. Throughout the process, I work with clients to find ways to connect and have some fun.