The following is a brief overview of the different client structures and conditions where therapy is a reasonable option. In traditional talk therapy the client is encouraged to speak as freely as possible; however, depending on the client's needs we also have options to utilize play and art therapy.

Family Therapy

Family Connections

      Family therapy is a reasonable option when a child or children, no matter what their age, are experiencing excessive or prolonged difficulties in any of the following areas: regulating their emotions, parent and/or sibling relationships, daycare or school difficulties, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and any other context where the child's troubles are negatively impacting either them or those that care about them. At times I am asked, "Why does the whole family need to attend therapy if only one child is having difficulties"? The simple answer is that, healing is a relational process and there are no more important relationships in a child's life than either their parents or siblings.

      However, depending on the circumstances I may suggest a specific number of sessions for one child followed by more inclusive family/parental involvement. For example; I may use individual play therapy with a child who is experiencing difficulties in day care or elementary school, followed by a number of sessions where the caregivers, parents and/or siblings are included. The rational for such decisions are discussed with the client, caregivers and/or parents and a mutual decision directs the manner in which therapy is conducted.

Relational Therapy

Family Connections

      Relational (couple) therapy whether it's heterosexual or GLBT is a good idea under either of the following two conditions. When one of the partners experiences a lack of connection or enjoyment and the situation is long enough in duration to cause that person to question whether or not they wish to remain in the relationship. This is especially more so if there have been numerous attempts at relationship repair and these attempts have been unsatisfactory. If this is happening in your relationship, my recommendation is that you ask for help sooner rather than later. Delaying active intervention (therapy) can make the journey to a happy and connected relationship more difficult than it has to be.

      A second context where couple therapy is advisable is when both partners experience mutual dissatisfaction and the conflict or disconnect is of a repeated and pervasive nature. A variety of issues may motivate couples to enter therapy; such as: a decline in shared activities, an inability to agree, finances, lack of common goals, addictions, sexuality, communication, affairs, co-parenting, in-laws, religion/spirituality, cultural differences and gender roles.

Individual Therapy

      If you have a sense that the issues you are dealing with are not a direct result of your current significant relationship, or perhaps you are not involved in a significant relationship, then individual therapy may be indicated. Some of the more common concerns that bring individuals into therapy include: depression, anxiety, addictions, emotional regulation; i.e. anger management, self esteem issues, career path difficulties, lack of close relationships and difficulty in assertiveness. Perhaps none of these issues fit your experience and you simply want to have a more detailed and complete understanding of yourself. No matter what the reason, feel free to contact me and together we will determine if I can help.

Group Therapy

      Two of the primary benefits of group therapy are that it usually costs significantly less than individual therapy and the relationships within the group can be used to explore and understand yourself. Group therapy like the other forms of therapy encourages an active awareness of one's behaviors, emotions, sensations, thoughts, feelings and memories (BEST FM).

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