In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony. – Friedrich Nietzsche
Family Systems Theory considers the whole as greater than the sum of its parts, where the behavior of every member is dependent on, and influences the behavior of all the others. From a systems perspective, the family is more than a collection of individuals; it is a network of relationships. It is important to note that people are part of an open system, continuously interacting with our environment, and healthy families actively initiate efforts to flourish.
I am passionate about supporting healthy, fulfilling relationships in any way I can. It is crucial that we discuss things openly and honestly. Therapy is best provided in an atmosphere of trust. I believe in the healing and transforming power of relationships. Consequently, I take a very relational and dynamic approach to counseling.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I bring a systems perspective to my work with clients, whether I am speaking with the whole family, or just one person. This means I consider not only the individual difficulties that my clients are struggling with, but also the way that those challenges affect, and are affected by their families, friends, work or school, and other important aspects of their lives.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, depending on the type of problem being addressed. I also believe that for people of faith, their religion or spirituality is a fundamental part of their identity, and I am glad to incorporate that faith or spirituality into the clinical work. I personally identify with a Christian perspective, and I am open to supporting clients of faith from an approach that includes an integration of Christian faith with compatible psychological perspectives as we weave this important aspect of their lives into our work together.
Within a systemic approach, I may use a number of therapies including cognitive-behavioral, structural/strategic, intergenerational, experiential, emotionally focused, and narrative solutions brief therapy. Techniques include the use of genograms, family sculpting, and/or material drawn from spiritual disciplines. We may also consider emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and aspects of neuroscience to enhance our work together.
You may be asked to complete assignments between sessions with periodic assessment of progress. Homework completion is important for you to get the most from therapy.
If you are hoping to achieve success in your relationships and experience a flourishing life, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact me today and let’s get started together.