Family Therapy

Has a riot been incited?

Are things out of control to the point that even the DOG seems to be losing it, too?

All of the blaming, yelling, slamming doors, and disappearing… sulking in separate rooms…

Everyone is upset with everyone, and you can’t figure out what’s going on with them.

Even worse than the emotional meltdowns is the insufferable silence – that excruciating awkwardness when everyone is together yet not present with each other.

And making it worse sometimes is technology. The Invasion of the Body Snatchers is real, and mind-control devices seem to be controlling the holograms your kids left behind when they were taken. When they finally fall asleep at night, you tip-toe in and touch a shoulder to make sure they are real!

Crossing into enemy lines…

Do you feel like your family is holding you captive?

You feel as if something terrible is about to happen.

And with the next disaster, you’re not sure you’ll be able to put back the pieces. It’s becoming a family of damaged goods.

Hold on… wait a minute!

With a shake of your head and a stomp of your foot, you claim your rightful place. You are the adult. You are the parent. You know stuff. You’ve read books, listened to podcasts, watched YouTube videos, and talked to others who offered sage advice…

But nothing seems to work. Maybe for other children… but not yours.

Why isn’t there that perfect parenting playbook – some one-size-fits-all infographic?

This is so hard. You never fail, yet you’re earning a big fat F in “Parenting 101.”

You’re worried sick, exhausted, and frightened of the future. You’re holding your breath and your diaphragm is tight… not from exercise, but stress.

You can’t go on like this. Yet it goes on… and on…

You know the train wreck is coming, but you can’t stop it from going off the rails.

You probably feel like you’re the only one, but you’re not.

Can you think of any endeavor where your lack of skills is constantly revealed?

Well… welcome to parenthood.

As a parent, you’re living a new reality – a virgin territory filled with peaks and valleys and twists and turns, making you dizzy with worry.

There are emotional landmines everywhere, and there’s no map or reference points to navigate through them without being blown to bits. Every step is hazardous. Boom!

Admitting you need help is the first step to getting your family back.

Do you feel like asking for help is an admission of guilt or failure?

It’s not! I know you’re desperate for anything or anyone to help your children and family. Reaching out makes you brave. Many of the parents I work with felt worried and overwhelmed when they first picked up the phone.

I wish all families came to therapy. So many of the hard times and bad memories can be circumvented with the right resources, solutions, and laughter.

But you can’t be expected to know ALL these answers. That’s where I can help you.

You’re not alone. You’ve come to the right place!

Since your kids are not a project to be managed, analyzed, or kept in a safe box (you wish!), what do you do?

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been trained to understand the dynamics at work in your family. I will not take sides, but I’ll extend one helping hand to you and another to your kids.

You will learn and practice the “how to’s” and “for what’s” as you develop a toolkit of skills and techniques that will eventually build back your family.

Knowing about the stages through which children pass helps a lot. We’ll connect to your child’s emotions. Understanding why your kids are doing what they’re doing and feeling what they feel gives you the freedom to react to them with a different attitude.

We’ll do the important repair work to heal and build more collaborative, trusting relationships.

I’ll also help you understand what setting healthy boundaries looks like and provide techniques to use at home to maintain harmony within your family.

You have an opportunity here…

I have taught and counseled children and teens for many years, and I’ve raised four children of my own into responsible, happy adults (while happily married – most of the time).

Parents AND kids of all ages find me down-to-earth and easy to talk to – even funny (when it helps).

Let’s get your family back on track toward a peaceful, loving destination.

Take ownership and call me today: (949) 933-1242.