Therapy for children often involves problem-solving and practicing new skills through activities and play. We like to meet with parents first, and depending on the age of the child, integrate parent sessions throughout the child's time in therapy. In therapy, children with behavioral issues can learn alternative ideas to maladaptive behavior and learn how their feelings and moods affect their behavior. They can identify their inner thoughts and feelings and learn basic coping skills. Often, play therapy is used to help a child learn self-management strategies and gain skills such as patience, attention, deep breathing, anxiety reduction, and communication. Art therapy is used as another way children express themselves, when they often are unable to do so with words alone. Common things we address are ADHD, anxiety, behavioral issues, and parenting skills.

It is often not easy to take that step to come in for therapy. We can work together to establish goals and get a better understanding of what you want to achieve in your time here, and in life. 

Most couples who come in for therapy experience their issues for years before coming in.  Sometimes the relationship feels stuck, or there is a specific conflict such as money, infidelity, children, or problems with physical or emotional intimacy.  Coming in can help begin the conversation in a productive way, find out what's behind the conflict, reconnect, improve communication, and reduce blame. Often, people are more aware of how their partner is contributing to the problems in the relationship then they are of themselves. An outsider can often help reflect and provide an objective view and help each person understand their own wants, needs, and what they can do to get them.

Family therapy can involve anything from two family members to a larger complete group. It can help improve communication to resolve conflict and provide skills to cope with challenging situations in a more effective way. We often examine the family's ability to solve problems and express thoughts and feelings in a productive way, as well as explore roles, boundaries, and behavior patterns to identify what may be contributing to repeated conflict. It can also help give the family a sense of support, empathy, honesty, and togetherness.