FAMILIES
“Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes tolerated, communication is open and rules are flexible. A kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.” – VIRGINIA SATIR
Families are highly complex social systems that, like most systems, can fall out of balance from time to time. Family therapy is a practice of paying attention to how people operate within the family, and finding new and creative ways for its’ members to interact with one another. This leads to increased feelings of safety and peace for all.
I approach families with a genuine curiosity and humility. I start with giving families great credit for taking the courageous steps required to arrange for and come in for a consultation—not a simple task in our busy age.
My process is to ask questions about family strengths and highlights, as well as to query about the factors that drive unhappiness and discord. Part listening and part educational, I challenge each family member to “try on” fresh perspectives and to develop an increased awareness of patterns, routines and roles. At times my interventions are quite concrete and specific. Other families may need less direction, and instead benefit from using our dedicated space to express feelings and perspectives that have been shut down or disowned.
I often meet with families on Saturday mornings in the Jamaica Plain office or another time or place that can best accommodate a family’s members. Meetings can be occasional, regular or simply a one-time consultation.