Family Counseling Services in Phoenix, AZ.

Dr. Keller utilizes family therapy when appropriate. In working with children and teens, dysfunctional family dynamics are a major contributing factor in the development of symptoms of anxiety, depression,substance abuse, and academic underachievment. Improving empathic communication within the family system can play an important role in the treatment of a variety of psychological conditions. Dr. Keller attemts to utilize the family as a support system to help patients recover from emotionally painfull experiences. Family therapy is often used as an adjunct to individual therapy. Dr. Keller may refer to another therapist for family therapy while he is treating an individual patient.

Our families are our most valuable asset and the most important foundation of our lives. They are from where we develop our personalities, our sense of identity, and our sense of safety in the world. So often, though, personality conflicts or misunderstandings and built-up resentments ruin our peace in the family. It takes a skilled family therapist to balance the individual needs of each family member and the overall health of the unit. One cannot be sacrificed for the other. I am very comfortable with all the complexities involved in dealing with multiple personalities with sometimes opposing agendas. I will help you sort things out to create a win-win for everyone!

Most family therapists inadvertently create more chaos through their well-intentioned efforts to assist a family move through a change process. Why? Brains are inherently deregulated (all of us, may I add) and most talking and dialoguing misses brain-centric problems that need more intensive help. Many times the emotional trauma created by years of solving problems ineffectively can wreak havoc on the brain's parasympathetic nervous system, not ever giving the family a break from flight or fight thinking. Contact us for an innovative neuroscience solution to family dysfunction. Kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

Family relationships provide us with a sense of purpose, meaning and belonging. When family relationships are conflicted the results can produce stress, anxiety even depression and significantly reduce our life satisfaction. I have been helping families resolve issues, improve communications and develop better relationships since 1980. I believe every family has the capacity to improve its relationships and resolve issues.

Most family problems are the result of ineffective communication and ineffective boundaries. The process of family therapy is often educational as each family member learns how to honestly share thoughts and feelings while allowing others to do the same. My work with families is dynamic and results oriented. I will help you work toward intimacy while respecting each other's individuality.

One of the keys to a healthy family is assertive communication. A family develops and matures as the members change, so each member will learn now to negotiate their roles, needs and wants, and establish healthier family dynamics. Assertive communication can defuse power struggles that would otherwise prevent members of the family from getting their needs met in a healthy way. Each member must learn how to establish healthy boundaries and must learn to respect the boundaries of other family members. Each member must learn to take personal responsibility for their own actions. Together the family can establish goals and rules.

Dysfunction of some sort exists in every family. The key to change is not blame but taking personal responsibility for your part in the mix and seeking to change your own influence in the family. I've worked with parents and teens who struggle with communication and respect issues and have been blessed in helping families emerge out of the most trying of circumstances and grow closer as a result.

At the Mandel Center of AZ, Alyssa Mandel, LCSW approaches Family Therapy from a strengths-based perspective. Rather then focusing on all of the negative aspects of what is occurring in the family, we work on identifying and expanding the positive components in the family. We are always non-judgmental, fair and balanced in our work with the complex nature of Family Therapy. Our goal with families is to help every person involved feel as though they are valued and honored regardless of what issues they may be facing. And, assist the family in supporting each other by teaching them positive coping skills.

Family members have a need to feel they are included and are free to become the person they are meant to be. In healthy families, the adults are willing take responsibility for their actions and interact appropriately with others. Parents are also willing to attend to the needs of infants, adolescents, and minors in ways that are commensurate with their stage of development. Family therapy serves to facilitate a respectful and loving atmosphere where individuals are encouraged toward individual growth and development. A family must anticipate changes over time. Family therapy encourages each family member toward adaption and growth.

Families with teens may experience difficulties such as rebelliousness, blended families, divorce, adoption, bullying and self-injurious behavior such as cutting. I help teens learn to deal with the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. I help parents learn new skills needed to cope with a teenager. I help families learn how to communicate their wants and needs effectively, without fighting or hurting each other. The teenage years can be a challenge but the skills to navigate through those years can be learned!

Are you experiencing challenges with one or more family members? Does it seem as if you just do not get along as well as you either once did or had hoped? Or, do you have a particular family member who seems to be having a hard time succeeding in school, work, or social relationships? Life doesn't have to be this way. You and your family deserve better! I will help everyone gain a better understanding as to what is going on while simultaneously helping everyone work toward solutions that can be implemented today. If you don’t work toward change, things usually will remain the same and often do become worse. Call me at 602 323-7824 to get started.

Too often, stress and responsibilities from outside the home can interrupt the harmony of family life. Your children may be acting out, conflict and emotions may be increasing, and parenting may be getting harder. You've tried just about everything and nothing seems to work. I'm a parent, I understand. I know how much you love your family and how difficult it can be. I am uniquely trained as a marriage and family therapist to help you implement parenting techniques that fit your family’s goals and values. I can help you reduce conflict and increase cooperation, communication, and connection… making family life easier for you and your children.

Like married couples, there are times when families get stuck. There may need to be an intervention with a loved one who is out of control in some way, or just a need to have a safe place with a professional to be sure family members are heard and a consensus can be reached in regard to a difficult situation. When people can express their feelings and ideas, it helps everyone feel like a valued member of the family. With a safe place to be heard and express themselves, the family can often solve it's own problems.