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.

I assist families who are in need of repair as a result of substance use/addiction. I work with such families to identify and help with coping strategies related to co-dependency, relapse, betrayal, cravings, stress management, relationship repair and other aspects. Many family members want to be supportive but don't know how to proceed. As a former Clinical Director of a substance abuse treatment facility and primary therapist in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings, I respect and am able to address the concerns of family members and addicted individuals, respectively. I am also a certified progressive recovery coach eager to help those in active recovery.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have a passion for helping people that struggle with substance abuse issues (i.e. drugs and alcohol). I assist my clients in finding their true selves by teaching them to learn how to cope with and resolve their anxieties, depressions, grief, loss and traumas. I have experience working with both the adult and youth population. I aide my clients in identifying their strengths and motivations, and how to use them to maintain long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one struggles from a substance abuse problem, reach out to me. I'm happy to give a brief consultation on how I can assist you at this time of need.