Family Counseling Services in Santee, CA.

Family Therapy can offer simple solutions to complex problems that undermine the strength of the family. With the insight and support of a trained therapist you can see self defeating behavior and learn ways to improve your life and the life of family members. Rebuilding the connective tissues of love, intimacy and communication contribute to being happy now rather than being stuck in patterns of resentments, sadness and fears that make happy relationships difficult. Learning to trust yourself and other family members strengthens the bonds that make relationships both meaningful and rewarding. Sometimes going back to the basics of kindness and respect create the profound changes we want.

I use a family systems approach in my therapy, so having family members in the room, in my opinion, is the most efficient route towards healing and growth in individuals. I encourage clients to address relationships that are causing distress in their lives and work towards healthy differentiation of self. This can be done in individual therapy as well, but is more effective when all members of the relationship are present.

Families engaging in therapy with me will find a compassionate and strong leader who understands the profound stress that family conflicts and perpetual problems can create. My approach is centered on guiding families through their tensions and difficulties, providing a structured and supportive environment where each member feels heard and valued. By focusing on your family's unique dynamics and challenges, I facilitate open communication and collaboration, leading to practical and lasting solutions. Clients will leave with a renewed sense of connection and the tools to foster a more harmonious family life, turning seemingly insurmountable problems into opportunities for growth.

When I work with families, together we look for patterns and cycles that the family seems to be repeating but are creating problems for the family. When there is stress in the family, emotions tend to be very strong, so it can be difficult to think through each person's part in the family that may be keeping the system from changing. In family therapy we work at lowering the anxiety so that we can collaborate together for positive solutions.

When working with children and youth, the therapist cannot ignore the family system in which the child lives. I work with parents in multiple ways to help support youth in treatment, which may include separate parent sessions, co-parenting sessions, systemic family therapy, or Filial Therapy, a play therapy practice that coaches and guides parents in special play sessions with their child to decrease unwanted behaviors, improve relationships and communication, increase the child's emotional vocabulary, and increase the child's self-esteem.

Family therapy looks at the entire family system—parents, children, extended family members—to identify strengths and problematic behaviours. I collaborate with families on strategies for utilizing their own capabilities for resolving problems, and on developing effective communication and problem-solving skills for preventing conflicts. I specialize in working with families of teenagers, which is an age that can be challenging for both the teenagers and their parents.

Family life and family relationships have a profound impact on what we value and what we believe about ourselvles and others. How others in the family treat us and perceive us can significantly affect how we feel about ourselves and how we behave. AS a family therapist, I educate families on how to relate to one another in kind and respectful ways and how to interact with one another in such a way that promotes the emotional well being of each family member. When family life improves many individual problems tend to improve such as anger, depression, substance abuse, work problems, academic problems and child behavior problems.

ARE YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS IN CONFLICTS OR CRISIS? Counseling helps! I take a unique and effective approach to family therapy- addressing the needs and clarifying the roles of every individual in the system so that everyone knows where they are, where the family is and take the steps they need to a healthier and happier family. Call for a free telephone consult.

Families can be the source of tremendous joy and also the source of tremendous pain. When things are feeling out of control at home or in your extended family, members often become depressed and angry. Emotionally Focused Family Therapy can help transform negative interaction patterns and restore connections. Your family can be a safe place, a place where each member is valued, loved and appreciated for their unique qualities. If you are a family with a Special Needs child, you have specific challenges that can be helped by an experienced therapist. You do not need to navigate this difficult road alone!

I believe that as we grow up we are shaped by our relationships; this starts from the time we are little and continues for the rest of our lives. Through these relationships we are also shaped by society. In being shaped we create various meaning from our experiences as well as receiving and giving instructions on how to live. When we form new relationships of any kind, this gets challenged; coming together and finding a path forward that celebrates all involved is the key to success.

Family therapy is a wonderful modality to assist families in improving communication, interaction, respect, support or addressing a concern that is impacting the family unit. Family therapy can increase understanding and assist family members in functioning at their optimal level and achieving their individual and family goals. Family therapy can help members and families attain healing needed to process difficult situations and trauma by improving communication, structure and boundaries.

I specialize in online parent coaching with the goal of helping you and your family have a closer more intimate relationship. After 11 years of working with children and families, I have concluded that this is the most effective way I can support families because you parents are the leaders of your home. If I can empower you through my knowledge and experience to implement some strategies at home, you can achieve your goals for your family. The support I provide will be sufficient for many families, but there are some situations that could benefit from the in-vivo coaching and direction that in person family therapy provides. Call me for a free 15 minute consultation about your needs

I practice EFFT - Emotionally Focused Family Therapy whose goal is to help families in their relationships to become stronger and safer. We all have conflict from time to time with those we love. What matters most is to be able to have healthy repair with each other to heal and forgive and move forward in healthy, loving, lasting relationships with those who mean the most.