Family Counseling Services in Farmers Branch, TX.

Our families, if nothing else, play one of the most important roles in who we were, who we are, and who we will become whether we are with them or not. Learning to break free of hardwired response patterns in families can feel like trying to drive forwards when the car is in reverse. Family therapy is very different than traditional therapy- in a family session, the whole "family" is the client- meaning that no one person the focal point of change. It is our system, our patterns, that make or break how we engage, learn, and love one another. It is my hope that I can help your family create new bonds, heal old hurts, and learn to build a new system that supports each persons growth.

Family therapy is an essential part of the therapy process. The burden of change is not exclusively on the individual client. Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC believes that a family must explore their role in the dysfunction in order for healing to occur. Family therapy offers clients the opportunity to improve communication, examine roles, & align values & beliefs.

Families are like the baby mobile that hangs over the crib. If you pull one character, the whole thing shakes. Our families are this connected, and if you can begin to understand the roles that everyone plays, you can look at yourself and engage the system differently. Most patterns are predictable in the family (though your family patterns are different than mine) but if you recognize this and can begin to observe yourself acting differently. This will have a huge impact and change the dynamics of the family. Many times we get frustrated when we focus on what we think one member should be doing or not doing, but the change (and the relief) occurs when we look at and change ourselves.

Being a parent can be difficult and stressful. It doesn't have to be, but it does take effort to change the negative family behavior patterns. Many parents fall into the trap of punishment as a deterrent, and sometimes you may feel like all you ever do is punish your child. Let's flip that around: Instead of, "If you get into trouble at school today, you're grounded for a week" let's try, "If you don't get into trouble at school today, we can go to the park this weekend." Take it day by day. Every day is different. You can offer 30 minutes extra screen time or video game or, as a big reward, a sleepover. Let's talk about it!

At Reflections Counseling of Denton your family counselor is an advocate for your entire family by promoting reconnection and facilitating communication. Parents and teens learn to listen and understand each other. You work to find common ground on a variety of issues, including school, discipline, and appropriate ways to disagree. Each family member shares the responsibility for improvement. Therefore, everyone will be challenged and supported to develop new perspectives and find empathy for one another. Together, you can overcome any obstacle your family faces.

You can think of a family as a team. Each member has a contribution to make and has an impact on the other members. When a child, teen or parent is struggling it affects the entire family. For more than 25 years I've helped families work through challenges and build on their strengths in order to enjoy richer more fulfilling lives. I provide a supportive atmosphere where your family can learn problem-solving and coping skills, the keys to more effective communication and improved ways of relating to each other.