Family Counseling Services in Long Branch, VA.

I would say that about 25% of my coaching is in the family scope. This area sometimes takes the most time. It has so many fascist. I ask each party for the one "big" problem and we start at that point. Resolving one step at a time. In any area of the home, there is commonly layers of bad thinking that brings things people to the edge. In the past I did testing, but I have found by the 38 years of history that you and I must get in the middle of the "stuff". Testing can really be a cop-out for the lack of experience in a field.

In family therapy I meet with any number of family members together as a way to build understanding between family members and resolve conflicts that may exist. This tends to be a very active and dynamic interaction where each member is given the opportunity to express their views and concerns in a neutral environment. I, in turn provide feedback and help to clarify the issues.

Family therapy is indicated especially if the couple also is looking for help out of an emotionally difficult place. Family stresses can also provide stresses on each member of the couple. Through therapy, we work together to find the causes of the family stress, and then create strategies for managing the negative emotions and creating positive ones. Then we practice the strategies so that when similar stresses arise, each family member knows how to work within their family dynamic, keeping things calm.

Did you know that not everyone who claims to practice family therapy was actually trained in family therapy? It's true. Only licensed marriage and family therapists are specifically trained to deal with the complex issues that can arise in families. Not surprising - you know your own family and how complicated it can be! It takes a therapist with experience and training to know how to balance the needs and wants of each family member, all while making sure everyone is heard and understood. Add to that the difficult tasks of helping the family as a whole achieve its goals for better communication and closer relationships, and it's clear it takes a professional to make lasting changes for you.