Family therapy services in West Branch, Houston. Relationship and couples counseling.

From the time we are born we take cues as to how to think act and feel from our family. As we grow older we become aware of our own separate thoughts and feelings. In some families, independent thinking is encouraged with healthy boundaries that allow for self-expression. In other families, children are taught, to take their cues as to what thoughts and feelings others think they should have. Human beings, struggle for balance, attempting to belong to the group without losing self in the process. We can love our families and honor that unique bond, while still learning to stand as an individual with a strong sense of self. It is with this dynamic in mind that I try to work with families.

Families sometimes find themselves operating in patterns of relationships which leave the family exhausted, scared, frustrated and unable to function. Helping family members operate as healthy independent individuals in order to join and function with the family as a whole is often the first step. The next allows the family to learn how speak, to hear, to listen and to be able to tolerate each individual's differences. The third step is to help foster emotional safety in disagreements, build the connection and encourage vulnerability and resilience leading to deeper and stronger connections and functional interdependence in the family core.

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.

Let’s be honest—parents don’t have all the answers, although they wish they did. But they always have a lot of heart and a lot of love for their children. When raising children becomes challenging—or even overwhelming—know that you are not alone. Sometimes parents need help with their children, adolescents, and teens. Every parent has questions about how to improve their parenting, deal with difficult situations, and strengthen family life. Our professional family counselors can give you the guidance you are looking for…and we will also be sure to remind you that if you are filled with a lot of love for your children then you really are a great parent already!

Family therapy can be an important aspect of helping a young adult heal from an eating disorder. If you have a family member struggling with an eating disorder, we can help your family work together to support the recovery process. Our approach can not only help your child or partner, but help strengthen bonds within the family and increase effective communication, compassion and understanding.

Family Therapy is often sought when the family dynamic has reached some level of dysfunction, & family members report feeling "stuck" in their ways & unsure how to move forward in a positive direction. By the time a family typically decides to seek counseling, the interpersonal relationships among family members have become so habitually toxic that expecting a family to find solutions to their troubles on their own is a fairly futile venture. Each family member is usually responsible for some level of the dysfunction, & this is what makes these issues "family issues." Using a family systems approach, you will (re)learn how to operate as a more cohesive & emotionally connected family unit.

Each family structure is unique. Members have their roles and operation within the family. The interaction of each family member produces a benefit or fulfills a need in the family. As a family therapist, my part is to help your family find solutions to issues, utilize strengths, improve communication and develop healthy functioning. Take action today. Call to schedule your family session.

Home is where the heart is. Well worn sayings get that way because they are true! Not surprisingly, hope, connectivity, safety, attunement, learning, sorrow, pain and alienation live together in varying degrees in our lives...and families. Checking in to see how we thrive or fail can be a compelling and challenging ride. Good therapy provides clarity, compassion and well-proven technique that enlivens and cements our quest for connection and a sense of comfort and growth. You'll find all of the above here. I look forward to hearing from you - as we walk together toward that special place!

Working with families is some of the most rewarding work that can be done. A lot of the time we think that if that one person would fix themselves, then everything would be just fine. That usually isn't the case. Teaching families how to communicate effectively is an invaluable tool. If you are looking to restore or just improve your current family situation, please call me.

Our family of origin affects everything about who we are. They are so important to us, yet can hold us back as well. As we develop healthy boundaries in all our family relationships, we can begin to find hope. Your marriage and children must be your priority over all other relationships except God. But baggage from the past, or unwanted interference from siblings and parents that is still going on today can cause so much damage. I can help you learn how to manage these relationships.

Your family interactions may be challenging to the point that you are ready to seek help. Family therapy can help ease some of the tension through open, respectful communication about feelings and needs. When children are involved, we may utilize filial therapy, which involves parents learning a way of interacting with the children that facilitates healing through play. Whether you are seeking support for your marriage relationship, working on relationship issues with children of any age, or relationship challenges with parents, understanding and improved communication skills can help resolve conflict. You are welcome to call to schedule an appointment.

Family counseling involves me working with two or more members of your family. We will meet together to work through issues that are affecting the whole family. Some common family therapy issues include family conflict, parenting, co-parenting, mixed families, and other major changes within the family. My approach to family counseling is viewing your family as an interconnected web of relationships. My role is to assist your family in developing styles of interacting that increase harmony and respect among the whole family.

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!

I enjoy working with Families. It is my belief that families are important for each other, community and society. I will work with the family to maximize their communication in a respectful and productive manner. We can look at dysfunctional generational patterns that may be causing strain on the family and find doable solutions to help with restoration of harmony and happiness

Working with several people at a time helps to support the entire family unit through issues of conflict, trauma, loss, divorce and other challenges. Sometimes, these issues may be related to one or more family members experiencing depression, anxiety or difficulty relating to others. If one is experiencing these issues, family members may be having a difficult time dealing with the stress and conflict related to the problem. My goal is to help you and your family overcome the challenges and pain related to these problems and encourage positive, meaningful connections with family members.

We often wish to have a cohesive family unit where everyone gets along, or at least, enjoys being around each other. Sometimes we are able to achieve that, and sometimes we don’t. When there are issues experienced by one person, it can affect the whole family. There are also instances with life transitions where members move too fast or too slow compared to the rest of the family unit, and that can create friction. Family counseling, designed to improve communication and the connections among family members, can help. We can explore resources to navigate challenges and work towards a brighter, more harmonious future!

My approach to family therapy centers on creating a safe and supportive space where each family member can express themselves openly. I work from a family systems perspective, focusing on how relationships within the family impact individual behaviors and emotions. Through compassionate guidance, I help families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger connections. By fostering mutual understanding and encouraging personal growth, my goal is to empower families to navigate challenges together and create a more balanced, harmonious home environment.

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.

Every family has its own, unique culture; the way they do things. The culture created in a family tends to be a blend of your, mine, and our way of doing things. Our family of origin, ethnicity, faith tradition, education, past and current friends and relationships, past and current jobs, etc. all combine and blend to create our “stuff” we bring into our present. When our “stuff” blocks a family culture that mutually fosters emotional and physical safety, relationships break down and problems arise. My approach creates insight to the “stuff” that we need to keep and need to throw out; allowing for space to rebuild a family culture of respect, trust, connection, fun, and love.

I am both honored and grateful to have graduated from an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) accredited program. This implies that AAMFT has reviewed and approved all of the standards put in place for a student's education and training in family therapy. As a therapist, I integrate this training to understand what elements of structure, trust, security, and connection are currently jeopardized within the relationships in a family.