THE HAVEN FAMILY THERAPY BLOG

Navigating Divorce with Children: Healthy Healing & Co-Parenting Strategies

In the tempestuous sea of divorce, our hearts are cast adrift, battered by emotions we never thought we'd feel. Yet, amid the wreckage, we can find support in family therapy, guiding you through the tumultuous waters of co-parenting.

As a co-parenting therapist who specializes in delivering family counseling to families of all shapes, I’ve put together some of the tips I use most in session.

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Overcoming a Painful Past: 4 Tips for Healing Childhood Trauma

Trauma can impact childrens’ lives in several ways, but it can be hard to tell the extent of the impact for any particular event or ongoing trauma. Children aren’t as able to communicate how they feel or what they’re thinking, and childhood trauma can even impact memory formation, so remembering exact events isn’t always possible. Healing traumatic wounds from childhood once you’ve reached adulthood can be tricky.

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Family Therapy, Teens & Families, Therapy For Men Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Family Therapy, Teens & Families, Therapy For Men Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

Finding Hope and Healing through Storytelling and Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is a transformative therapeutic approach that views individuals as authors of their own life stories. It is rooted in the belief that people are not defined by their problems but rather by the narratives they construct around them. Developed by an Australian social worker in the 80’s, this empowering form of therapy seeks to deconstruct negative self-perceptions and limitations.

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Family Therapy, Teens & Families, Therapy For Men Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Family Therapy, Teens & Families, Therapy For Men Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

Overcoming Conflict in Your Family

All too often, especially with teenagers in the house, you may find that family conversations turn into conflict. Sometimes the same kind of conflict, over and over, in fact. This can easily lead to post-argument anxiety, where you find yourself on edge, dreading an argument that will end up in an emotional attack of some sort.

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Family Therapy, Teens & Families, Therapy For Men Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Family Therapy, Teens & Families, Therapy For Men Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

5 Tips For Men Who Want to Improve Their Social Skills

These last three years aside, humans are a social species in need of others, whether it is seeking friendships or romantic relationships. It has been particularly difficult for men to discuss their mental health issues, surrounding anxiety, confidence, and self-worth. Unsurprisingly, these issues take a toll on relationships.

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Family Therapy, Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Family Therapy, Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

How to Help Your Shut-down Teen

You probably remember what it was like to be a teenager struggling with an irritable mood that swings high and low or maybe even the painful experience of being left out of the group. You’ve come a long way since then, and found your voice, but what happens when it's your child who's pulling away from their peers, shutting down, and acting entirely unlike themselves?

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Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

Three Teen Myths: Debunked

Teens are on the receiving end of some harmful stereotypes such as laziness, entitlement, and immaturity. Learn more about how Haven Family Therapy works to destigmatize adolescence and advocate for teen mental health.

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Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

#MentalHealthMatters: How Social Media is Changing Mental Health

Have you ever been scrolling funny pet videos and suddenly you see some person in glasses talking about anxiety and depression??? Even if your pathways or algorithms aren’t configured to mental health or therapy content, therapists are on the social media scene to spread awareness, information, access, and encouragement to those thinking about asking for support.

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Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT Teens & Families Alexa von Oertzen, LMFT

Conquering Holiday & End-of-Year Depression and Stress

Whether it’s stressing about paying for gifts for your loved ones, physical distance from (chosen) family, or your own internal battle to stay in the metaphorical sunshine despite the cold, the month of December can bring a flurry of emotions. In today’s blog, we'll name some ways to face the reality of this heaviness, normalize it, and suggest some ways to take good care of yourself as we wind down on another year.

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