Teen Therapy and Family Therapy In Coral Springs
Teen Self-esteem and Worth | Developing Independence |
Identity Formation | Finding Your Voice | Communication Skills
Being a parent is a demanding, 24-7 job.
Will it ever get easier?
Parenting during the pre-teen and teenage years can be one of the most challenging jobs ever!
But you already know that.
You’re desperate
for things to get better.
Daily arguments, constantly at each other’s throats, you never pictured this would happen in your family.
The worry is
endless.
You worry about how your teen is developing, whether they will make good choices, and what kind of a person they will grow up to be.
The payoff is
nowhere in sight.
This full-time job can be extremely frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging at times, with no potential praise in sight, even for a job well done.
The path is
unclear.
The parenting books say to “be involved!” and “provide unconditional love and support!” They also need stability and structure. Where do you draw the line?
What you’ve done in the past is no longer working.
Although you may have the best of intentions, sometimes our strategies aren't as effective as we would like and can even make matters worse.
Does this sound like you?
As their mom, you know that something seems off lately...
You notice that the problems at home are getting worse. Things are said that you wish you could take back, although no one can get you worked up like they can. You notice your teen withdrawing, becoming irritable in every interaction, and pulling further and further away. You worry that it’s too late, that things are hopeless.
You don’t have to feel powerless to help them.
As a teen, nobody gets you. Especially not mom, not that you would tell her what’s really going on...
You’re not sure if you should call it “depression” or “anxiety,” but there is an intense loneliness you feel. You’re not sure you can trust your friends, and you're not sure how to talk to your family. You’re told, “you’re making a big deal out of nothing” and to “just get over it” but no one sees how much you’re hurting inside.
I can help you find your voice.
Imagine that your teen felt confident in themselves, could recognize their strengths, and realize their worth in life.
I know the pain you feel when they slam that door, when they retreat inward rather than tell you how they really feel. I know the helplessness that comes with feeling like you’re doing the best you can, and wondering if it’s good enough.
Imagine feeling confident yourself, knowing that you connected them to someone who can help.
How different it could feel to be on the same team. To know that you weren’t the only one thinking about the future.
Imagine feeling safe enough to talk about your own challenges in parenting.
No judgement here. With empathy that stems from my own knowledge of what it’s like to be a parent of a teen in today’s age, you can feel safe to voice the concerns you’ve been afraid to say aloud.
There is hope for your family
I specialize in uplifting teens, adults, and their families to look at their pain points from a different angle, focus on the strengths they possess and find meaning in themselves, their relationships, and their future.
No relationship is beyond repair.
Even from the challenges you face, we can rebuild meaningful, healthy relationships.
Building Healthy Relationships is My Specialty
Together, we can work through family conflict, reinforce boundaries, carefully address issues with adoption or blended families. If one or more family members are dealing with anxiety, trauma, or a lack of self-esteem we can create a solution that works for your family.
You’re probably wondering, how do family therapy sessions work?
Family sessions are usually focused on addressing any and all issues that the family faces. Usually this means working on communication between family members, and stepping in to make sure that all have the opportunity to share..
Sessions typically involve all or as many family members as possible. The more members of the family unit that are able to attend throughout treatment, the better. I am able to understand the different dynamics and roles at play. Having full family involvement is a large part of my success in being able to create change in as little as 12 sessions.
Each family member is given time to speak and address the concerns they may have about the family or specific members.
Every person in your family has an important role to play.
I firmly believe that the more family members present during a session, the more perspectives received. When we broaden our perspective we can create a 3D view of the relationship rules and patterns that are affecting the system. This awareness can create a lasting change that benefits the whole family.
Common Concerns About Starting Family Therapy
It can be difficult to imagine getting the whole family together to sit in the same room, let alone to talk about your feelings and concerns. Many families I work with have similar apprehensions, and it’s helpful to prepare ahead of time.
When is the right time to come to Family Therapy?
A family should start thinking about family therapy when they notice that they’ve exhausted their internal resources and what they are trying has not received the intended results. The sooner a family is able to come to family therapy, the more beneficial it will be for them.
Family therapy is hard work and requires time, dedication, and the ability and willingness for growth.
Is Family Therapy Right For Us?
Family dynamics can be complicated and difficult at times.
Counseling is helpful in creating stronger and healthier bonds between family members.
Family therapy is for families who are ready and willing to address some of these difficult and complicated dynamics.
Some signs that family counseling may be beneficial for your family situation include the following:
6. Moods swings in the family unit
7. Integrating a blended family
8. Issues of gender identity and preference
9. Adoption
10. Poor academic performance
1. Family trauma
2. Divorce
3. Ineffective communication
4. Substance abuse from a family member.
5. Behavioral issues from a family member
What if I can’t get a family member to participate?
Family therapy works best when the majority of the family can participate and I am able to gain an understanding of the way things operate at home. Without this information, we can still create healing, although it may take longer without the buy-in of key family members.
How will I know family therapy is working?
Just like in any type of counseling, family therapy is a process and it takes time, effort, and commitment to see results.
Here are several signs that identify that progress is being made with family counseling:
Healthier communication between family members
Less resentment towards family members
More openness and honesty about each other’s feelings
More expression of love and gratitude
Better understanding of each family member’s needs.