Family Counseling Services in Allegan, MI.

Families tend to pass down problematic behaviors as well as positive behaviors, all of which eventually become family narratives. This process is not always clear and it can become difficult for parents to address the problem behaviors they see in their children while strengthening more positive behaviors. I can provide the tools for families to address these problems and strengthen the family as a whole. By weeding out the problem behaviors, we will be better able to nurture the positive, and create positive change within the family and its functioning. Alternatively I can help clients through separation, divorce, and family reunification depending on the need.

I practice family therapy from an attachment perspective. Understanding how a family works and how the attachments function is a critical part of moving from a hurtful family to a family that is close and supportive. It takes work. Sometimes difficult discussions result in turning points within a family that allows them to move forward, grow closer, and build on the family's strengths.

I do my best to mediate, to help family members find their way back or heal the hurts of childhood or estrangements of adulthood. Prefer working with adult family members to restore relationships. Grown children still need the parents to fix the difficulties encountered growing up. I believe it is the adults' responsibility to maintain order in a family.

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.

We work to nurture change and development of effective interaction between family members, as family relationships are a significant factor in psychological health. Our therapists believe that, regardless of the origin of the problem, and regardless of whether the clients consider it an "individual" or "family" issue, involving families in solutions is often beneficial through direct participation in the therapy session. The family may be immediately related, or may include strongly supportive, long-term relationships between people who may or may not be related by blood or marriage.

You already know that every family has issues, but you may not know that every family is highly sensitive to each member and any slight changes in the family system - whether they are aware of it or not. We will work with you and your family to gain an understanding of the nuances within your system. We will make sure that each member's perspective and experience is understood. We will help you all understand what is happening at the core. At the same time, we know you are probably coming to therapy because there are very important practical matters at hand. We will also help you navigate those matters with conviction while remaining sensitive to whatever is making things feel so delicate.

Families are the rock of our society. We need family time. We need to be able to express ourselves in away that communicates good will and kindness. It is my goal to bring back family fun and communication. I look at the individuals and how they play off each other. It is the basic belief that everyone is important and needed. Let the family love.