Family therapy services in Broadway District, Portland. Relationship and couples counseling.

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.

Clients who are having difficulties within their family are often surprised when they begin to understand that every member of the family (yes, even dogs and cats!) have developed fairly predictable roles within a bigger family system. It is like they are actors in a play that has been rehearsed over and over. Once they understand these patterns and roles, we move forward by searching for the patterns that are positive and the ones that that are causing pain in the family system. "Would you be willing to change those entrenched roles, if it means that your family can regain some of it's balance, playfulness, and love?" I ask them. If the answer is yes, I find that families soon benefit.

Growing up we may have at times thought we are in some sort of really bad sit com or even a horror movie. Our families at their best can function more like an athletes' fine tuned body, ready to move, compete and win. Appreciating each parts input to the whole is important. Learning how to supportively communicate, work and heal together we get a glimpse of the lasting victory that can be ours.

As a family therapist, I see things from a systemic lens. This means that I see individuals as functioning within a larger family system. Family therapy can enhance growth in family members. Family therapy can also help family members learn new healthier ways of communicating and interacting with each other. One of my passions is helping families move from a shame base to a compassionate base.

The human mind is incredibly complex. As a family grows from two adults to a multigenerational system involving multiple personalities, communication styles and temperaments, disagreements are inevitable. The difference between a well-functioning family and one that is suffering from "dysfunction", is HOW conflict is handled within the household. I will help your family identify counterproductive communication patterns and power imbalances, and establish a healthy parental hierarchy that will result in greater respect and family functioning.

It's called Family Therapy—but we know that family can include any human you feel connected to. As Family Therapists we are trained to navigate the various relationships represented in the room and to assist each person in finding their voice. Family Therapy is a unique experience, and requires skilled professionals Issues that can be addressed from a Family Therapy perspective include: Grief/Loss Illness Remarriage Blended families Life transitions Resolving past hurts Accepting a family member’s sexuality Supporting a family member struggling with sexual identity Our skilled therapists can support you in coming together to find the best ways for your family to relate to each other.

Family conflict, communication difficulties, intercultural issues, blended families, and many other scenarios affect families today. Whether one member of a family is struggling, or many, the whole family may experience distress. I believe in helping the system to gain health, instead of pointing out one person as the problem. Allow me to walk along side your family during this difficult time and move towards a healthier happier family life.