There is no such thing as a typical family. They are blended, adopted, small, large, single parent or with same sex parents. But the truth remains – families are made up of individuals and family dynamics can change as children grow, parents age and priorities shift. Communication is vital to keeping the peace in families – whether it’s the addition of the first baby, dealing with teenagers, adjusting to a new stepfamily or supporting elderly parents. Counseling can provide perspective and insight as family members learn to validate each member’s needs and decipher the rules of healthy conflicts to create and maintain a loving lifelong bond.
Parenting Skills
Are you both excited and terrified about the prospect of being a new parent? Maybe you had poor role models growing up and you are determined to be a better parent – but what exactly does that mean? How can couples co-parent so neither one feels underappreciated?
Congratulations on taking a big step in your life – parenthood! Whether you are a new parent via birth, adoption or marriage, the parenting role is one of the most challenging and yet rewarding journeys you will take. You might have practical questions and concerns, along with the emotional highs and lows of being a parent. We can provide you with support and knowledge that will guide you on this new adventure.
Communication
Have your dinner table conservations broken down? Is conversing with your teenager like talking to a brick wall? Are you having trouble discussing important issues with family members especially when you have kids of varying ages? Are you worried about launching your kids into adulthood?
Many factors can unravel previous strong communication ties with family members. Maybe the constant use of social media leaves others feeling unwanted and ignored. Parents may have unrealistic expectations of their children’s abilities – maybe they are sheltering them from obstacles that would help children navigate the world better even with setbacks. Maybe a life-changing event (death, divorce, relocation, etc.) has triggered a communication shutdown. Counseling can provide you and your family with a safe place to discuss your current communication challenges and build trust through healthier dialogue.
Life Transitions
Are you concerned about how an upcoming divorce will affect your family? Did a recent relocation present numerous adjustment challenges? Has a recent death in the family left you and your family members confused, sad and maybe angry? Did sending off your child to college leave you with the Empty Nest blues?
Positive and challenging situations may present stress, confusion and a myriad of other emotions. Life reminds us that often we are not in charge of events around us — but we can be in control of our actions and attitudes. There are healthy ways to adjust to new chapters in your family’s life, whether you are dealing with a divorce, an illness or a new living situation. Counseling can provide you with insights and give you the support you need during difficult life transitions.
“When the people we love stop paying attention, trust begins to slip away and hurt starts seeping in.”Brene Brown