In working with families, I primarily work from the lens of the “family systems” therapy model. 

In Bowen Family Systems therapy, the family is seen as a cohesive emotional unit, functioning as a living system. All members form a web of interconnectedness, with different levels of closeness and distance between members. The health and happiness of any one member impacts the whole family. Members also look to each other for attention, support, and approval. There is also a naturally existing continuum over multiple generations of the family, repeating patterns and dynamics. 

The main goals of therapy is to

• Identify patterns of closeness and distance, and how this affects the unit

• Focus on how the family communicates, more than what is being communicated

• Increase differentiation rather than enmeshment,  that is, promote focus on self rather than changing others

• Examine history of triangulation

• Understanding multigenerational context and patterns

The role of the therapist is more directive rather than neutral. They maintain structure in conversation, refocusing attention as needed. The therapist helps identify implicit dynamics and patterns. The therapist supports the expansion of personal responsibility for each member, and the family as a whole. 

You may also do some activities such as constructing a family genogram to bring to session. A family genogram is a multigenerational family tree that is used to identify patterns across generations. 

Contact me to find out more.