Family Therapy

Family conflict refers to disagreements or tensions between members of a family unit that can arise for a variety of reasons, such as differences in values, personality clashes, or conflict over resources. Family conflict can manifest in a variety of ways and can look and feel different for each family. Some common signs of family conflict include:

1. Frequent arguments or disagreements: Family members may argue or disagree more often than usual, and these conflicts may escalate quickly or become more intense.
2. Lack of communication: Family members may avoid talking to each other or refuse to engage in conversation, leading to a breakdown in communication and understanding.
3. Emotional distance: Family members may feel disconnected or emotionally distant from each other, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
4. Physical distance: Family members may physically distance themselves from each other or avoid spending time together, leading to feelings of isolation and further exacerbating conflict.
5. Blaming or criticizing: Family members may blame or criticize each other for problems or shortcomings, leading to feelings of resentment and hostility.

Family conflict can feel distressing and overwhelming, and it can have negative effects on individual and family well-being. It can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, and can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships with family members.

A therapist can help individuals and families manage family conflict by:

1. Identifying the root causes: A therapist can help individuals and families identify the underlying causes of conflict, such as differing values or unmet needs.
2. Developing communication skills: A therapist can help individuals and families develop effective communication skills, such as active listening and assertive communication, to promote understanding and resolve conflicts.
3. Setting boundaries: A therapist can help individuals and families set healthy boundaries and establish clear expectations for behavior, which can help prevent conflict from escalating.
4. Improving problem-solving skills: A therapist can help individuals and families develop problem-solving skills, such as brainstorming and compromise, to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
5. Strengthening relationships: A therapist can help individuals and families build stronger, healthier relationships by promoting empathy, respect, and forgiveness.

Overall, a therapist can provide valuable support to individuals and families experiencing conflict by helping them identify the underlying causes, develop effective communication and problem-solving skills, and build stronger, healthier relationships.

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next, often as a result of historical events such as war, genocide, colonization, slavery, or forced migration. The effects of intergenerational trauma can be felt by individuals, families, and entire communities, and can manifest in a range of psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms.

Therapy can be helpful for individuals and families who are experiencing the effects of intergenerational trauma. Therapeutic approaches may include trauma-focused therapy, family therapy, or a combination of both, depending on the needs and goals of the individuals involved.

Trauma-focused therapy can help individuals or families process and heal from the effects of trauma. This can include approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or somatic experiencing. These therapies can help individuals reprocess traumatic memories, develop coping strategies for managing the effects of trauma, and build resilience and self-regulation skills.

Examples of intergenerational trauma include:

• Oppression and racism
• Abuse
• Toxic communication and conflict management styles
• Substance abuse
• Experiencing natural disasters and/or life-threatening experiences
• Poverty
• Incarceration
• Divorce/Separation
• Refugees and/or immigration experiences
• Survivors of combat/war related trauma

Through our work together, we will guide you in safely exploring your family history to support the identification of intergenerational patterns existing within your family. We will use trauma-informed care to process through and heal from the affects you are experiencing and create emotional safety plans to support your wellness throughout the process. These patterns and traumas can be interrupted so that neither you nor the future generations of your family will experience their effects. You no longer have to feel the way you have been feeling. We are here to support your journey and help you become the best version of yourself.