Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do you mean by "honoring diversity"?
No two families are alike, just as no two people are alike. By honoring diversity we learn to see those differences as strengths, not just struggles. We honor the many ways people "do" family today - single parents with children, bi-racial couples with children, mixed-race blended families, GLBTQ families, cross-racial adoptions; the list goes on.
Honoring diversity helps youth (and their families) who may feel overwhelmed with different things - popularity, first love, peer pressure, gender identity issues and the struggle to figure out just who they are. These issues can be even more challenging for adolescents who are adopted, who may be trying to understand their racial or gender identity, or who have questions about their sexuality.
No two families are alike, just as no two people are alike. By honoring diversity we learn to see those differences as strengths, not just struggles. We honor the many ways people "do" family today - single parents with children, bi-racial couples with children, mixed-race blended families, GLBTQ families, cross-racial adoptions; the list goes on.
Honoring diversity helps youth (and their families) who may feel overwhelmed with different things - popularity, first love, peer pressure, gender identity issues and the struggle to figure out just who they are. These issues can be even more challenging for adolescents who are adopted, who may be trying to understand their racial or gender identity, or who have questions about their sexuality.
Why family therapy? My kid is the problem!
Right now your child is having trouble - in school, with relationships, that "attitude", acting out. However, no one lives in a vacuum and our families shape much of who we are. You were there when your child was little and, while it may seem they don't need or want you around now, your teenage child still needs to know you're on their side.
Right now your child is having trouble - in school, with relationships, that "attitude", acting out. However, no one lives in a vacuum and our families shape much of who we are. You were there when your child was little and, while it may seem they don't need or want you around now, your teenage child still needs to know you're on their side.
How can therapy help?
Therapy can help teens and families grow together. Not only is the teen going through changes, but the whole family must learn to be family in a different way. Parenting roles will change and adolescents must take on more responsibility and independence. Therapy can help give teenagers a voice while providing parents the tools needed to set boundaries and communicate more effectively.
Therapy can help teens and families grow together. Not only is the teen going through changes, but the whole family must learn to be family in a different way. Parenting roles will change and adolescents must take on more responsibility and independence. Therapy can help give teenagers a voice while providing parents the tools needed to set boundaries and communicate more effectively.
What can I do when I don't like the choices my teenager is making?
Adolescence is a time when children try out new ideas, images of themselves, friends, and more. Sometimes all parents can do is remind themselves that "this, too, shall pass"! Remember your child at 2? Think of your adolescent as a 2-year-old magnified - temper tantrums, arguments, stomping feet. While it may be scary to see what your almost-adult is doing, they will have to learn some things the hard way. It's the parents' job to allow more freedom, but within boundaries - and I can help you learn how to negotiate that balance.
Adolescence is a time when children try out new ideas, images of themselves, friends, and more. Sometimes all parents can do is remind themselves that "this, too, shall pass"! Remember your child at 2? Think of your adolescent as a 2-year-old magnified - temper tantrums, arguments, stomping feet. While it may be scary to see what your almost-adult is doing, they will have to learn some things the hard way. It's the parents' job to allow more freedom, but within boundaries - and I can help you learn how to negotiate that balance.
What is the next step?
If you're ready to change how your family does family, please give me a call at (773) 580-0448 or fill out the online contact form. I will want to speak with you and your teen to see what's going on and how, together, we can see you grow into a stronger, happier family.
If you're ready to change how your family does family, please give me a call at (773) 580-0448 or fill out the online contact form. I will want to speak with you and your teen to see what's going on and how, together, we can see you grow into a stronger, happier family.
