Family Therapy

A family is an interconnected system. Here’s why you need a systemically trained therapist…

Behavioral Problems in Children

Behavioral problems in children—like tantrums, defiance, withdrawal, or difficulty at school—are often signs of stress within the family system rather than a “bad” child. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I view these behaviors through a systemic lens, understanding that children’s struggles are deeply connected to relationships, environment, and development. In my practice, I work with both the child and the family to uncover the patterns contributing to the behavior, strengthen communication, and build healthier ways of coping and connecting. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT for skill-building, play and creative interventions for expression, and family sessions to improve support and consistency at home, I help children feel understood while empowering parents with tools to guide their child with more confidence and compassion. Research shows this can often be faster and more effective than individual therapy with children. 

Parent-Child Relationship over the Lifetime

Parent-child relationships can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging, especially when communication breaks down or emotions run high. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I see these struggles not as signs of a “difficult child” or an “ineffective parent,” but as patterns within the relationship that can be understood and improved. In my practice, I help parents and children build trust, strengthen communication, and find new ways to connect, even when it feels like you’re stuck in constant conflict. Using evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, CBT, and attachment-based interventions, I guide families in creating more empathy, reducing power struggles, and fostering relationships where both parent and child feel respected, heard, and loved. As our children grow, our boundaries and tools need to shift and adapt. Family therapy can be very helpful to navigate these transitional times when extra stress is put on a family. 

Divorce with Children

Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions a family can face, and it can be especially challenging for children who are trying to make sense of big changes in their world. However, it can be done in healthy ways and even be the best choice for your family and children if you put energy and attention into doing it ethically. In therapy, I help parents keep their children’s well-being at the center by reducing conflict, improving communication, and creating consistent routines that provide stability. Together, we work on navigating co-parenting with respect, addressing children’s emotional needs, and fostering an environment where they feel safe, loved, and supported by both parents. My role is to guide families through this transition with compassion and clarity, so children can thrive even as the family structure shifts.

Blending Families

Today, more and more families are coming together in different ways. Divorce and second marriages are common. Blended families often bring unique joys as well as challenges, as parents, stepparents, and children adjust to new roles, expectations, and family dynamics. It’s normal for conflict, loyalty struggles, or communication breakdowns to arise during this transition, but therapy can provide a supportive space to navigate these complexities together. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work systemically to help blended families build trust, strengthen bonds, and create healthy routines that honor everyone’s voice. In my practice, I use approaches like family therapy, attachment-based interventions, and communication tools to reduce conflict, foster understanding, and help each member feel secure and valued in the new family structure.

Supporting and Understanding LGBTQ+ Children

When a child comes out as LGBTQ+, it can be a powerful moment of honesty and vulnerability—and a big adjustment for the whole family. Parents and siblings may feel pride and love, but also uncertainty, confusion, or fear about what this means for their child’s future and how to best support them. In therapy, I create a safe, affirming space where families can process their emotions, ask questions without judgment, and strengthen their ability to offer unconditional support. Together, we work on building understanding, improving communication, and navigating external challenges so the child feels celebrated and secure in their identity. My goal is to help families move through this transition with compassion, unity, and deeper connection.

Healing Abuse in Children with Family Therapy

When a child has experienced sexual or physical abuse, the entire family is impacted, and healing takes time, safety, and support. In therapy, I provide a compassionate, trauma-informed space where children can begin to process what happened in ways that feel safe and age-appropriate. Using gentle, evidence-based approaches—such as play therapy, CBT, and somatic techniques—I help children reduce fear, shame, and anxiety while rebuilding a sense of safety in their bodies and relationships. At the same time, I support parents and caregivers in understanding how to best respond, offering tools to create stability, validation, and trust at home. My goal is to help children regain resilience and hope, while strengthening the family’s ability to nurture healing together. 

Telehealth with Kids–Ages 6+

I provide telehealth therapy for children ages 6 and up because younger children typically need more in-person interaction, play-based activities, and hands-on engagement to fully benefit from therapy. At age 6 and beyond, children are generally better able to focus on a screen, express themselves verbally, and participate in creative or structured interventions through a virtual format. This ensures that sessions remain effective, supportive, and engaging, while also allowing for flexibility and accessibility for families. By setting this age guideline, I can provide the highest quality of care and ensure that children are getting the most out of the therapeutic process. Together in our first session we can assess if your child is right for telehealth therapy.