Family Systems Theory

Like most therapists, I have been trained in many approaches to therapy. Continuing to broaden and deepen my skill set allows me to have more tools at my disposal, and keeps me engaged and interested in my work. With more tools available, I can better create a unique recipe for each client, based on their treatment goals and their preferences. Its not important that you recognize each thing that is being done in session, and where the approach comes from, in order for it to be helpful to you. However, you might find it interesting or helpful to know the main ideas behind these approaches. Below is a brief description of the models of therapy that most influence my work, and for which I continue to seek readings, trainings and consultation.

Family systems theory is a therapy approach that views the family as a complex system with interconnected parts, like the eco-system of a pond. As individuals, our behavior and functioning are influenced by family dynamics, patterns of interaction, and the roles we play within our family, past and present. In addition to addressing current patterns of interaction in your family, this type of therapy helps individuals learn to better maintain their own beliefs, values, and identity, even in the presence of emotional intensity or conflict within the family system. This way, you can make decisions based on your own values, and express your thoughts and feelings without being overly influenced by others. This helps you to remain connected to family members while still having a healthy level of emotional and psychological independence. Family Systems Theory asks, “How does being a part of this system invite me to repeat patterns in my life?”

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT helps people develop more adaptive ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges. It focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative, extreme, or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. By challenging irrational or distorted thinking patterns, people can develop more balanced and realistic thoughts and choose healthier and more satisfying ways of acting instead of reacting. CBT asks, “How does what I think about this impact what I feel and do about this?”

Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Feminist Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Motivational Intervewing

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented approach to therapy that is designed to help people quickly and without needing to explore the origins of problems in your life. SFBT focuses on identifying and building solutions into your life rather than dwelling on problems or exploring their causes. It emphasizes the your strengths, resources, and abilities to create positive change in your own life by identify exceptions to the problem and helps you to imagine and create a future where these exceptions become more frequent or sustained. SFBT asks, “What would I notice happening in my life if things were just a little better?”

Feminist therapy is an approach to therapy that acknowledges the impact of gender, power, and social inequality on individuals' mental health and well-being. This approach helps people of all genders to understand and challenge the social, cultural, and political power dynamics within various domains of life. It recognizes the influence of societal norms, cultural expectations, and institutional structures on each of our individuals' lives and addresses the impact of your gender, race, class, sexuality, and other intersecting identities on your life experiences and relationships. Feminist therapy helps you be empowered in your life and relationships as a self aware and self-governing person. Feminist therapy asks, “What is the one powerful thing I could do here in this moment?”

Narrative therapy is an approach to therapy that focuses on understanding and reshaping the stories that we construct about ourselves and our lives. In narrative therapy, you might explore the way that society or your family has told “thin” or overly-simplistic stories that shaped your ideas about yourself and the world in unhelpful ways. You will also learn to separate yourself from your problems by “externalizing” your problems, allowing you to see your problems as something they have, rather than something you are. Through conversations and questioning, the therapist helps you to tell truer and more complex stories about yourself and your world that incorporate more of your experiences, strengths and values. Narrative therapy looks up at the constellation in the sky and asks, “Are these the only stars in the sky, or is there more to see here?”

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that helps you to resolve ambivalence and increase your motivation to make positive changes. This approach meets you where you are and helps you tap into your own reasons, values, and goals for change. The therapist uses deep listening to be a mirror, helping you to see yourself more clearly and explore any discrepancy between your current behavior and their desired goals or values. The ultimate goal of motivational interviewing is to facilitate your commitment to change and support your autonomy in decision-making. It recognizes that individuals are more likely to make lasting changes when they feel empowered and motivated from within. Motivational Interviewing asks, “How can I resolve my ambivalence about change to move closer to my own goals?”