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Family Therapy

Does Your Family Need Help Communicating? 

Is your family struggling to find common ground or adapt to a new change? Do you wonder if you and your children are on the same page about how to express yourselves, approach adversity, and problem-solve? Are instances of ongoing conflict disrupting a sense of peace among your family? 


Maybe you notice underlying tension during shared time together, or perhaps your familial relationships are strained. It could be that verbal altercations have become a dominant form of communication between you, your partner, and your children, adding to feelings of stress and hostility at home. 


You may have a blended family that struggles with issues of conflict and miscommunication. Perhaps your family is still adjusting to a separation or divorce. Or maybe the merging of two families has resulted in strife between your kids and your new partner/your new partner’s children.


It’s possible that one or more of your family members has a mental health condition or behavioral setback. Symptoms of depression or anxiety—which include isolation, feelings of hopelessness, restlessness, irritability, and anger—may impact individuals within your family and your family as a whole. Perhaps you’re in search of solutions that will bring about a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. 


Ongoing family conflict can make life at home feel uncomfortable and frustrating. All you want is to figure out a way to get your children to understand your perspective—and they likely wish they could be better seen and understood by you. However, in family therapy, you can learn to identify one another’s strengths and communicate effectively so that you can start to feel like a close-knit unit again. 

Every Family Experiences Hardship And Disconnect From Time To Time 

As individuals with unique wants, needs, and communication styles, it makes sense that we do not always connect on the same level with certain members of our family. This work isn’t easy; it requires a lot of trial and error to reach a cohesive family dynamic—and even the most cooperative families among us experience their fair share of challenges. 


Moreover, many external factors influence what happens at home. Between demanding schedules, the typical growing pains of childhood and adolescence, and navigating daily crises both big and small, the stress of it all can really wear us down. Adding instances of separation, divorce, or other forms of loss to the mix creates the perfect recipe for tension and misunderstanding. 


What often happens within our families, however, is that certain patterns become established and ingrained. Living inside a particular family system, we can struggle to see and identify the patterns holding us back—ultimately repeating the same disruptive cycle of conflict and tension. Instead of understanding what’s at the core of the conflict between our family members, we often treat the symptom rather than the cause.


In therapy, we can work together to uncover the root of conflict and establish new and healthier patterns in your family. By developing a new understanding of one another, you have the chance to bridge the gap that’s keeping you disconnected. 

Therapy Allows You To Join Your Family And Work Together To Tackle Problems

When you’re caught up in a cycle of tension and misunderstanding, it can be hard to feel like your family will ever get on the same page about how to communicate and solve problems. But working with a skilled family therapist can help create a sense of togetherness, trust, and mutual understanding. 


Family therapy begins with an initial intake session, during which your family will come together, discuss presenting problems, and establish goals for counseling. This process usually spans one to two sessions, giving each individual in your family a chance to ask questions and share their perspective on your family’s unique situation and ensuring that every one of you has an opportunity to feel seen and heard in therapy. 
From there, therapy sessions will be designed to provide each family member with adaptive ways of communicating and demonstrating care for loved ones. Your therapist will work to understand and clarify each family member’s unique strengths and needs so that a more cohesive dynamic can be created.


At SafeSpace, our therapist, Deborah, is a solution-focused and committed to customizing therapy to fit the needs of each family. In doing so, we often draw from a systems approach that works to understand how certain patterns and beliefs originated within each family and developed throughout subsequent generations. This kind of approach allows individual members of a family to identify shared experiences and find common ground. 


In addition, she often uses many other methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to target harmful reactions and thinking patterns. We will also teach mindfulness practices to help identify emotional responses and reduce internal conflict. And a strengths-based approach is likely to give each member of your family a chance to feel empowered and capable of affecting positive change within the unit as a whole. 


With new awareness and perspective, your family can better understand what triggers conflict and how to engage in healthy communication and discussions. As a parent, you can feel more confident and capable of setting boundaries, while your children can experience more appreciation and validation as valuable members of your family unit. 


It is possible to bridge the gap of disconnect within your family and recapture a sense of togetherness. In therapy, your family can reach a deeper awareness of one another’s strengths and needs—paving the way for harmony at home. 

  • What Insurance and Payment Options are Accepted?
    BlueCross and BlueShield PPO Aetna (POS / PPO-type plans) Cigna United Healthcare Some EAPs (Employee Assistance Plans) Out of Network** (when available) Sliding scale options may be available for those who qualify Private Pay
  • What Are Your Rates?
    Avg Cost (per session): $175-200 Limited sliding scale sessions available Out of pocket payment available if insurance is not used
  • What Forms of Payment are Accepted?
    Cash Check Secure Credit Card Processing directly through your Therapy Portal at no additional cost to you
  • What Will Happen in my First Therapy Session?
    Taking the first step on a new path to improved mental health can make some clients nervous. For some, establishing a therapeutic relationship may be one of the most difficult aspects of treatment. SafeSpace has created this Q & A to break it down one step at a time and make this transition easy for you. Setting up your appointment is very similar to what you would expect from any healthcare provider. Before your first session, you will be sent paperwork to enter into our system. Forms will include information regarding practice procedures and consent for treatment. Filling out the forms is simple, straightforward, and can be completed online. You will receive an email with detailed instructions for these forms. When it is time to come to the office or for your first session, you will find a comfortable waiting room that is open for you 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Please feel free to help yourself to snacks or water while you wait for Deborah to introduce herself. There is no need to check in. When you initially meet Deborah, you will be able to get to know her and get a feel for the interpersonal connection. You do not have to open up with your deepest secrets in the beginning of therapy. Feel free to take your time to get comfortable by talking about your favorite restaurants, activities, or television shows. The first session or two are likely more structured than usual as Deborah will be gathering general background information in order to get a better understanding of who you are and how you have gotten to where you are in your life. She will want to understand why you are seeking treatment and any other important information you feel comfortable sharing. Then, when you feel ready, you and Deborah will discuss what you’re looking to get out of therapy and set goals of treatment. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, Deborah is committed to facilitating a seamless transition into therapy, so you can focus on your path to mental wellness.
  • What Will Happen After my First Session?
    Once a treatment plan has been established, you will begin working on your goals with Deborah. Most clients attend treatment once a week, although this varies depending on need and availability.
  • How Long Does a Therapy Session Last?
    Most sessions last about 55-60 minutes.
  • How Long Will I Have to Attend Therapy?
    There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. For some, therapy is a short term journey, while others might have a longer path. That being said, you and Deborah will usually know when you are approaching the completion of your current therapy journey. There is no right or wrong time, as wounds heal in their own time. Remember, though, that Deborah is here for you throughout this process, whatever it may look like.
  • How Does Confidentiality Work Within Therapy Practices?
    Confidentiality is a requirement of mental health professionals on both a state and national level. Therapists are bound by law to keep information discussed within sessions, as well as the fact that the client is attending sessions, private. A Release of Information form can be requested by a client at any time should the client choose to have Deborah discuss their treatment plan with other health care professionals. This Release may also be rescinded at any time with a signature from the client. There are rare cases when Deborah may be required to break confidentiality. The most common cause for breaking confidentiality occurs when she believes the client’s safety is at stake. If a client intends to act on life-threatening plans, Deborah will typically seek a higher level of care for her client in order to advocate for their needs and ensure their safety. Other situations that would require Deborah to break confidentiality include the intent to harm others, or abuse of children or elder populations.
  • What's the Difference Between: A Psychiatrist; Social Worker; Counselor; Psychologist?
    In many states, Social Workers and Counselors often work side by side. Both can work with a wide variety of clients to help reach therapeutic goals. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in prescription medication for psychological health. A psychologist in a group practice usually has a doctorate and specializes in assessments and psychological testing. Together, although all professionals may specialize in slightly different things, we aim to work together to provide the best possible, most well-rounded care for clients.
  • Do You Offer Telehealth?
    Both in person and virtual appointments are available to clients. If a client prefers to meet with Deborah online, SafeSpace recommends checking with your insurance provider to be sure of coverage prior to the beginning of treatment. Deborah will send you an invitation to the telehealth platform via secure text or email to ensure encrypted private sessions online.
  • How is SafeSpace Different Than Other Psychotherapy Practices?
    At SafeSpace our motto is Deborah is a licensed professional psychotherapist with decades of experience in the field. She is expertly trained to accompany you on your journey toward mental wellbeing and maintenance of that wellbeing. Deborah's company is thoughtfully called SafeSpace; a pledge to her clients that the space is an intimate sanctuary, free of judgment at all times. Deborah will meet you right where you are, and to support you on your wellness path to wherever it is you choose to go.

You Can Re-Establish A Sense Of Common Ground 

If you and your children struggle to get on the same page, family therapy at SafeSpace can help you work together toward shared goals. To schedule an intake or to learn more about how our therapists can help your family, please fill out a contact form or call (630) 551-8602.
 

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