Family Systems

Systems Theory is not necessarily about doing therapy with an entire family (who has time for that?). A look at your family system is like seeing the inner workings of a clock. We have much more information about how and why you are the cog shaped the way you are shaped, when we look at the functioning of the entire clock. What's magical is, by changing how you are shaped, or how you behave, you can't help but affect the shape (behavior) of all the cogs in your family, workplace or community!

Let's look at your family history and dynamics! We do not come to therapy with solely individual patterns and needs. By exploring your ancestry, your childhood, your cultural influences, and your current relationships, we can deeply understand who you are (and who you want to be).

Through advanced training in Family Systems Theory, we explore your family of origin to examine long held beliefs and behaviors that have structured how we form relationships with ourselves and others. Assessing Adverse Childhood Events gives us insight into the psychological and sometimes physical ailments that can derail us in creating healthful well-being. So, “Tell me about your childhood” isn’t just a Freudian cliche, it helps identify those maladaptive beliefs that no longer serve us.

In my work with families experiencing relational conflict, my clients find that employing an approach rooted in attachment theory allows me to help them learn about the communication patterns within the family unit. Through this work, members of the family typically report that they understand where their own communication patterns come from, how their family system operates as a whole, and their role in improving communication within that system.

I am trained as a couple and family therapist--but I bring in this perspective when I'm working with individuals, as well. To me this means considering the different places you exist--the family you grew up in, your family of creation, friendships, workplaces, communities, and cultures--and working to understand how all of these parts of your life impact you as a whole.

Claudia was trained at the Ackerman Institute for the Family with a specialization in family systems theory. Claudia's approach to family therapy begins with a look at intergenerational patterns, and includes her expertise in trauma recovery.

We all view the world through a certain lens. How we were raised in our family of origin affects how we view ourselves and others around us. It affects how we show up in the world and we interrupt our world. When we are aware of how the environment we grew up in affects us we can learn to grow from the ways we are living that are harmful to us or that are detrimental to our growth and fulfillment.

I am trained in family systems (Bowenian) approaches to therapy. By examining the patterns within the family and across generations, we can bring insight into behaviors that may be holding us back. This approach is especially useful in communities of color given our desire to maintain strong multi-generational kinship networks.

In my work with families experiencing relational conflict, my clients find that employing an approach rooted in attachment theory allows me to help them learn about the communication patterns within the family unit. Through this work, members of the family typically report that they understand where their own communication patterns come from, how their family system operates as a whole, and their role in improving communication within that system.

I am adept with working with in family and the complicated patterns of behavior that can exist between members. I am particularly adept at help adult parent/adult child estrangement - helping the parent understand why a child would choose estrangement, and working towards healing that relationship.

Families are complex systems with unique dynamics. At Relationships For Better, we specialize in understanding these intricacies, taking a practical approach to help families communicate better, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their bonds. Our method is holistic, considering each member's perspective while working towards a harmonious family environment, equipped with actionable solutions for everyday challenges.

We all come from somewhere. I'm here to help you learn more about where you came from, so you can be informed about ways to overcome your present and future challenges. Many of our current challenges, insecurities and negative beliefs about ourselves elf, come from growing up. Using a person centered and family systems based approach, I'd love to help provide you with tools and insights for you to continue to grow into the most authentic version of you.

I've worked with families for the past 11 years and have experience with foster/adoptive, racial minority and LGBTQ families, adult children and families experiencing major life transitions.

My background in recovery and work in a treatment setting has given me thorough knowledge and appreciation for using a family systems approach in therapy. This means I will understand you through the lens of the family you come from, how those roles, messages, rules, and experiences have helped to shape who you are, your relationships, and how to facilitate healing in these areas.

Family systems therapy is a great way to improve how your family interacts and supports each other. By looking at how everyone fits together, it helps spot patterns that might be causing tension or conflict. This approach not only helps with individual issues but also boosts overall family communication and connection. In the end, it can lead to a happier, more harmonious family life.

In my work with families experiencing relational conflict, my clients find that employing an approach rooted in attachment theory allows me to help them learn about the communication patterns within the family unit. Through this work, members of the family typically report that they understand where their own communication patterns come from, how their family system operates as a whole, and their role in improving communication within that system.

I have taken several trainings by top clinicians in the field and have integrated this approach into many of my sessions throughout my time as a counselor.

Taking a look at generational patterns that have been passed down. Understanding a client's family of origin is extremely helpful in understanding the client on a deeper level.

You are NOT broken. We each of us are inherently whole *and* as part of the family systems in which we live (or have left/grown out of) – we develop over time, certain responses, internalized messages, and patterns. When faced with difficult situations, ill health, extreme stressors or trauma, our lives can feel broken. Together we can look to identify and adjust these patterned responses, activation triggers and processes.

We explore the patterns and structures present within the family that impact relational patterns that can lead to individual behavioral and emotional struggles, as well as communication challenges. We work to build healthier patterns of interaction, and reinforce healthy structure within the family to improve the function of both the individuals and family as a whole.