Family Systems

My degree from LIOS/Saybrook University includes a focus in Systems Therapy. The Family Systems we are exposed to during our development informs how we look at the world, our sense of ourselves, and how the two interact. Our Family System especially informs our behavior, and learning more about how that works, and how to change our interactions with and perspectives on our family unit helps lead to change in our own behavior.

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.

My approach to therapy is warm, non-judgmental, collaborative, and conversational. The theoretical orientations I generally work from include family systems, structural and symbolic experiential. Furthermore, I often incorporate additional concepts and approaches to best meet the needs of my clients. I use multiple modalities of counseling, teaching, learning, and healing and incorporate various psycho-social-educational models within a culture and gender-sensitive framework.

General systems theory emphasizes that a group, family, or even individual cannot be wholly explained by looking at just one part or one angle of influence. We are not simply a combination of our circumstances, the same way that it is limiting to consider a single perspective. Yams is trained in considering the intersection of identities, communities, and overall society on the issues that arise in therapy and helping you navigate that web.

I graduated with distinction from my Master's program in the study of family systems. Where traditional psychology looks inward towards the individual, family systems says the individual cannot be known until we know what systems they belong to. These systems start with the family, but also expand into community, state, country, and all manner of cultural systems. Exploring through a systems lens can often help an individual understand their identity in a stronger way.

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.

Individuals do not exist in isolation and are intricately connected within the complex web of family dynamics. I believe that understanding these intricate relationships and patterns is crucial for promoting healing and awareness of how your family of origin, family dynamics and upbringing, have influenced you today.

Family systems therapy is a powerful approach that focuses on understanding and improving the dynamics within a family. By looking at the family as a whole, this therapy helps identify patterns and behaviors that may be causing stress or conflict. It's especially beneficial because it not only addresses individual issues but also strengthens family bonds, promotes better communication, and fosters a supportive environment.

I am also trained in Family Systems and use this approach to help clients deal with family issues/concerns by helping them understand their roles in their families and learn how these roles affect the way they treat each other and experience the outside world.

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.

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.

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.

Systems Theory doesn't have to mean bringing in your entire family. A look at your family system gives info into how and why you are the cog shaped the way you are, just like in a clock. We look at how all the cogs work together & by changing only one of the cogs (you), all the others are affected. Understanding your family system and how you function(ed) in it is key to lasting change for yourself, since we tend to find people (or cogs) that looks just the ones we already know.

Family systems was foundational in my master's program of couple and family therapy. I use this lens in sessions to further expand the view and experience of each individual, knowing that their current and past family experiences has informed their development.

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.