FAMILY THERAPY

Families are some of the most complex of systems. The majority of pain and suffering we feel, as well as support and celebration, can be found happening in the family. The term ‘family’ is loosely described as two or more people in a relationship. Made up of pairs or dyads, families’ can and do have multiple relationships within one system. You seek family therapy because something is not working in your family. Family therapy can help you listen to one another in order to understand each other and to then restore cohesion and balance.

Dr. Strachowski believes that families, like individuals, go through periods of adaptation and change. If the family system is rigid, or relationships are strained, it may have trouble adapting to change and conflict arises. Big events, such as children becoming more mature, pose a challenge to the system, creating potential problems in relationships of the system.

Family therapy must address the relationship of two people in a dyad, while considering the larger family unit. Families have existing communication patterns that are passed on through generations. How individuals communicate is learned from experiences with their own family and is then transferred to a new generation’s family. Along with communication, families have expectations and patterns for how to live and function as a unit. When relationships are strained, the system is also strained.

In family sessions, two people may be talking, while the family or a few other members appear as observers. Dr. Strachowski serves as a guide to help improve these communications, to facilitate engagement and to provide better models for healthy family interactions. She believes that deep understanding and emotional connections can heal past hurts, and return precious balance in the family. The communication styles and unspoken rules of the family must help its members feel secure and safe, in order to obtain optimal family life.

Dr. Strachowski teaches families how to support each other through transitions and changes, recognizing that often times two members have competing needs. For example, the parents need to be in control is in conflict with the child’s need to individuate. What healthy families do is feel less threatened by these changes and maintain a positive connection through change, and Dr. Strachowski helps families get there

Family therapy appointments may be scheduled anywhere between 1.5 hours to 3 hour intensive sessions. Family sessions can also be less frequent but longer in duration, if that is preferred.

Prior to meeting as a group, Dr. Strachowski may choose to do individual intake sessions. When the details on the nature of the problem have been decided, the remaining members are involved.

If you are ready to improve your family relationship, call Dr. Strachowski today to set up your first session.