Family Therapy and Family Systems Theory are a development of psychotherapy in which focus is on the family or couple, rather than just an individual.  Attention is paid to patterns of communication, family dynamics and ways that the family may become stuck in patterns that may not be satisfying or useful.

My work is influenced by Milton Erickson, John Bowlby, Salvador Minuchin, Jay Haley, Virginia Satir, Carl Whitaker, Gregory Bateson, Paul, Watzlawick, and others.

Family Systems models assume that much in human behavior is social, and that patterns of behavior are not simply intra-psychic and a problem with an individual psyche, but may result from patterns between family members (or other systems). These patterns can become reciprocally reinforced. It may be very difficult for an individual in a family system (or couple) to change because patterns in the relationship or family relationships evoke and maintain a stable pattern. Family systems work attempts to loosen these patterns and support a family in reorienting around more flexible and healthy ways of relating.

Work may focus on the structure of family relationships, patterns of intimacy or attachment (or restrictions, cutoffs and conflict) between various family members, and the impact that has on each family member. I look at alliances and teamwork, and examine when alliances are becoming rigid and unhelpful, and when they are flexible mutually supportive and promote family growth and cooperation.  I often support family members in looking at difficulties in expression of emotions, confidence in being assertive within the family, and by supporting family members to be able to enjoy family life, and to play and work collaboratively.

With younger children, focus may be on the mother/child or father/child dyads and how well the parent is able to tune in to the needs of the child and effectively support them in learning intimacy and healthy mutual interdependence, in becoming appropriately autonomous and self-regulating, and mastering developmental tasks.

My work integrates traditional family systems work with attachment theory, infant mental health, and with influences from mentalization based therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other approaches.