Family Therapy in Brooklyn, NY

Blended Families

A blended household is formed when two distinct families decide to unite. A blended family can also emerge when a person without children marries a parent and when the pair later produces children of their own, so generating half-siblings. It may be challenging to negotiate these sorts of families, especially when other parents from past relationships remain active in the children's life.

Life-Changing Events

Life-changing events are not always simple to adapt to. Relocating to a new town or city, divorce or separation, and loss or bereavement within the family are a few common examples. If a child is upset because of a change, like moving from their old house to a new one, and especially if the problems with adjusting don't go away, the whole family may go to counseling together to help the child adjust.

Family Member Isolation

Social isolation is becoming an increasing problem for many. Families go through stages in which they desire alone time or more family time. However, if you observe a family member withdrawing from the family, preferring to remain in their room rather than socializing with friends or family, or frequently expressing that they do not feel understood, this can be a cause for concern, particularly when combined with other symptoms.

Adjustments to Adolescence

Teenage years can be filled with emotion, turmoil, and questions. As a parent, you may find it difficult to adjust to the many changes that occur during the adolescent years. It is normal for people to struggle with their emotions until their brains are completely formed. Family counseling can help you take care of your teen's mental health and help with things like communication and giving them more freedom within the family.

Substance Abuse In The Family

Substance dependence and substance abuse have been on the rise nationally. In spite of stigma, drug and alcohol abuse problems are prevalent but are also curable. Whether your loved one needs an intervention, outpatient counseling, or outpatient rehab program, your family may benefit from counseling or therapy. In situations of drug use problems, family therapy is an excellent venue for family members to discuss how the condition affects them and to develop meaningful solutions for substance abuse treatment. 

Harmful Secret Keeping

Secrets can present a major problem for a family. Having secrets or specific things that you keep to yourself is normal and healthy in certain situations. However, if family members consistently conceal information from each other or arrange things so that other members of the family will not find out, this is dishonest and can lead to significant problems.

Withholding Affection Or Manipulation

Withholding affection is a subtle method of manipulating our relationships, and we may not even be aware of it. This tendency can create a significant imbalance in relationships, leading to resentment and hostility. This can occur cross-functionally within a family unit.

Inadequate expressions of affection or positive esteem within the family structure as a whole may also be grounds for treatment.

"Bottled-Up" Emotions

Perhaps your child had held onto something you said to them when they were younger that harmed their self-image, or perhaps a terrible occurrence has affected them. Perhaps there was adultery in your relationship, with lasting consequences. You may want to forget about these worries and focus on the present, but if you're not on the same page, problems and resentment may continue. 

Holding Grudges

Accumulation of resentment, wrath, and contempt can be hazardous to your family. These negative emotions might lead to conflict and needless animosity. Sometimes, after nursing a grudge against a person for so long, we forget why we are angry with them; we simply know we are angry.