Family Counseling

Our families. . . where we learn how to express joy, compassion, anger, etc. This is where we learn to manage conflict, how to problem solve, how to pick our spouse, and how to tie our shoes.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of a calm, healthy family enviornment--whether or not there are children in the family. If there are children, then it is important to understand that how you as parents treat each other will teach your children how to treat you, themselves and their peers/boyfriends/girlfriends, etc. If there are no children involved, then a calm and healthy home will make the ride for each of you much more pleasant than it already is, and will free you up to be more mindful of your peaceful home.

The people in our families are usually the people who are closest to us (though, they don't always feel so close). . . and by definition, they know us, and our hot-buttons better than most, and are able to press those buttons more easily. Add to this the fact that people tend to take out their most painful feelings and experiences on those closest to them. . .You got it. . .that usually winds up being your wife, husband, parents, kids, and so forth. And when we take it out on these people, it is very often because we TRUST them to be able to see beyond our hurtful words and still love us.

Sometimes though, things get to a point where damage to that trust has been done, and it needs to be rebuilt. Many of you already know what I am about to say (write) . . . that it is easier said than done to repair damage done to trust as it usually involves some trust to build on itself. This is where FAMILY COUNSELING helps. It can be with your immediate family that you live with, or with your extended family who may live miles or even states away.

Dr. John Gottman's book, "The Relationship Cure" is an excellent book to read when dealing with family struggles.