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Parent-Child Relationships

Learning to Work Together for a Better Childhood

Translating parent-child issues is handled with individual and family therapy, depending on what the treatment plan involves. This includes dealing with communication skill-building as needed, dealing with the issues that impact every nuclear family member.

Often beginning with individual therapy, the “identified patient” who appears as the “problem” to other family members often is the onset for recognizing the need for therapeutic support for all. Symptoms of pain often result from life’s transitions, and poor coping methods, such as the family member who drinks too much, is depressed or exhibiting generalized anxiety.

Behavioral problems with children or adolescents are addressed when family conflict occurs, whether it be a separation or divorce experience, which, of course, affects everyone. Extensive counseling is recommended when these symptoms of pain become acute, as in the loss of a loved one or child, or even a beloved pet. Like the “identified patient,” the symptoms are more far-reaching in their impact on each family member. Postpartum depression is an area of expertise for Helen Murray, as the depression may often increase in acuity if not addressed as soon as possible.