Family Counseling Therapist in West Palm Beach, Florida

Family Counseling Guided by an Experienced West Palm Beach Therapist — Addressing Issues and Crises that Threaten Families in a Supportive and Solutions-Oriented Environment

Are you struggling with family issues that seem overwhelming? Families often must deal with unexpected crises and challenges that not only impact their immediate circumstances, but have implications for the future for generations. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in West Palm Beach, I provide family counseling to address  a range of issues including marriage difficulties, child and adolescent concerns, divorce and separation, reunification, grief, emotional and physical abuse. I help families navigate challenges and improve their relationships.

My psychotherapy treatments address the unique challenges families face, combining clinical psychology techniques with couples therapy strategies to create a supportive environment where families can work through their issues together. Through my 20+ years of experience as a therapist, I’ve found that successful family counseling requires a balance of empathy and practical solutions. I work with families to identify root causes of conflict, develop coping strategies, and build stronger bonds.

Families in a crisis in West Palm Beach, Florida often find themselves stuck and wondering how to get help. I can help your family navigate challenges, improve communication, and develop healthier relationships. The services I provide for families in crisis can make a big difference to loved ones going through a difficult time.

For a free introductory call with me, Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, call my office today at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or fill out the form. Start your family’s journey toward better mental health and stronger bonds.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D. provides family therapy addressing communication, conflict resolution, and strengthening relationships through counseling sessions in West Palm Beach
• Adolescent/Child Therapy identifies and addresses issues while promoting coping skills and setting a trajectory to guide lasting positive changes
• Grief counseling helps families navigate loss, restructure dynamics, and develop coping strategies
• Domestic violence support integrates emotionally focused therapy to rebuild trust and foster healing
• Dr. Christiansen’s flexible options like online counseling make therapy more accessible for busy families
• Dr. Christiansen’s tailored and holistic approach addresses mental health issues alongside physical health concerns in family therapy

Family Issues We Can Address Together in a Safe and Supportive Environment Through Counseling and Therapy Sessions

As a professional family counselor, I utilize therapy sessions to address a variety of issues that may be impacting family dynamics.

Family Issues Requiring Counseling

I often encounter a variety of complex issues that compel individuals and families to seek counseling. Family issues requiring therapy can stem from a wide range of challenges, including:

• Communication breakdowns
• Conflicts
• Financial crises (employment issues, unforeseen expenses)
• Unresolved past traumas
• Changing family dynamics (divorce, new children/siblings, deaths in the family)
• Court ordered Reunification

These issues can significantly impact the well-being and functioning of a family unit, leading to emotional distress and strained relationships.

One common reason families seek therapy is to address communication difficulties. Effective communication is essential for healthy relationships, and when communication breaks down, misunderstandings and tensions can arise. Through counseling, families can learn new communication strategies and techniques to express their thoughts and feelings in a productive and respectful manner by using intelligent discernment from the heart, as opposed to the destructive approach of letting the ego get in the way. Additionally, counseling provides a safe and neutral space for family members to address underlying issues and work towards building stronger, more cohesive relationships.

Another critical issue that often requires counseling intervention is unresolved past traumas or conflicts within the family. These unresolved issues can create a toxic environment and hinder the family’s ability to move forward and heal. Therapy can help families process and make sense of these past traumas, allowing them to work through their pain and rebuild trust and connection. By addressing these underlying issues, families can foster forgiveness, empathy, and understanding, ultimately leading to greater harmony and resilience within the family unit.

During our sessions, we focus on fostering open communication, resolving conflicts, and rebuilding trust among family members. We work together to identify and understand underlying issues that may be causing tension or distress within the family unit.

In our family counseling sessions, we often explore topics such as:

• Effective communication techniques
• Boundary setting
• Problem-solving strategies

I guide each family member in expressing their thoughts and emotions in a constructive manner, while also promoting active listening and empathy within the family. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we encourage family members to share their feelings and concerns honestly and respectfully.

Through our collaborative efforts, we seek to strengthen the family bond, improve relationships, and promote a sense of unity and understanding. Family counseling therapy provides a space for families to address challenges, work through conflicts, and cultivate healthier and more fulfilling relationships with one another. It is a transformative process that empowers families to navigate difficulties together and build a foundation for long-lasting harmony and connection.

Family Therapy Services: Group Counseling for the Full Family

As a licensed marriage and family therapist in West Palm Beach, I offer comprehensive family therapy services that encompass group counseling for the entire family unit. My approach combines clinical mental health counseling techniques with a deep understanding of family dynamics to address complex issues effectively.

In our family therapy sessions, we focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships. Drawing from my 20+ years of experience as a licensed professional counselor, I create a supportive environment where each family member’s voice is heard and valued.

My family therapy services are designed to tackle a wide range of challenges, from everyday stressors to more serious issues that may require nursing or specialized care. We work together to develop coping strategies, set realistic goals, and foster positive change within the family system.

Through family counseling, members learn to support each other, understand different perspectives, and build resilience. Here’s an overview of what you can expect in our family therapy sessions:

Session Component	Description
Assessment	Identifying family dynamics and areas of concern
Goal Setting	Establishing clear objectives for therapy
Communication Exercises	Practicing effective listening and expression
Problem-Solving Techniques	Learning strategies to address conflicts constructively
Homework Assignments	Reinforcing therapy concepts in daily life

Child and Adolescent Therapy

An important component of counseling families with younger members is child and adolescent therapy. I understand the unique challenges young people face in our community and how these can impact family dynamics for example: social pressures in school, bullying,  drugs and alcohol, decline in grades, and time management just to name a few…

My approach focuses on addressing behavioral issues and mental disorders that may arise during childhood and adolescence. I work closely with families to create a supportive environment that promotes positive change.

In therapy sessions, we explore the root causes of behavioral problems, which may include family conflicts or exposure to alcohol. I use evidence-based techniques to help young clients develop coping skills and improve their mental health.

By involving the entire family in the therapeutic process, we can create lasting positive changes. This collaborative approach strengthens family bonds and helps children and adolescents thrive in their community.

Loss and Grief Counseling

I help family members navigate the aftermath of the death of a loved one through loss and grief counseling services. These sessions provide invaluable support for families facing the challenges of loss, helping them find their way through the complex emotions and manage the stress factors that often accompany grief.

My approach to grief counseling incorporates elements of structural family therapy, which helps restructure family dynamics in the wake of loss. I work with parents and children to address anxiety and other emotional responses, providing insights into the grieving process and its impact on family relationships. This includes when a family member moves from the home environment (divorce and separation).

Through our sessions, I guide families in developing coping strategies and finding healthy ways to express their grief. This process often involves addressing individual and collective stress, while fostering resilience within the family unit. Here’s an overview of my grief counseling approach:

Stage	Focus	Techniques
Initial Assessment	Understanding family dynamics	Interviews, observations
Emotional Processing	Expressing grief and anxiety	Art therapy, group discussions
Coping Strategies	Managing stress and daily life	Mindfulness, cognitive restructuring
Family Rebuilding	Strengthening relationships	Communication exercises, shared activities

By combining empathy with practical strategies, I help families find meaning and growth through their grief journey. I provide a supportive environment where each family member can process their loss while maintaining and strengthening their connections with one another.

Counseling and Therapy Following Domestic Violence

I offer specialized support for families in West Palm Beach and surrounding cities throughout Palm Beach County that have been impacted by the narcissistic controlling and abusive behaviors of domestic violence. My approach integrates emotionally focused therapy techniques to help rebuild trust and foster healing within the family unit.

Drawing from my experience as a psychotherapist, I utilize various types of family therapy to address the complex trauma associated with domestic violence. My goal is to create a safe environment where each family member can process their experiences and work towards recovery.

Family Counseling Treatments to Benefit Your Family Today and for Generations

As a family counseling therapist in West Palm Beach, Florida, I offer comprehensive support to families facing various challenges, from communication issues to trauma and addiction. My approach combines clinical expertise with empathy, providing a safe space for families to heal, grow, and strengthen their relationships. Through individual and group therapy sessions, I help families develop coping strategies, improve communication, and navigate life’s complexities together.

Here’s an overview of several services I offer:

Service	Description
Family Counseling	Addressing relationship dynamics and communication issues
Anger Management	Developing healthy coping strategies for emotional regulation
Trauma Therapy	Processing and healing from psychological trauma
Addiction Counseling	Supporting families affected by substance abuse
Online Therapy	Flexible, remote counseling options for busy families

Through individual and family sessions, I help clients develop coping strategies, improve communication, and rebuild healthy relationships. My therapy focuses on empowering survivors and promoting long-term healing and growth for all family members.

In my practice, I incorporate elements of spirituality and consciousness counseling when appropriate, recognizing the role faith can play in the healing process for some families. This holistic approach allows me to address the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of my clients in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Together, we can help your family collaborate for a healthier, more harmonious family dynamic while finding practical and holistic solutions to the issues that threaten your family’s well-being.

Schedule a Family Counseling Appointment with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT in West Palm Beach, Florida

As a licensed marriage and family therapist in West Palm Beach, I offer comprehensive counseling services to address a wide range of family issues. My expertise includes anger management, psychological trauma, and counseling for family members of individuals struggling with addiction, providing tailored support for families facing these challenges.

I understand that life’s demands can make scheduling appointments difficult. That’s why I offer flexible options, including online counseling sessions. This allows families to receive the support they need from the comfort of their homes, making therapy more accessible and convenient.

In my practice, I take a holistic approach to family therapy, recognizing that mental health issues can often be intertwined with physical health concerns. I work with families dealing with the impact of chronic diseases, helping them navigate the emotional and relational challenges that come with long-term health conditions.

For a free introductory call with me, Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, call my office today at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or fill out the form. Together, we can work towards creating a healthier, more harmonious family dynamic.

Helping Palm Beach County clients achieve peace and harmony since 2000