This blog is written by the clinicians at Jonah Green and Associates, a mental health practice based in Kensington, MD that provides quality services for children, teens, families, and adults. It is intended as a resource for families who are seeking to expand their knowledge about mental health and mental health services, and also as a resource for families who are seeking quality mental health services, especially in the mid-Atlantic region.
As a child and family therapist, I have often observed that the most formidable challenge for parents when interacting with their children lies in their nervous system. A person’s nervous system governs how they make sense of interactions and generate effective solutions. This system responds to internal and external cues, influenced by past experiences and
Family activities such as games and outings can create positive memories and a sense of togetherness, but planned, regular family meetings offer unique benefits. They foster open communication, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a greater sense of belonging and unity for all family members. They can also teach essential life skills such as voicing opinions, problem-solving,
The prospect of beginning a stepfamily (or a “blended family”) can be exhilarating, especially because stepfamilies often form after losses such as divorce or death. Successful stepfamilies combine enthusiasm with a conscious, step-by-step process that considers the family’s complexity and each family member’s unique needs.
While parental separation and divorce can severely impact children, parents can take many steps to support them and set them up for success. By staying involved in their lives, maintaining continuity in their schedules, listening to their feelings, and adhering to limits, parents can help orient their kids toward a more positive future. Perhaps the
Many parents who separate send their children to individual therapy, which can help them process their feelings and cope with new realities. Another option, either in addition to or in place of personal therapy, is family therapy. Because the nuclear family is ending, family therapy for divorcing families may strike parents as an oxymoron. What