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.
If you are considering family therapy, you likely have a specific concern: a child with trouble in school, sibling conflict, or a teen acting out. Alongside these problems, you might feel stuck in cycles of miscommunication, hurt feelings, or unresolved conflicts. Perhaps minor disagreements generate bickering, or eerie silences ensue during car rides or family
Most parents remember when their child lied to them for the first time. Initially, it often seems cute or amusing, but over time, it becomes seen as “bad behavior.” Lying is bad behavior, but it is also a developmental milestone for children that begins a sophisticated relationship process between them and their parents. Around age
Therapists, coaches, and “how-to” books offer a lot of excellent communication advice for conflict resolution. One recommendation is to use “I” rather than “you” statements: “I feel hurt” rather than “you’re so mean”. Another suggestion is to acknowledge the other’s point of view, with statements such as “I get how you would feel that