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.
“Never lose a holy curiosity.” — Albert Einstein Families often come to therapy caught in cycles of repetition. A parent says, “He never listens.” A teen mutters, “You don’t understand.” A couple circles the same argument, both sure they know how it ends. The missing ingredient in so many of these moments is the willingness
“The space between The tears we cry Is the laughter keeps us coming back for more.” —Dave Matthews Band, The Space Between It takes immense courage to come to therapy. Individuals reveal thoughts and feelings that may make them feel embarrassed and confront realities they have long avoided. For families, barriers may be even higher.
In previous posts, I’ve shared how family therapy fosters collaborative dialogue—a way of speaking and listening that builds emotional safety, deepens connection, and makes it easier to solve problems together. Most people begin family therapy hoping to resolve specific challenges: emotional distance, parenting disagreements, financial tension, in-law stress, or behavioral issues with children. While your
While family therapy is primarily a method for helping families resolve conflicts and enhance their relationships, it can also alter how individuals perceive and speak to themselves. As family members communicate more openly and listen with compassion, they begin to embody that kind of understanding and kindness within their minds, transforming their internal dialogue and
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.