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.
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.
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
Your teen may struggle with homework, prioritizing tasks, or turning in assignments as school demands increase. They might also have challenges navigating peer relationships or picking up social cues. You might wonder about the cause of these challenges: learning issues, developmental changes, increased demands, or stress. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how
Posted by Jonah Green, LCSW-C Families usually enter therapy after experiencing repetitive, upsetting interactions: arguments over household chores, avoidance of sensitive topics, defensiveness, or passive-aggressive remarks during family gatherings. By the time they call a therapist, they have usually made many attempts to improve their situation, only to see problems return and even worsen.
Many families enter therapy facing challenges such as unsafe behaviors, high conflict, or the effects of loss or trauma. In my last blog post, I noted how family therapy helps families address their problems by facilitating collaborative communication about heartfelt feelings and needs. Another way family therapists can help is by building hope and positive