One of the foundations in my clinical training involves being well-versed in working with families. While studying for my master's degree in California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, I connected very much to learning about Family Systems Theories. It has become one of several major theoretical orientations upon which I draw in the process of meeting where a patient (or a family) may be.

 

Family Systems Therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that works with families and couples to nurture change and development. It emphasizes family relationships as an important factor in psychological health. A window is offered into how the family functions as a whole, the role each family member plays in contributing to the conflict, and the resources each member contributes. 

 

As indicated, I tend to carry out my work with children in conjunction with the broader goals of family therapy. While parents are entitled to their child's progress in child and family therapy, I exercise discretion with my professional judgment to determine information pertinent for exchange or discussion between parents and their child(ren). It is imperative in my practice to work with the family's concerns by regularly reviewing progress and collaborating on ways to progress towards positive change. Together, we discuss a working understanding of the problem, treatment goals and plan, as well as possible outcomes of treatment.

 

Over the years, I have been providing Family Systems Therapy in a variety of settings that include: in-home mental health services for low-income families receiving support from the state department, as well as outpatient therapy for multi-ethnic children and families from Central and Southern California, which encompasses East to South Central Los Angeles, as well as Northern and Southern Orange Counties.