Family Therapy

In middle childhood and adolescence, children and teens naturally push for more independence, which may show up as:

• dismissing parental concerns as unimportant or overreactive

• pushing back against limits set for screen time or social media use

• making excuses to justify low grades or neglected chores

• disengaging from family commitments in favor of devices or time alone

• disregarding parental rules/expectations when out with friends

 

Meanwhile, many caregivers feel hesitant to grant increased freedoms and privileges without first seeing signs of growing maturity and responsibility, which could include:

• managing school tasks independently

• consistent completion of household chores

• taking care of personal belongings

• reliable responsiveness to texts and calls

• taking accountability for mistakes and misbehavior

 

When expectations clash, tension builds. A cycle develops in which caregivers feel worried, disrespected, or helpless in response to their children’s behavior. They set stricter rules, give frequent consequences, plead for cooperation, or become overly permissive out of sheer exhaustion. Their children feel misunderstood, pressured, criticized, or controlled, so they push boundaries further to avoid feeling powerless or to blow off steam or to prove themselves. And round and round it goes. Over time, these patterns erode trust and cause family relationships to feel strained.

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Family therapy gives all parties a voice, builds skills around clear and honest communication, encourages open-mindedness and empathy, and works toward practical solutions that meet everyone's needs. Through this process, your family can discover or re-discover a foundation of love, trust, respect, and unity, paving the way for healthier, more harmonious relationships.