We’ll Help You Resolve Child and Family Issues

Our family affects who we are and who we become, both for the better and worse. We learn our vocabulary, habits, customs, and rituals and view and observe the world around us from our family. If your family is going through hard times, family therapy can be beneficial on many different levels. The licensed psychologist at The Center for Psychological Services in Waterford Township, MI, is ready to help you address your family issues to be a healthier, tight-knit, happy family.

We Help Families Deal With a Variety of Issues

Family communication counseling and therapy
Sibling conflict therapy
Parent/child conflict therapy
Separation and divorce family counseling
Counseling for blended family issues
Adult children returning home
Empty nest adjustment counseling
How symmetry family counseling helps

Attachment Issues

Many issues can arise in a family setting, affecting the family dynamic and causing emotional issues for different family members. Children are at the highest risk of being affected by these family issues. One main problem is attachment issues, either becoming too dependent on a parent or needing to form more attachments with a parent.

Anxiety From the First Day of Daycare or School

Many children and parents have a difficult time on the first day of daycare or school, which can especially be a problem with firstborn children. A little bit of anxiety or nerves is normal for this transition. Some people, however, experience higher levels of stress that can lead to emotional troubles. Some children have a difficult time adjusting to being away from their parents. The anxiety may cause them to be anti-social with other children, not participate in class, act out in class, or other forms of rebellion.

Parental Separation Anxiety and Depression

Some parents may become depressed because of the separation from their child. They can become so attached to their child because they are together so much that the separation is difficult to deal with. Therapy can help in these cases where the anxiety or depression exceeds what is expected. A therapist can help to manage these feelings and ease the stress from separation. A child therapist can also help children feel more at ease and help develop social skills to be happier at school or in any situation away from their parents.

Anxiety From Attachment Disorders

The opposite can also be true when children do not receive enough attention or care. Children need a solid, constant source of care. Whether it be a revolving door of nannies, moving from foster home to foster home, parental neglect, parents working long hours, emotional problems that prevent a parent from caring for a child, or the loss of a parent, many situations can disrupt a child’s emotional development. Therapy can help the child express their emotions and deal with any attachment disorders they may have. It also brings the issues to the parents’ attention so they can better deal with the situation and make more time for their child.

Blended Families

After a divorce, you may decide to remarry. This is another significant change for both you and your children. A new environment and living situation can be challenging for children of any age. Suppose you notice that your child’s behavior is changing. In that case, they are resentful or aggressive towards new family members or feel excluded. It is a sign that they are having issues adapting. There will be an initial phase of uneasiness or apprehension, but it could be a deeper issue if this continues. If your child is not adapting to the new situation, try to talk to them and find out what is bothering them. If you cannot help, a therapist can effectively find out what is troubling your child and help them deal with their emotions.

Divorce

Divorce affects the couple going through the process, but it also has a resounding effect on their children. Divorce is a tumultuous time for a family, and people will react to a divorce in different ways. It is essential to discuss a divorce with children before any significant changes happen. If you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce, you should sit your children down and explain what is happening. You do not have to give a specific reason for why you have decided to get a divorce, but you should ensure you do not present your spouse negatively and emphasize that your children were not the reason for the divorce. If a child thinks this, it could be crippling to their mental state. The conversation may also differ depending on the age of your children. Your children should know what changes to expect, and you should prepare them for the process. The more upfront you are with your children, the easier the transition will be.

Some children might have difficulty discussing the divorce with their parents due to apprehension or not wanting to seem like they are taking sides. If your child is having difficulty dealing with divorce, a therapist can offer an outlet to discuss their feelings and provide a way for them to deal with the divorce more healthily.