Margaret Amerongen, M.S.W., RSW
Toronto, 416 920-4545
Family Therapy for Children, Teens and Parents
Parents are usually the initiators of family therapy if their sons and daughters are children or teens. Parents are concerned about problems and encourage their children or teens to attend.
Family problems may include
Conflict about subjects such as chores, school work, acceptable behavior, friends, discipline, curfew, drug use
Sibling rivalry
Coping with divorce, separated households, step parents and step siblings
Parents’ concerns about children or teens’ low self esteem, unhappiness or loneliness
Parents’ concerns about children or teens’ problems with self control, anger, anxiety or depression
Difficulties related to conditions such as ADHD, Aspergers or Learning Disabilities
Misunderstanding or alienation between parents and their children or teens
How family therapy helps
Margaret focuses first on helping each family member to feel understood and accepted so that they feel safe to participate. Even if children or teens are reluctant to attend therapy or to get involved, that is accepted as understandable. They are respectfully encouraged to participate according to their ability and comfort even if that means to listen quietly. If they continue to be reluctant to talk, they may need “empathic guesses” about what they are feeling or thinking and encouraged to confirm or correct the guess. They are given age appropriate toys or drawing materials if that will help them to feel more at home.
Behaviour problems of all kinds are often the source of family conflict. It is essential to seek for the underlying meaning of the child’s or teen’s behavior as this meaning will help shape effective strategies. As mutual understanding improves, Margaret helps parents and children or teens to improve communication and warmth and to negotiate more acceptable solutions.
