A Family Therapists Point of View

For me, the goal of therapy is to promote a therapeutic dialogue with the client, transformational talk to shift their meaning and provide a "sense of freedom" (Gehart & Tuttle; Anderson, 1997, p. 109). Through conversation and hearing a clients story and the clients strengths. A collaborative therapist is open and shares with their clients their thoughts about what they think about the client and their diagnosis (Gehart & Tuttle, 2003). As clients and therapists talk, they find what has not been said. A therapist is curious and not knowing they are assessing and allows them to explore new understandings of their situations ( (Gehart & Tuttle, 2003). Diagnosis includes identifying the problem and through external dialogue and maintenance of that dialogue. A client will assess various areas of themselves through this conversation and be able to find new possibilities in understanding. Gehart, D., & Tuttle, A. (2003). Theory-based treatment planning for marri

Children look to their parents for guidance and actually need discipline. I remember reading one time how children misbehave looking for attention and actually are questioning what the boundaries and limitations are within the family. If a child is not given these boundaries and limitations they do not know what is expected of them and cannot be blamed for their misbehavior. Clients can come in wondering why their child is mean or acting out. This child is looking for what their parent needs to provide them such as values, respect and responsibilities. They do not know unless they're told what is expected of them. A child who refuses to do what is asked of them is not necessarily at fault if the parent has not taught them the rules of the home or provided them with expectations. A child who has been given too many choices, as a parent is trying to please them or make life easier, has now become the decision maker and will fight or argue when the decision is not theirs. This is

As a new marriage and family therapist nearing graduation, I do not question why I chose to begin this career. Since I began there was always one thing that stayed with me and that was how easily a family can fall apart when people are not talking with each other and sharing. I have seen this in my own family, and it can be devastating. Not only for those individuals immediately in the turmoil, but for those within the family that many may not realize. I am not a young woman fresh out of undergrad and graduate school, but a 40 something wife, mother, and child. I feel that with this experience alone is a step to understanding others. I would like to introduce myself to the Rochester Community and those seeking someone to talk with when they feel stuck or lonely or even confused. I meet with couples, families, individuals and can be contacted through my email, chris@chrislaceyfamilytherapy.com Additional information can be found at https://www.psychologytoday.com with a simple search