I have been solving problems with families since 1978.  We meet in my office, in homes, at schools or in any other location that works best for families.  We decide together about how often to meet, and how long  each session will be.  Different family members participate in each session depending on the problem to be solved and the wishes of the family.  One of my specialties is working with families facing Illness.  With these families and with others, solving problems follows the principles of treatment described below.

Principles of Treatment

Each family is made up of unique individuals who share a history and culture. All families are affected by the opportunities, stresses and strains of their immediate environment and the larger world.  Problems in families and  communities are affected by  a combination of these influences. 

Problems can be better solved when understood from the points of view of the individual, the family, the community and the larger society.   As part of this investigation, it is important to explore issues of power and justice as they affect a particular problem.  Strengths, resources and actions that support resilience are the key ingredients in coming up with new solutions.

Collaborative psychotherapy is based on a dialogue, facilitated by the therapist that honors everyone’s perspective, knowledge, and skills.   

The process of therapy includes: setting of goals by family members; exploring the nature of the problem to be solved; searching for existing resources and obstacles to solving the problem; discovering new possibilities and taking action in families and in communities.