Supporting Your Family Through a Big Change
Steady support while your household adjusts to something new.
Changes Across a Household
Kinds of Change Families Bring In
Families reach out for many different reasons, and a big change does not need to be a crisis for it to affect how a household functions. A move, a new work schedule, or a shift in who lives in the home can each change daily routines in ways that take time to settle.
- A move to a new home or a new city
- A loss in the family
- A new work or school schedule
- A new member joining the household
- One family member who is struggling and affecting the household
When It Helps
Considering Family Therapy
Family therapy gives everyone in the room a chance to describe how a change has affected them, rather than leaving one person to manage the adjustment alone. A therapist can help family members talk through a schedule, a disagreement, or a shift in routine with some structure to the conversation.
Families do not need to agree on what the problem is before a first session.
Who Attends
Discussing Who Comes to Sessions
The people who attend family sessions can vary depending on the situation, and this is a question worth discussing directly with the therapist rather than assuming in advance. Some sessions include the whole household, while others focus on a smaller group within the family.
You can bring up scheduling questions, such as whether a session should include children of different ages, during your consultation or an early appointment.
A Family Systems Approach
How We Work with Families
A therapist on our team is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California License #120707, and family systems is among the approaches. This way of working looks at how family members affect one another, rather than treating one person as the sole focus.
Your therapist offers English and Spanish appointments. You can ask how a family systems approach might frame the changes in responsibilities, relationships, or routines you are noticing at home.
A Supporting Role
Our Work with Parents and Teens
Another option to ask about is a therapist on our team, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #160969. This clinician works with teens and parents in English and Spanish. If a change is affecting a teenager, ask about therapist availability and how parent conversations could fit with teen care.
Registered associate. Provides services under the clinical supervision of a licensed clinician.
Format and Location
Meeting in Person or by Video
Meet at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 230, Brentwood, CA 94513, or ask about a video appointment while all participants are located in California. Discuss attendance and language preferences before scheduling, including how different family calendars affect the appointment.
You can discuss with your therapist whether a mix of in-person and video sessions works for your family over time.
Costs and Contact
Fees and Reaching Out
Session fees are shared during your free consultation. Bring payment questions to that call, including whether you plan to use a major credit card, FSA card, or HSA card.
Call (925) 331-0457 or email info@heartnmindcounseling.com to ask about a free 15-minute phone consultation for your family. Keep email limited to scheduling and general questions rather than clinical details.
Taking the First Step
Opening the First Family Conversation
At a first appointment, each person who attends can describe the change from their own perspective. You might discuss a routine that no longer works or a responsibility that has shifted. Explain what you want the therapist to understand without asking one family member to speak for everyone.
Common Questions
Does the Whole Family Need to Attend Every Session?
Who attends can vary by situation and is worth discussing directly with the therapist. Some sessions include the whole household, and others focus on part of the family.
Can We Meet by Video if We Are in Different Locations?
Video sessions are available while all participants are located in California. You can ask about scheduling a joint video session during your consultation.
What if Only One Family Member Wants to Attend?
You can describe your family's situation during a free phone consultation and ask what format might fit, including sessions that focus on one family member within a family systems approach.
