


About David
‘Family Therapy Dublin’ is owned and managed by David Kavanagh. David is a very experienced Family Therapist. David has worked with young people and families for over twenty years and is widely regarded as one of the best in the field.
So what is Systemic Family Therapy?
Systemic Family Therapy, also known as family systems therapy, is an approach that emerged from the broader field of family therapy. It is rooted in the idea that individuals cannot be fully understood in isolation, but rather within the context of their relationships and systems. This therapeutic model views families as complex, interconnected systems where the behaviour of one member can affect and be influenced by the entire family. This could mean for example that a child’s behaviour or ‘acting out’ in the family, may not always be caused by ADHD but may be a symptom of other issues within the family that they are not fully aware of.
What types of families can benefit from Family Therapy?
In most cases, families that are open minded will benefit most from family therapy. Family therapy Dublin will work with families where addiction is an issue, or where a child has behavioural issues that are causing the family to be stressed. If your child or teenager has high levels of stress, anxiety or depression, then family therapy is particularly beneficial. We also work with parents who are separated or where marital conflict is impacting the children in a negative way.
What is the process of Family Therapy, what would actually happen if we book an appointment?
The first step is a short phone consultation to see if I can help you. If I feel that I can offer you a suitable solution, then ideally, I would like to meet the parents together, without the children, before the first family session. Depending on how this first session goes, I may advise some form of intervention before meeting the children, but this is not always the case. The second step may involve meeting the children alone or with the parents. After this, each session could involve sessions with the child or children by themselves or with a parent(s).
Benefits of consulting with Family Therapy Dublin for Family Work:
- A Holistic Understanding: Systemic family therapy provides a holistic understanding of family dynamics, taking into account the complex interplay of relationships, roles, and communication patterns.
- Interpersonal Insight: It offers insights into how family members relate to each other, helping them understand the impact of their behaviours on the family system.
- Targeting Root Causes: Instead of merely addressing surface-level symptoms, systemic therapy aims to identify and address the underlying systemic issues contributing to family problems.
- Communication Enhancement: By focusing on communication patterns, systemic therapy helps families improve their ability to express emotions, needs, and concerns in a healthy and constructive manner.
- Empowerment and Collaboration: Involving all family members in the therapeutic process promotes a sense of empowerment and shared responsibility for creating positive change.
- Cultural Competence: Systemic family therapy recognizes and respects diverse family structures, cultural backgrounds, and belief systems, making it adaptable and culturally sensitive.
- Long-Term Change: By addressing systemic patterns, the therapy aims for lasting change, equipping families with the tools to navigate future challenges more effectively.
- Strength-Based Approach: Systemic therapy emphasizes identifying and building upon the strengths of the family, fostering resilience and promoting positive growth.
- Preventive Focus: Beyond crisis intervention, systemic family therapy has a preventive focus, enhancing the family’s capacity to adapt and cope with potential future challenges.
- Systemic View of Symptoms: Rather than pathologizing individual behaviours, systemic therapy views symptoms as part of a larger systemic issue, guiding interventions to create systemic change.
Therapeutic Services
IT'S MY GOAL TO CREATE A COMFORTABLE, SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE'LL WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.Systemic Therapy
Quality Assured
How I Can Help You
It's our priority to create a comfortable, safe environment where we'll work together to achieve your goals.
Area of Expertise
We work with children, teenagers, couples, parents or grandparents. We have even met babies and family pets. Everyone is welcome.
- We work with children who have internet and gaming addiction.
- We help families with stress.
- We help families deal with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
- We help families dealing with marital or relationship breakdown.
- We work with children who are anxious or depressed.
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Prices
Session Pay
- Individual counseling
- Couples and marriage counseling
- Teenage counseling
Weekly Pay
- Individual counseling
- Couples and marriage counseling
- Teenage counseling
Monthly Pay
- Individual counseling
- Couples and marriage counseling
- Teenage counseling
Psychotherapy
Family therapy is a versatile and effective approach that can address a wide range of issues. Here are twenty common concerns that family therapy can help with:
- Communication Problems: Improving communication patterns within the family to enhance understanding and reduce conflict.
- Parent-Child Conflicts: Addressing and resolving conflicts between parents and their children.
- Marital or Couples’ Issues: Working through challenges within marital or partner relationships to improve overall satisfaction.
- Blended Family Challenges: Assisting families in adjusting to new family structures and dynamics after remarriage.
- Adolescent Behavioural Issues: Managing and understanding challenging behaviours exhibited by teenagers.
- Substance Abuse and Addiction: Supporting families dealing with the impact of substance abuse or addiction on an individual.
- Divorce or Separation: Helping families navigate the emotional challenges associated with divorce or separation.
- Grief and Loss: Assisting families in coping with the emotional impact of loss, whether through death or other circumstances.
- Mental Health Issues: Providing support for families dealing with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
- School-Related Issues: Addressing challenges related to academic performance, school transitions, or bullying.
- Trauma and PTSD: Helping families cope with the effects of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Eating Disorders: Supporting families in understanding and managing issues related to eating disorders.
- Chronic Illness: Assisting families in adjusting to and coping with the challenges of chronic illness within the family.
- Sibling Rivalry: Managing conflicts and promoting positive relationships among siblings.
- Cultural or Identity Issues: Addressing challenges related to cultural differences or issues of identity within the family.
- Financial Stress: Providing support for families facing financial difficulties or managing financial stress.
- Issues with In-Laws: Addressing conflicts or challenges arising from relationships with extended family members.
- Domestic Violence: Assisting families in dealing with the impact of domestic violence and ensuring the safety of all members.
- Parenting Challenges: Offering guidance and support to parents facing difficulties in parenting, discipline, or setting boundaries.
- Sexuality and Relationship Education: Facilitating open and healthy discussions about sexuality and relationships within the family.
It’s important to note that family therapy is highly adaptable, and therapists tailor their approach to the specific needs and dynamics of each family. If you are facing any of these issues, seeking the assistance of a qualified family therapist can provide valuable support and guidance.
Testimonials
Maria, Dublin
Jonathan, Cork
Sally and Sean, Galway
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