What is Family Systems
The Family Institute of Berkeley provides systemic therapy, which means not only are we working with the individual child, teen, or adult, but are working with them in the context of their relationships systems. Research has found that when you work with the system, you get lasting outcomes and less relapse including treating panic attacks with the help of a partner, treating teen depression with the help of parents, treating childhood anxiety by teaching the whole family techniques for overcoming anxiety and many other mental heath difficulties. Our primary drive is to be connected, and we can use our systems to help everyone live a happy, fulfilling life with the ability to resiliently overcome difficult times.
Children are in the context of their family, and parents/guardians are the resources to help both the children and families thrive. When we're in a romantic relationship, even if we're dealing with an individual issue, the partner is a resource and the whole couple benefits from helping one part of the couple. Additionally, helping the couple, helps each individual within the couple. Not only are family and couple relations central to our mental health, but also community, culture, race, and broader society.
When working with systems, a therapist needs to understand how these broader systems effect the individual and family and may work with schools, doctors, psychiatrists, family business, friends, etc. Unfortunately, there are not many therapists who can provide this type of treatment, due to lack of advanced training, and working with systems (e.g., families, couples) takes an active approach, at times working with more than one person in the room, which can be very intimidating for therapists who prefer to work individually, despite the evidence shown its benefits.
Children are in the context of their family, and parents/guardians are the resources to help both the children and families thrive. When we're in a romantic relationship, even if we're dealing with an individual issue, the partner is a resource and the whole couple benefits from helping one part of the couple. Additionally, helping the couple, helps each individual within the couple. Not only are family and couple relations central to our mental health, but also community, culture, race, and broader society.
When working with systems, a therapist needs to understand how these broader systems effect the individual and family and may work with schools, doctors, psychiatrists, family business, friends, etc. Unfortunately, there are not many therapists who can provide this type of treatment, due to lack of advanced training, and working with systems (e.g., families, couples) takes an active approach, at times working with more than one person in the room, which can be very intimidating for therapists who prefer to work individually, despite the evidence shown its benefits.
Children/TeensWe work with children and teens and their families, both developing strong relationships with the kids, as well as utilizing the family as a resource and supporting the family. |
AdultsWe work with adults individually, as well as with their partner, their parents, and their children. Our family and context makes us who we are, so we can't just look at the individual in a vacuum. |
CouplesWe provide couples therapy to couples along the lifespan. Not only can couples therapy help strengthen the relationship, but it can also be utilized to address a number of other issues. |
The Family Institute of Berkeley follows the traditions of the Mental Research Institute, Family Institute of Pinole, Ackerman Institute, and other family therapy organizations that value training, not only dydactically, but also through live and recorded training. At the Family Institute of Berkeley, we run "one way mirror" trainings in person and online, where therapists are working with clients live, while the team is observing and supporting the clients treatment and the therapist. Recording sessions for supervision and review, helps supervisors and teachers see the process in action, allowing them to guide the therapist in developing their skills in helping clients.
OUR GOAL |