Wendy Guyer, LCSW

Relationships, bonding, attachment, communication, dynamics, managing conflicts, setting limits, showing affection, celebrating the good, savoring the moments, grieving, creating changes…

In a family therapy context, the family is the client.

I use a range of play and art materials along with traditional talk therapy to help families understand one another, connect, and promote healthy development across the lifespan.  Family Therapy is for families of all ages, from parents with young children to families with adolescents and adult children.   Therapy happens together, with parents an integral part of the process, promoting growth and attachment among all family members. 

For parents of young children, communicating, limit-setting, understanding and responding to a child’s developmental needs or diagnoses, coping with changes that aren’t explained in the parenting books, adopting babies and children, bonding, maintaining parental authority, navigating complex family situations, divorce, grieving, and responding to school concerns can be confusing and challenging.  I have extensive experience working with the youngest of families to thrive through the emotional and social storms of early childhood.  I incorporate clinical work with a solid foundation in Child Development to help parents make lasting relationships with their children. 

For parents and teens, family therapy can create a safe space to process strong emotions, explore opportunities, and develop a balance between holding on and letting go as teens move into adulthood.  Planning together can be immensely helpful on this road toward independence.  The world is full of new challenges, changing values, intense pressures, opportunities, and temptations for teens and young adults.  I recognize how teens often send confusing messages to parents and how sometimes “go away” can really mean “I need you more than ever, but in a different way than before”.  Clarifying, slowing down, and tuning in during family therapy sends a powerful message to a loved one.   

For adults, family therapy can be a poignant experience to sort out life changes, remove obstacles to making important decisions, revisit and lay to rest past grievances, and cope with illnesses and physical changes that impact older adults. 

Adults seek therapy for a variety of reasons: coping with a change, wanting to understand or change behavior, seeking a safe space to explore deeper questions and personality, wishing to understand motivations, uncovering relationship patterns, finding better ways to cope with strong feelings, and planning how to confidently make new choices and let go of things that are no longer working.   

I offer relationship-based therapy on a short- or long-term basis, depending on the goals and scope of the work. 

Children show us what they need and desire through behavior, play, and words.  Sometimes, a child’s ways of expressing emotions or needs can present challenges at home, at school, or out in the world.  Navigating the complex worlds of expectations and social situations can be challenging.  Life events—big or seemingly small—can impact children in unexpected ways, or emotions can arise that are surprisingly intense or that last a long time.  Some children are gifted and need help in exploring the impact of being precocious in certain areas and “just a kid” in others.  I attune to your children’s unique language to help resolve concerns and promote positive change, with parents as close allies throughout the process.  

Whether it’s coping with a change or wanting to understand a dynamic or communication pattern that has been present for a long time, couples entering therapy have the opportunity to share a safe and reliable space for stepping back and giving time to listening, supporting, and managing conflict in ways that promote the health and growth of each person. 

Groups are formed in a thoughtful way that incorporates group members’ interests and goals.  Group openings are posted here, when available, or you may contact me to suggest a group you might be interested in.