Couples Therapy focuses on problems existing in the relationship between two people. Relationship problems involve individual symptoms and problems, as well as the relationship conflicts. This includes sexual dysfunction and sexual concerns.
Couples therapy involves learning how to communicate more effectively, and how to listen more closely. Sometimes it is more like mediation, and sometimes it is educational. Very often a combination of the these makes it effective.
Family Therapy
Family Therapy focuses on changes within a family, and recognizes that family relationships have an impact on the feelings, behavior and psychological adjustment of every family member. Family Therapy focuses on communication and family interaction. Sometimes all members in the family participate. In blended families, this may include stepparents, step-siblings and half-siblings. When children in blended families have adjustment problems, it may be helpful for all the parents and stepparents to work together in family therapy; But, sometimes this is very difficult.
Family therapy is most frequently the treatment of choice when children or adolescents are identified as having psychological problems.
Relationship Education and Premarital Counseling
Relationship Education and Premarital Counseling involves an instructional or counseling approach to learn how to improve your relationship skills.
Dr. Chestnut is a trained facilitator of the PREPARE/ENRICH Program. There are several goals of the PREPARE/ENRICH Program. The program helps couples:
- Explore strength and growth areas
- Strengthen communication skills
- Identify and manage major stressors
- Resolve conflict using the Ten Step Model
- Develop a more balanced relationship
- Explore family of origin issues
- Discuss financial planning and budgeting
- Establish personal, couple and family goals
- Understand and appreciate personality differences
Couple & Family Assessments
Couple & Family Assessments involve semi-structured interviews used to assist in the analysis of identifying specific relational strengths and challenges. Assessments contribute to an overview of relative recommendations for treatment.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) uses a structured, small group format to discuss a distressing crisis event. A system of interventions are used providing one on one, family and significant others in stress management education programs and follow up programs. Debriefings should occur within the first 24 hours and less than 72 hours of the crisis incident.
CISM Purpose aims to prevent excessive emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from developing in response to a crisis. Its goal is to help individuals recover as quickly as possible from the stress associated with a crisis.
Crisis Intervention Consultation
Crisis Intervention Consultation is used to assist people in the immediate assessment of problems to direct for appropriate care. Crisis intervention refers to the methods used to offer immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral distress or problems. A crisis can refer to any situation in which the individual perceives a sudden loss of his or her ability to use effective problem-solving and coping skills.
Crisis intervention is conducted in a supportive manner. The length of time for crisis intervention may range from one session to several weeks, with the average being four weeks. Session length may range from 20 minutes to two or more hours.
Supervision for MFT Licensure
Supervision for MFT Licensure is available for clinicians pursuing License as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Chestnut is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor.