Discover how starting blended family counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
4 therapists available in Henrico
Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction...
About
Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Tricia uses a humanistic approach and a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, strength-based, narrative, acceptance and commitment, expressive art as therapy, and positive psychotherapy.
Tricia completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She will actively listen, help you gain perspective, explore with you what is keeping you from becoming the best version of yourself, and make a plan that will empower you to reach your goals.
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety” (Abraham Maslow). Sometimes what feels safe, comfortable, and familiar, is actually unhealthy; change can be hard and the unknown scary. Do you feel stuck, repeating toxic patterns or negative thinking? Have life events or stress become overwhelming or seem unmanageable? Maybe you just need a supportive space to talk about what you’re going through and how you are feeling.
Education and training
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Jennifer Brown (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with more than 15 years of experience working with folk...
Jennifer Brown (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with more than 15 years of experience working with folks across a wide variety, including children, families, couples, and individual adults seeking support in dealing with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, abuse/neglect, self-injury, suicidal thoughts/urges, substance use/addiction needs, relationships, and family issues. She takes an open-minded, affirming, supportive approach and values the opportunity to give others time and safe space to openly be themselves as they seek connection, happiness, and fulfillment.
Jennifer utilizes a collaborative, person-centered approach in her work, and has a variety of methods at hand to put into practice, depending on her clients' needs and preferences -- including cognitive behavioral (CBT), motivational, dialectical (DBT), mindfulness/meditation, emotion focused (EFT), solution focused, polyvagal, and EMDR.
With an undergraduate background in math, astronomy, and physics, Jennifer is used to expanding her awareness and thinking about things from differing perspectives. She sees her purpose as to follow your lead and put appropriate, available tools to work in order to help you elevate your consciousness and achieve your goals.
I believe one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort ...
I believe one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort in “seeing” the individuals I am privileged to “share space” with.
Renea Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over a year of supervised clinical counseling experience, working with seniors, adults, adolescents, families, and couples in private practice settings. Renea also has over 14 years of experience in school counseling. Having grown up in a multi-generational home during her adolescent years and having served both the comprehensive and exceptional education school settings, she has a deep-rooted admiration and respect for the older population, parents, educators, caregivers of children with unique needs and abilities. She seeks to provide support to those in need of an extra dose of reassurance, unconditional positive regard, and relevant coping skills to take care of themselves as they take care of others around them.
As a former Peace Corps Volunteer (South Africa 1999-2001) who earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, Renea believes it is paramount to show honor to all people and the history we each bring into this world we share. She has clinical experience working with a diverse array of individuals. Each individual, as well as their personal struggles and resources of strength, insight, and rich experience are warmly welcomed into her counseling room.
Renea welcomes this awesome opportunity to not only educate, guide, and empower, but also to learn, grow, and even play---together!
Renea believes one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort in “seeing” the individuals she is privileged to “share space” with.
Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental hea...
Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and she has experience providing individual and group therapy. She has worked with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, substance abuse, and family conflict.
Wendy earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Florida State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She has worked in a variety of settings, providing services in the community, outpatient settings, and public schools. An area of particular passion includes working with young adults with a wide variety of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, self-injury, trauma, and sexual assault recovery.
Wendy utilizes a wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strength-based, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing. Wendy realizes that each person is unique and tailors her therapeutic approach to each client. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and involves meeting her clients where they are. She approaches clients with compassion and acceptance. Wendy believes that therapy requires vulnerability and courage and works to create a safe setting for that work to occur.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Blended family counseling from our therapists at Thriveworks in Henrico, VA helps families who have come together through marriage work through changes, accept differences, ease tension, and form bonds. It enables parents to set boundaries and expectations around finances, parenting, and other areas. In addition, it offers all family members a safe space to voice their thoughts and feelings.
Blended family counseling will likely involve attending sessions as a group, but it might also involve individual sessions with each family member. It works by encouraging the group to share any emotions, concerns, or challenges they might be experiencing, as it relates to the family, and then offering tailored solutions.
Blended family counseling at Thriveworks in Henrico, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Blended family counseling from one of our providers at Thriveworks in Henrico, VA can be short- or long-term, lasting for weeks, months, or years. The length is dependent on the family’s areas of concerns, whether they’re more immediate or they’re more complex. Together with your therapist, you can determine how long you should plan on attending therapy for best results.
Blended, or step, families are common, and those oftentimes create unique challenges for parents and their children whenever a non-biological step parent is involved. Some of those trials include the children getting accustomed to different parenting styles and new household routines. All family members can experience stress, especially when visitation is involved or conflicts arise between the biological parents.
In addition to the ones mentioned above, children included in blended families oftentimes must deal with other complex and difficult emotional and relational challenges, such as:
When trying to cope with these issues, in many instances children caught up in blended marriages will act out their feelings by becoming withdrawn, performing poorly in school, becoming combative with their parents, or sometimes engaging in self-destructive behaviors including substance abuse. Parents must also be aware of how the blended family dynamics are affecting their partner, and need to put in place safeguards to keep their relationship strong.
Here are some of the things parents can do to make the transition a smoother and more positive one for everyone involved:
Family counseling sessions under the direction of a trained counselor, or coach, are an effective way to openly discuss feelings for all blended family members, while developing positive coping skills in order to deal with the new family’s dynamics.
With these counseling approaches, an emphasis is placed on the new roles that parents face, and the establishment of parental boundaries for issues like financial obligations, discipline and time management. Counseling sessions also provide a way for each blended family member to speak their mind in a controlled and respectful setting.
Children are encouraged to discuss their fears, emotions and concerns while developing a better understanding about their place in the new family unit. Parents typically learn how to continue a healthy relationship with their biological children while cultivating new and loving bonds with their partner and step children.
As we’ve seen, blended families are common, and they present unique and sometimes difficult challenges involving all children and parents. Open communication is key as new parenting boundaries and expectations are established, and the children need to feel that they are all loved equally. Counseling is an important step in the process as all family members transition into their roles within the new unit. At Thriveworks Henrico, our helpful and compassionate counselors understand blended families and will guide you in an effort to facilitate a smoother transition as the new family comes together in a healthier, happier, more positive way. For more information on our blended family counseling services, or how to become a certified Thriveworks Short Pump coach, call: (804) 205-3408 today or visit our Contact page now.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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