Kathy Hardie-Williams M.Ed MS NCC LPC LMFT

Couples Counseling

I facilitate you, your partner, or other family members in identifying and communicating your needs and wants to each other. Conducive to this process is the ability to experience a reasonable degree of conflict in your relationships and the willingness to believe that your relationships can improve. You are responsible for articulating what you need and want to your partner and others from a direct and non-judgmental perspective that includes self awareness and the desire to know yourself.

Family Systems

The way we are perceived by our family members is the mirror in which we see ourselves. Individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family, as the family is an emotional unit. Families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals, none of whom can be understood in isolation from the system. I believe that is the the dynamic in our family of origin and early attachment that lays the foundation for navigating our relationships.

Attachment Theory

Attachment can be defined as a deep and enduring emotional bond between two people in which each seeks closeness and feels more secure when in the presence of the attachment figure. Attachment theory explains how the parent-child relationship emerges and influences subsequent development. There are four basic characteristics that basically give us a clear view of what attachment really is. They include a safe heaven, a secure base, proximity maintenance and separation distress.

Parenting

Through professional and personal experiences, I am familiar with the broad range of emotional and behavioral challenges parents often face. I work directly with the parents, children, and the overall dynamic within the family system. I am familiar with the life transitions that families often face , such as divorce and blending families. I also use play therapy and sand tray therapy. I find that working with parents is the most effective way to help with parenting unless the child is a teen.

Family Conflict

The key to strong and enduring relationships is the development of a strong sense of self. I facilitate families in increasing their capacity to accept and tolerate differences, a process that must occur prior to increasing the emotional bond. I facilitate family members in identifying and communicating their needs and wants. Conducive to this process is the ability to experience a reasonable degree of conflict relationships and a willingness to believe that relationships can improve.

Child or Adolescent Issues

Drawing on my 10 years as a special educator at the elementary and middle school levels, I am familiar with the broad range of emotional and behavioral challenges parents often face. Using a structural family systems approach, I work directly with the parents, adolescents, and the overall dynamic within the family system. I can provide insight and practical strategies for effective parenting while supporting you on your journey as parents and in the overall dynamic within the family system.

Self-Esteem

You deserve to feel good about yourself. The way you perceive yourself is the foundation for how you function in your world. However, your shame core can keep you stuck. It is very difficult to feel good about yourself when you are under stress, unable to achieve your goals, or when others treat you badly. As you work on building your self-esteem you will notice that you feel less shame, that you are enjoying your life more than you did before, and that you are doing more of the things you want.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

While the goal for most couples is to create a deep sense of intimacy, developing a strong sense of self is a prerequisite to creating emotional connection. Initially, the primary focus in my work with families and couples is the individual growth and differentiation of each person in order to increase a strong sense of self. My work with clients then moves toward increasing their capacity to accept and tolerate differences, a process that must occur prior to increasing the emotional bond.