Mary Keel, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
“Re-examine all that you have been told…dismiss that which insults your soul”
– Walt Whitman
Family life is complicated especially with the many challenges of modern life. Often, when facing these challenges, we default to closely held beliefs and behavior patterns that developed throughout our childhood and adult lives. Some are based on traumatic events or fears that something bad will happen to us or our loved ones. Some are based on lived experiences that have created beliefs and patterns of interaction that make us feel safe. Though once helpful and protective, many of these beliefs and behavior patterns are no longer useful. They can prevent us from developing good communication patterns and healthy relationships with the ones we love most.
You look to your partner, child or other family member and ask yourself, "How do I fix this? " You want change but your efforts don't give the results you desire, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless.
What if you could change? What if you could unlock the secret behind disputes and disagreement? Together, we can change those patterns without compromising your feelings of safety or your belief systems to empower you on your healing journey. My approach is based on the belief that by understanding our thought process, emotions and behavior patterns and why they exist is how we improve our relationships in real time.
Using trauma informed, evidence based practices like Emotionally Focused Therapy, (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) we explore interactions and communication patterns in relationships that caused you to feel misunderstood and disconnected. My training in Brainspotting, a trauma recovery practice, can assist in this process.
With many life experience to guide my training, I understand the underlying dynamics in relationships, and how life changes can make you feel scattered and lost. As a marriage and family therapist, my masters degree program trained me specifically to work with couples and relationships within families. I know how to uncover the source of your negative interactions and how to help you change them to live the life you want with the people you love most.
Counseling Focus
COUPLES
Reconnecting on an emotional level, creating a secure attachment bond that will last. It's not about who's “right or wrong”. It's about understanding each other and WHY you interact the way you do.
Identifying and correcting negative behaviors and communication patterns.
Understanding, emotional triggers originating from past relationships or experiences.
Learning skills to connect with your partner, authentically and leave the drama behind.
Discernment Counseling for couples teetering on the brink of divorce, where one partner is uncertain about the future of the relationship. Specifically trained in Discernment Therapy by The Doherty Relationship Institute, I will help you and your partner in 10 sessions or less, arrive at a greater clarity and confidence in making a decision about the future of your relationship.
TEENS AND FAMILIES
Understanding, complicated family patterns to improve interactions and be able to communicate sincere, affection and concern.
Understanding generational dynamics that impact teen behavior in the family.
Reconnect with family members beyond emotional responses to undesired behavior by exploring family beliefs, and how they affect family disputes.
Dismantling barriers between your family members to facilitate sincere, productive communication.
INDIVIDUALS
Rediscovering self and finding your path to growth and fulfillment.
Unraveling complicated relationships, and establish creative methods to introduce peace and acceptance.
Reconnect with your emotions and use them to guide your decisions, choosing from an emotionally mature and stable position.
Connect the dots in your life experience to uncover themes and archetypal systems that are impacting your life.
Client Focus
COUPLES, ADULTS, TEENS (ages 11-17), and FAMILY SYSTEMS
Rates
Individual Session (50 Minutes) – $125
Relational Session (50 Minutes) – $125
Payment/Insurance Accepted
Self-Pay; Credit Cards, Cash, Check, Debit, HSA and Superbills available for clients to submit for reimbursement from their insurance company
Contact
Call or text me at (864) 214-5930 or email me at gvlfamilytherapy@gmail.com
Personal Website Link: gvlfamily.com