Pamela Mackie (she/her)

Family conflict is defined as a conflict between family members/relatives that causes stress on the family system and relationships. Most family conflicts stem from but are not limited to financial problems, extramarital affairs, communications issues, or parenting problems. Often this behavior is generational or due to the breakdown in hierarchical family systems or boundary issues. Therapy helps with these issues by visiting the past and examining the present to change the future trajectory.

Unfortunately, there is no prescribed amount of time one moves thru bereavement. It's personal and painful. Therapy helps to negotiate feelings, behaviors, and thoughts that run rampant in your inability to move on. In addition to creating a space to cherish memories and find acceptance, happiness, and joy in life. Despite the absence of what was once a substantial part of your life. Time doesn't have to be your only way to survive in the face of a loss.

Relationship/marriage issues stem from but are not limited to infidelity, finances, communication, stress, and sexual problems. My therapy focuses on the emotional experience and responses of the communication or lack thereof. We create a collaborative alliance that focuses on the relationship as the "client." Our goal is mutually beneficial to each partner, devoid of blaming and disengagement.

Narrative Therapy (NT) is an approach that I lean into because it views problems as internalized narrative stories that people create based on their reality of what is perceived as normal. So often, our realities are based on saturated stories influenced by the environment or societal norms. NT separates you from the burden or pain caused by problems, so you do not identify with the problem as yourself. NT works well with clients experiencing, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and conflict.

I prefer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as an evidence-based approach for couples' intervention with attachment issues, relationship problems, communication, and trust. EFT approach views the relationship as the client. Therefore, therapy and goals are agreed upon to improve the relationship, addressing each partner's emotional response towards each other for a change. Teamwork is dreamwork and requires collaboration and an alliance for a healthy relationship.

Narrative Therapy (NT) is an approach that I lean into because it views problems as internalized narrative stories that people create based on their reality of what is perceived as normal. So often, our realities are based on saturated stories influenced by the environment or societal norms. NT separates you from the burden or pain caused by problems, so you do not identify with the problem as yourself. NT works well with clients experiencing, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and conflict.