CIFT :: Center for Individual and Family Therapy

Here is a free downloadable resource for you from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that may help during this trying time. It discusses feelings and thoughts that may arise during this time of social isolation and suggests ways to cope and support oneself during such an experience.

"There are few things in life as relentlessly desired and vitally important as a father’s love. As Pam Brown said, 'Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.' Such love is crucial for a child’s development of personal identity, worldview, and future family patterns. Here are 10 ways a dad should express love to his children.

What is your response when your child is frustrated? Does their frustration lead to your own? Here are a few tips to help you stay calm when faced with your child's frustration, resulting in a better experience for both of you!

When someone is hurting around you, do you offer sympathy or empathy? In this illustrative short, Brené Brown discusses the differences between the two, and what each offers to someone who's struggling.

Through the power of gratitude, you can wire your brain to be optimistic and compassionate, making you feel good. The more you look, the more you can find to be grateful for. This positivity can extend to those around you, creating a virtuous cycle.

Happy New Year from all of us at CIFT! Here's to a healthy 2020!

Think about the one or two people in your life who had an impact on the person that you have become. They made you better because of how they related to you: they made you feel capable, valuable, and strong. Chances are they were respectful, encouraging, and spoke affirming words to you. Here's how that same approach can help make you- and your spouse- a better parent....

Wondering if your relationship might be unhealthy? Here are some things to pay attention to... And always feel free to give our office a call if you'd like to talk to someone! http://depts.washington.edu//healthy-vs-unhealthy-relatio/

Toxic words poison relationships. Words like, I hate you or I wish I never met you can cause irreparable damage. Here are five toxins of the tongue that we must work to avoid: http://www.markmerrill.com/5-toxins-of-the-tongue-that-can/

"Many years ago, I watched Susan and our daughter Megan start trading a writing journal back and forth. After this went on for a few weeks, I noticed them laughing and talking more together." Read on to learn more about this great parenting idea!

The Muppets can often do what humans can’t. They’ve got this special power. And now they've created special resources for kids and parents going through foster care as well as other life events that may cause trauma.

Studies show a toddler will laugh an average of 200 times a day. But, by the time he becomes an adult, he will only crack a smile 6 times daily. A rare few know how to find joy through faith in God, enjoying the simple things in life, and making family time a priority, not getting caught up in materialism. If this is a personal struggle for you, here are 10 ways to bring joy back into your life:

""If we were talking about a new medicine that had this kind of effect the buzz would be hugethese results suggest that being able to go for a walk in the park as a kid is just as impactful."