While all families have their unique dynamics, there are some features that self-described happy families have in common:

1) Members show respect to each other.

2) Members really listen to each other and try to understand the others’ points-of-view.

3) Members are not driven by the need to “win” or “be right."

4) Members don’t project outside issues or conflicts onto their family members.

5) Members genuinely want the best for each other and assume other members share that intention.
 

We don’t choose our families but we can choose how we act (and react) in our family dynamics. I work with families with children over 12, and also work with adult families -- including adult parents and children and adult siblings -- to break out of unhealthy patterns and create a family system that promotes growth for all members.