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    316 Park Ave E. | Renville, MN 56284
    700 Cedar Building, Suite 120 | Alexandria, MN 56308
    dr.discher@lifecenterllc.com | 320-329-4357 (HELP)
    Fax: 507-413-6776

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    Addressing Addiction Alongside Your Loved Ones Through Family Counseling

    December 24, 2025

    Substance use doesn’t just impact the person struggling with addiction—it affects everyone in their immediate circle. This is why families in cities across the country are turning to therapy to rebuild trust, communicate openly, and support recovery together. Family counseling creates a structured environment where each member can express their experiences, understand the nature of […]

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    Addressing Addiction Alongside Your Loved Ones Through Family Counseling

    December 24, 2025

    Substance use doesn’t just impact the person struggling with addiction—it affects everyone in their immediate circle. This is why families in cities across the country are turning to therapy to rebuild trust, communicate openly, and support recovery together. Family counseling creates a structured environment where each member can express their experiences, understand the nature of addiction, and find common ground. 

    The Effect of Addiction on Family

    When substance abuse is involved, family dynamics can shift in unhealthy ways. Codependency, blame, and emotional distance are common. Counseling addresses these patterns by focusing on healthy communication and conflict resolution. It also empowers families to become a more unified support system for their loved one’s healing journey. 

    Family counseling in the context of substance abuse may include topics like:

    • Exploring each person’s role in the recovery process 

    • Educating families about addiction as a disease 

    • Building tools to navigate setbacks and relapse risks 

    • Improving communication to reduce shame and defensiveness 

    • Learning healthy boundaries and emotional regulation 

    Addiction recovery is not a solo journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Our providers are compassionate mental health professionals who understand the complexities of addiction within the family unit. Through tailored therapy approaches, the families we serve move from conflict to collaboration, offering support that uplifts rather than divides. Reach out today to schedule your first appointment! Family counseling for addiction at our practice gives each member of the family the opportunity to heal in their own way, building a stronger foundation for lifelong recovery. 

    Filed Under: Addiction, family, substance abuse

    The Impact of Estrangement on Mental Health

    December 15, 2025

    Have you limited your communication and interactions with a family member, or stopped them entirely? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Psychology Today, over 25% of the U.S. population is currently estranged from a family member, and more than 43% have experienced family estrangement at some point during their lives. In […]

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    The Impact of Estrangement on Mental Health

    December 15, 2025

    Have you limited your communication and interactions with a family member, or stopped them entirely? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Psychology Today, over 25% of the U.S. population is currently estranged from a family member, and more than 43% have experienced family estrangement at some point during their lives.

    In many cases, estrangement is necessary, such as when neglect and abuse have occurred. Many families also become estranged after divorce, incarceration, illness, or death, or due to conflicts about religion, partners, and lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, even if you feel that it’s important to cut off contact with a family member, estrangement can still take a toll on your mental health. For example, estrangement can often lead to:

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Difficulty self-regulating
    • Feelings of rejection
    • Grief
    • Loneliness
    • Reduced self-esteem
    • Stress
    • Trust issues

    Although estrangement can result from a singular event, it often develops over time. Family members may separate, reconcile, and then repeat that cycle over and over again. When this happens, the resulting lack of closure can also impact the involved parties’ mental health.

    Speak to a Therapist

    Estrangement can take quite a toll on our lives, so if you’re currently estranged from a parent, a sibling, a child, or another loved one, it’s important that you prioritize your own mental health and well-being. One of the best things you can do is speak to a therapist who specializes in estrangement—once you’ve told them about your personal situation, they’ll be able to provide you with customized advice on how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of the caring therapists at our practice.

    Filed Under: family, mental health

    Addressing the Unique Challenges Teens Face Through Child and Adolescent Therapy

    December 4, 2025

    Adolescence is a period of growth, identity exploration, and emotional change. However, it’s also one of the phases of life that comes with the most challenges. If you or your child is overwhelmed by what’s going on right now, you’re in the right place. Child and adolescent therapy at our practice provides a safe environment […]

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    Addressing the Unique Challenges Teens Face Through Child and Adolescent Therapy

    December 4, 2025

    Adolescence is a period of growth, identity exploration, and emotional change. However, it’s also one of the phases of life that comes with the most challenges. If you or your child is overwhelmed by what’s going on right now, you’re in the right place. Child and adolescent therapy at our practice provides a safe environment where teens can talk openly about stress, anxiety, depression, or other concerns. Our team is here for you and your family. 

    Common Issues Teens Face

    Adults might stress over work problems, financial security, or low self-esteem. Teens encounter many of the same challenges, with the addition of age-specific ones like: 

    • Academic pressure and school-related stress 

    • Social struggles, bullying, and peer pressure 

    • Family conflict and the fight for independence 

    Supporting a teen early with child and adolescent therapy can arm them with effective tools to use moving forward and prevent long-term struggles. 

    How a Teen Therapist Helps 

    A teen therapist is familiar with the struggles that come with this stage of life and uses age-appropriate techniques to provide insight and guidance. Depending on the emotional maturity of the client, we might use talk therapy or creative interventions like art or play therapy. The goal is to help adolescents build useful coping skills, get used to communicating their needs and wants, and improve confidence overall. In some cases, family members are included in sessions for the added perspective. 

    Interested in Learning More? 

    Child and adolescent therapy at our practice will give your child the support to thrive as they mature in today’s world. Reach out today to start the conversation! 

    Filed Under: adolescent, child, family, therapy

    Encouraging Conversations About Mental Health Within the Family Unit

    December 2, 2025

    Talking openly about mental health with your family is not always easy. For many parents and children, these conversations feel uncomfortable or off-limits. Yet the research shows that families who create space for honest dialogue experience stronger emotional bonds and fewer conflicts. Family counseling is one way to develop healthier communication and normalize discussions around […]

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    Encouraging Conversations About Mental Health Within the Family Unit

    December 2, 2025

    Talking openly about mental health with your family is not always easy. For many parents and children, these conversations feel uncomfortable or off-limits. Yet the research shows that families who create space for honest dialogue experience stronger emotional bonds and fewer conflicts. Family counseling is one way to develop healthier communication and normalize discussions around feelings, struggles, and mental health needs. 

    Why Should You Talk Openly About Mental Health?

    Every family faces challenges, whether it’s navigating a teenager’s mood swings, handling sibling rivalry, or adjusting to major life changes. When they avoid talking about mental health, the why behind the behavior, small issues can easily become larger conflicts. A child who feels misunderstood may act out, while parents under stress may respond with frustration rather than patience. Counseling breaks this cycle by offering new perspectives. 

    Types of Family-Oriented Counseling

    You have options besides traditional family counseling! Parent-child therapy provides an environment where children can express themselves and parents learn how to listen and respond. These sessions uncover unhealthy communication patterns and give families tools to handle disagreements. Parenting coaching is another approach, equipping caregivers with strategies to guide children through stressful moments, encourage resilience, and teach them how to respond calmly in difficult situations. 

    Setting the Family Up for Success

    Creating space for open dialogue about mental health strengthens relationships within the family unit and promotes long-term well-being. Family counseling can offer much-needed support to start these important conversations. Want to learn more? Get in touch with our team today. Our family therapists are ready to help you build stronger connections. 

    Filed Under: children, family, relationships, therapy



    316 Park Ave E. Renville, MN 56284

    700 Cedar Building, Suite 120 Alexandria, MN 56308

    320-329-4357 (HELP)
    dr.discher@lifecenterllc.com
    Fax: 507-413-6776

    Contact Today

    Life Center LLC, Discher &Associates
    dr.discher@lifecenterllc.com | 320-329-4357 (HELP)
    Fax: 507-413-6776

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