More Than Mindfulness: How We Integrate a Range of Modalities to Support Families

Mindfulness is having a moment—and for good reason. Learning to be present, regulate emotions, and respond (rather than react) can do wonders for mental health, relationships, and daily functioning.

At The Nelson Center for Family Therapy, we appreciate the value of mindfulness. But it’s just one part of the bigger picture.

Our team of highly trained therapists works from a deeply integrative perspective, blending techniques to support real, sustainable healing. Every clinician on our team has been trained under the leadership and supervision of our founder, Jennifer Humphreys, LMSW, SSW, and brings their own unique strengths to the work—while staying rooted in a shared commitment to whole-family care.

Our Clinical Toolbox: What We Actually Use

Unlike some practices that stick to just one or two approaches, we use a thoughtfully blended mix of evidence-based and insight-oriented therapies. Some of the key modalities we draw from include:

✅ Family Systems Theory

This is the foundation of our work with families. It helps us understand each person as part of a larger system, and identify patterns that either support or sabotage healthy connection.

✅ Gottman Method

We use Gottman Method interventions to support couples in building better communication, reducing conflict, and deepening emotional intimacy. It’s highly structured and backed by decades of research.

✅ Narrative Therapy

The stories we tell about ourselves—and each other—have power. Narrative therapy helps individuals and families reframe limiting beliefs, shift harmful patterns, and reclaim agency.

✅ Attachment-Based Therapy

This approach explores how early relational experiences shape our present-day interactions. It’s particularly helpful in repairing emotional ruptures between parents and children or partners.

✅ Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT offers practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. We often use DBT with teens and adults navigating intense emotions or relationship struggles.

✅ Jungian Therapy & Gestalt Work

For clients seeking deeper, insight-oriented work, we draw on Jungian and Gestalt techniques to support self-awareness, dream work, identity development, and integration of the whole self.

✅ Parent Coaching

Whether you're raising toddlers, teens, or young adults, we help parents build confidence, set boundaries, and respond instead of react. We also support co-parents in staying aligned—even when living apart.

Why an Integrative Approach Matters

Every person and every family is unique. No single approach works for everyone, and that’s why we intentionally train our team in multiple modalities. We don’t force a rigid method—we meet our clients where they are and tailor therapy to fit their goals, personalities, and pace.

Whether you’re looking for tools to manage daily stress or seeking deeper healing after trauma or relational rupture, we’re here to help you find a way forward.

Who We Work With

At The Nelson Center for Family Therapy, we work with individuals of all ages and family structures. Our areas of focus include:

• Children and teens navigating emotional, behavioral, or school-related challenges

• Parents seeking support, strategies, and stronger connection with their kids

• Families experiencing conflict, major life transitions, or ongoing disconnection

• Adult children and parents working through long-standing wounds or communication breakdowns

• Couples facing stress, misalignment, or emotional distance

• Individuals looking to better understand themselves in the context of their relationships and family history

📞 Let’s Talk

If you’re looking for therapy that’s rooted in clinical expertise, emotional depth, and a real understanding of family dynamics—we’re here for you.

Call The Nelson Center for Family Therapy at 248-301-1080 to schedule a consultation.

Let’s build something stronger, together!