Have You Ever Seen a Fully Functional Family?

Sara Hunt Harper's doctoral dissertation was on stress and the healthy family. She's worked with families both as a nurse, then later as a therapist. In 1983, Dr. Harper opened her therapy practice-Stress Management Center-in Plano, Texas.

"You can't get away from families," she says, "I was born into a family, created a family, and now have a family of adult children, grandchildren, friends, two dogs, and two cats. Families profoundly affect who we are, who we become, and how we interact with others. Some of us come from more difficult families than others."

"Many of the long-term issues that prevent people from reaching their potential can disappear when they learn effective ways to solve such problems for themselves," says Dr. Harper.

Working with difficult families is one of Dr. Harper's specialties. Another is working with those having marriage problems. Dr. Harper often uses animal assisted therapy. It's difficult for some people to go to a therapist, and her pets often sense this apprehension and go right to those who need a bit of calming.

• Health of one or more members of the family (special needs, trauma, etc.)
• Inability to resolve conflicts
• Financial concerns
• Drug or alcohol use
• In-laws or other relatives
• Poor communication
• Inability to discuss issues that need resolution
• Unwillingness to discuss issues that need resolution
• Too much or too little dependency on others
• Conflict in how to raise children
• Conflict regarding a child's appearance, diet, behavior, and friends
• Undeveloped social skills
• Work-related problems