Specializing in marriage counseling, couples counseling and family relationship issues.

In The Press

In the Press

Outreach and public education are part of our guiding values at Family Psychology of South Bend. We make ourselves available to the media on topics of relational and emotional health, carrying on a tradition of our teachers to make psychology and counseling knowledge and wisdom accessible to the public.

All In The Press Posts

Beacon Health and Fitness Autism Training

I consulted with Beacon childcare staff at the Grainer location on creating a positive environment for their autistic members. Working with the South Bend community is something I'm passionate about.

Beacon Health and Fitness Autism Training

After we trained Beacon’s staff about how to provide a positive environment in the childcare room for their autistic members, our own LCSW Sharon Bain answered a couple questions to provide the community a quick video summary.

Sharon Bain

Jul 23

ABC 57 Interview: How to have an open conversation with children about tragedy

The news has been flooded with violence. In the past month alone, the United States has had 45 mass shootings. Many of these frightful situations are happening where people buy their groceries, or even just go to work...

John Petersen

May 3

Heather Blackford Eating Disorders Pandemic

Virtual learning can exacerbate body image issues for children

Mental health counselor Heather Blackford discusses how children's body issues can be exacerbated by remote learning. Eating disorders can be triggered by a negative body image and affect children of all ages...

Heather Blackford, LMHC

Mar 10

Dr. Petersen interviewed by Dukes about new year

We were happy to contribute to Howard Duke's South Bend Tribune story about the new year in which we all hope to make significant strides away from COVID's hold on us...

John Petersen

Jan 5

Aftershocks of COVID crisis lead to dramatic spike in anxiety, depression in kids

View original story on WNDU: Local experts see dramatic spike in anxiety, depression in kids In March and April, we had many media inquiries about a presumed increase in mental health needs as a result of the...

John Petersen

Sep 30

Warning Signs Of Abusive Relationships

View original WNDU story Lindsay Stone came to my office for an interview on camera about abusive relationships...

John Petersen

Sep 7

Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting

Tribune reporter Lincoln Wright came to my office for an interview over my lunch break. I was particularly interested in this story because my children were at Adams High School when these threats were made...

Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting

The message "Friday, 2/23 all souls will be cleansed," was written on a bathroom stall at South Bend's John Adams High School Tuesday.

John Petersen

Jul 5

‘Getting help is the key’: Expert gives advice to parents of kids with concerning behavior

Dr. John Petersen is included in this story about children and concerning behavior.

'Getting help is the key': Expert gives advice to parents of kids with concerning behavior

We've heard stories of kids acting out and becoming problems for their parents, and a recent incident in our area involved an 11-year-old boy allegedly shooting his father. There are resources available if you notice your child has concerning behavior. One of the first steps is accepting the truth. A local child behavior expert says it's important to trust your gut. It's easy to feel guilty for not raising your child correctly, but sending them to get help is worth it before it's too late.

John Petersen

Jul 5

Ask An Expert series with Dr. John Petersen

Ask An Expert series brings together local experts to answer questions and highlight local resources. An annual favorite is the show about managing holiday stress...