Support for Sibling Conflict and Rivalry
Therapy to help siblings understand each other, resolve conflict, and build healthier relationships at home.
When Sibling Dynamics Become a Source of Stress
It’s natural for siblings to argue — but when conflict becomes constant, it can affect the emotional health of the entire household. Whether the tension is between young children, teens, or even adult siblings, unresolved rivalry can lead to resentment, competition, or emotional distance that lingers.
You may be noticing:
If you're a parent feeling stuck in the middle — or a sibling longing for better connection — therapy can offer a path forward.
How Therapy Can Help with Sibling Conflict
In therapy, we create space for each sibling’s voice, experience, and needs — while also looking at the larger family patterns contributing to tension. The goal isn’t to eliminate all conflict, but to help siblings understand each other and develop healthier ways to express frustration, set boundaries, and rebuild trust.
Together, we can:
- Improve communication and reduce reactivity
- Identify unmet emotional needs driving rivalry
- Help parents set healthy boundaries and avoid favoritism
- Explore family roles and patterns that may be fueling conflict
- Strengthen empathy and emotional regulation
Whether it’s two children, a group of siblings, or a family-wide concern, we’ll tailor sessions to meet your family’s unique needs.
My Approach to Sibling Work
I take a compassionate, non-blaming approach to sibling therapy. Each person’s experience is valid, and healing happens when everyone feels heard and respected.
My work is informed by:
- Person-centered and integrative therapy models
- Family systems theory
- Mindfulness and emotional regulation tools
- Experience supporting neurodiverse and culturally complex families
We may meet together or in separate configurations — always with the goal of reducing conflict and increasing connection.
"Sibling relationships can be some of the longest-lasting bonds we have. Therapy helps restore connection and understanding where it’s been lost."
What Clients Say
“Before working with Irene, I didn’t even realize how anxious I was all the time. She helped me slow down, breathe, and feel like I wasn’t broken — just burnt out.”
What Clients Say
“I used to feel like my mind never shut off. Now I feel like I have actual tools that work. And I know I’m not alone.”
What Clients Say
“Irene helped me realize I don’t have to say yes to everything. Learning to set boundaries changed everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all siblings need to attend sessions?
Not always. Depending on your family’s needs, we might work with all siblings together or in individual or dyadic formats.
Q: Is this only for young children?
No — I work with siblings of all ages, including adult siblings who want to address long-standing conflict or estrangement.
Q: What if one sibling doesn’t want to participate?
That’s common. I meet each person where they are, and we can still make progress even if not everyone is ready right away.
Q: Can you help us as parents navigate this?
Yes. I often coach parents on how to de-escalate conflict, avoid taking sides, and create a more balanced family environment.
Q: Are sessions available online?
Yes — I offer both in-person sessions in Newport Beach and online sessions across California.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If sibling rivalry is causing tension or hurt in your home, let’s talk. Together we can work toward more peace, empathy, and connection in your family.
Maria Irene Alvarez de Schwartz, LMFT 155789
(949) 385-3689
Newport Beach Office
1000 Quail St., Suite 220
Laguna Beach Office
333 3rd St #6
Online Therapy
California Residents Only
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