Photo of Chris Reynolds, PsyD, Psychologist
Chris Reynolds
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Anchorage, AK 99503
My style as a therapist can best be described as eclectic, as I draw from a variety of techniques and theoretical orientations. That being said I tend to be highly client centered, which means I assume clients are the authorities about their own systems. In therapy, it's my job to describe what the science of psychology has to offer given the presenting problem and my professional experience in the area. However, it's my clients who get to decide how this information is applicable to their lives. More about my therapeutic orientation can be found on my website: www.reynoldstherapy.com
My style as a therapist can best be described as eclectic, as I draw from a variety of techniques and theoretical orientations. That being said I tend to be highly client centered, which means I assume clients are the authorities about their own systems. In therapy, it's my job to describe what the science of psychology has to offer given the presenting problem and my professional experience in the area. However, it's my clients who get to decide how this information is applicable to their lives. More about my therapeutic orientation can be found on my website: www.reynoldstherapy.com
(907) 279-9274 View (907) 279-9274

See more therapy options for Anchorage County

Family Therapy

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.