Family Therapy in San Diego, CA
![Photo of Sean Brannan, LMFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3da42d1c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sean Brannan is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapist (CHt), & Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT#106207), specializing in hypnotherapy and relationship counseling. He works with men, women, couples, young adults and children. His work helps facilitate powerful life changes focused on the creation of a more meaningful, fulfilling life. "Our life's experiences are determined by a continual interaction of our mind, bodies, spirit, emotions, and relationships. Awareness and acceptance of these aspects of who we are is the key to creating an amazing life's journey".
Sean Brannan is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapist (CHt), & Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT#106207), specializing in hypnotherapy and relationship counseling. He works with men, women, couples, young adults and children. His work helps facilitate powerful life changes focused on the creation of a more meaningful, fulfilling life. "Our life's experiences are determined by a continual interaction of our mind, bodies, spirit, emotions, and relationships. Awareness and acceptance of these aspects of who we are is the key to creating an amazing life's journey".
![Photo of Elvina (Legal Name Vincent) Inzano, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e663a0ad-8c30-469b-9f15-61046f83f17b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elvina (Legal Name Vincent) Inzano
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is currently being supervised by Donna Chapman.
Let’s collaborate so we can work together to support your ongoing healing and growth. I work towards engaging from a compassionate, anti-oppressive, and trauma informed positionality. One of my focuses is on collaborating to better understand yourself as an integrated mind/body/spirit/social/relational being (soma) and reprocessing what your soma holds. Some of the ways in which we can do this is through building upon the stories that empower you and learning skills for personal and/or interpersonal fulfillment. We all deserve to live our lives liberated from the reactive survival responses of trauma.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is currently being supervised by Donna Chapman.
Let’s collaborate so we can work together to support your ongoing healing and growth. I work towards engaging from a compassionate, anti-oppressive, and trauma informed positionality. One of my focuses is on collaborating to better understand yourself as an integrated mind/body/spirit/social/relational being (soma) and reprocessing what your soma holds. Some of the ways in which we can do this is through building upon the stories that empower you and learning skills for personal and/or interpersonal fulfillment. We all deserve to live our lives liberated from the reactive survival responses of trauma.
![Photo of Aileen Tran, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8eba98c6-3aed-4f97-800d-cdb984547c1c/2/320x400.png)
Aileen Tran
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
Waitlist for new clients
With experiential techniques like play and art, alongside Narrative therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I create a safe space for exploring emotions and fostering resilience.
I’m here to provide compassionate counseling for teens and adults navigating life's complexities.
With experiential techniques like play and art, alongside Narrative therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I create a safe space for exploring emotions and fostering resilience.
I’m here to provide compassionate counseling for teens and adults navigating life's complexities.
![Photo of Monica Whitlock, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e0b62a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in couple and family therapy, and in working with college students. I also work with individuals experiencing professional burnout, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My style is authentic and practical. I work collaboratively with you to help you gain clarity, perhaps think differently, and ultimately improve your quality of life. I use clinical methods informed by neuroscience that bring about symptom resolution and coherence.
I specialize in couple and family therapy, and in working with college students. I also work with individuals experiencing professional burnout, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My style is authentic and practical. I work collaboratively with you to help you gain clarity, perhaps think differently, and ultimately improve your quality of life. I use clinical methods informed by neuroscience that bring about symptom resolution and coherence.
![Photo of Michael McKinnon, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/164c6bcc-227c-4de1-bddf-077cacf9f2e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael McKinnon
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
Though it seems that there is no single answer, through communication and self-reflection, we can increase our strength, resilience, and hope. As a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee at the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), I am eager to help you, the individual, couple, or family, on your personal journeys toward health and happiness, walking alongside you as you find your rhythm. I want to create a collaborative space, where trust and safety are clear, where support is abundant and true happiness is attainable. At CFMHE, we believe in meeting the continuing challenges we face with purpose and confidence.
Though it seems that there is no single answer, through communication and self-reflection, we can increase our strength, resilience, and hope. As a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee at the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), I am eager to help you, the individual, couple, or family, on your personal journeys toward health and happiness, walking alongside you as you find your rhythm. I want to create a collaborative space, where trust and safety are clear, where support is abundant and true happiness is attainable. At CFMHE, we believe in meeting the continuing challenges we face with purpose and confidence.
![Photo of Tess Norton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60afb340-dc84-437d-8a84-225f58d93c28/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Tess Norton and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I use a psychodynamic, client-centered approach with my clients. I help young adults better handle life’s stressors, keep perfectionism in check, and grow their self-esteem. I enjoy working with young adults who are navigating their own unique paths in life. I am most comfortable working with anxiety, whether it stems from familial stress or societal pressures. I am especially passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with immigrants and children of immigrants.
Hello! My name is Tess Norton and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I use a psychodynamic, client-centered approach with my clients. I help young adults better handle life’s stressors, keep perfectionism in check, and grow their self-esteem. I enjoy working with young adults who are navigating their own unique paths in life. I am most comfortable working with anxiety, whether it stems from familial stress or societal pressures. I am especially passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with immigrants and children of immigrants.
![Photo of Cyndi Pulsinelli, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e811565-e749-413a-aab1-2587aaaefdc0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cyndi Pulsinelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
I have previousley worked at various levels of care including residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment centers providing individual, family and group psychotherapy.
What does it mean to thrive? The heart of my practice is the very essence of equipping individuals and families to live a life where they thrive. To thrive is a means of growth, to flourish, revive, change-state or turn.
I have previousley worked at various levels of care including residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment centers providing individual, family and group psychotherapy.
What does it mean to thrive? The heart of my practice is the very essence of equipping individuals and families to live a life where they thrive. To thrive is a means of growth, to flourish, revive, change-state or turn.
![Photo of Yesica Solorio De Alvarez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76c52ce7-9914-43d3-ac1d-ba50f6fdf304/1/320x400.png)
My name is Yesica Solorio, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist with over 13 years of experience, I enjoy working with children, families, adolescents, and the elderly. I enjoy providing support, understanding, and giving positive feedback to my clients. My goal is to support clients explore and understand their issues, build on their strengths, develop effective coping mechanism skills. The common types of therapy I focus on are Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy, Family therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Art therapy, and Psychoeducation. I am fully bilingual/bicultural in Spanish.
My name is Yesica Solorio, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist with over 13 years of experience, I enjoy working with children, families, adolescents, and the elderly. I enjoy providing support, understanding, and giving positive feedback to my clients. My goal is to support clients explore and understand their issues, build on their strengths, develop effective coping mechanism skills. The common types of therapy I focus on are Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy, Family therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Art therapy, and Psychoeducation. I am fully bilingual/bicultural in Spanish.
![Photo of Coping With Anxiety Or Depression -Lindsay MacMaster, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a9be88e-3b98-4fe5-9c18-0967b454afe8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Coping With Anxiety Or Depression -Lindsay MacMaster
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92119
With a specialty in play therapy for children, individual therapy, family therapy, and connective parenting approaches, I make sure your counseling session is grounded in scientific research but is still tailored to your needs and goals.
I’m Lindsay MacMaster PsyD, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the San Diego area. When you work with me, I create a setting that is warm and compassionate, a space that allows you to best connect with what is bothering you. Counseling helps you learn how to become your best self. Your therapist can support you as you lean into life’s most difficult challenges rather than shy away from them.
With a specialty in play therapy for children, individual therapy, family therapy, and connective parenting approaches, I make sure your counseling session is grounded in scientific research but is still tailored to your needs and goals.
I’m Lindsay MacMaster PsyD, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the San Diego area. When you work with me, I create a setting that is warm and compassionate, a space that allows you to best connect with what is bothering you. Counseling helps you learn how to become your best self. Your therapist can support you as you lean into life’s most difficult challenges rather than shy away from them.
![Photo of Janel J King, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c69c774-13b1-4945-ac5e-201a4782a4cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Work together and individually in helping your family function to the best of the family's abilities.
Are there times when you cannot explain the overwhelming emotions you are experiencing. I enjoy helping those who are seeking change and are motivated to do so. I believe people should always work toward becoming their best selves. I work with individuals, families, children, and adolescents. If your family is suffering from functioning in a loving and happy manner and you cannot figure out where the problem lies, family therapy may be the right choice for you. From learning to function with a new baby, blending, or newly transitioning teenagers, I can help.
Work together and individually in helping your family function to the best of the family's abilities.
Are there times when you cannot explain the overwhelming emotions you are experiencing. I enjoy helping those who are seeking change and are motivated to do so. I believe people should always work toward becoming their best selves. I work with individuals, families, children, and adolescents. If your family is suffering from functioning in a loving and happy manner and you cannot figure out where the problem lies, family therapy may be the right choice for you. From learning to function with a new baby, blending, or newly transitioning teenagers, I can help.
![Photo of Denise Phipps, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55a03c88-eaa0-43aa-a81c-b2601007b7a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Denise Phipps
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, my name is Denise Phipps a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I collaborate with each client to provide treatment based on individual needs and desires utilizing a comprehensive model approach to ascertain your desired outcome. With my guidance, I can lead you into a deeper understanding of the many aspects of yourself, which will allow you to access your strengths, develop new and healthy perspectives, create change, build important skills, experience emotional healing, and enrich your relationships, living life with enhanced purpose, freedom, joy, and value.
Hi, my name is Denise Phipps a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I collaborate with each client to provide treatment based on individual needs and desires utilizing a comprehensive model approach to ascertain your desired outcome. With my guidance, I can lead you into a deeper understanding of the many aspects of yourself, which will allow you to access your strengths, develop new and healthy perspectives, create change, build important skills, experience emotional healing, and enrich your relationships, living life with enhanced purpose, freedom, joy, and value.
15 Second Videos
Coping With Anxiety Or Depression -Lindsay MacMaster
Jennifer B Lofft
Gerald Monk
Kayo Imamura
Kathryn O'Brasky
Relationship Healing Intensives
Matt Bishop
Darcie Brown
Kristin Zeising
Rene Williamson
Becca Lantry
Gissell Rodriguez
Elizabeth A. Hill
Rita Romero
Áurea Oliveira
Madeline Polonia
Robert L Bray
Positive Change Counseling Center
Anoushey Khan
Megan Wilcox
Jessica A. Lopez
Abi Weissman-Waves A Psych Co. Centering Lgbtq+ Care
Alyson L Lischer
Donald W Welch
Kate-Robin Shuart Piper
Carmen Marina Counseling Services
Kelly Rein
Penelope 'nel' Mercer
Maren Jorgensen
Lauren Kathleen Rogers
Grace Catherine Mickle
Lara J. Duff
Jessica Cruz
Stephanie Keider
Preventative Health for Happy Families!
Cynamon Weston
Esther Chau
Kimberly Bailey
Maureen McCartney
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Elisa Blair
Oasis Counseling Group
NISD Counseling
Elizabeth Anne Deig
Melissa Lanza
Alan S Jacobson
Goali Saedi Bocci
Kayla Knopp
Nahied Rahimi
Bryan Schnebelt
![Photo of Alice Wu-Cardona - One Life Therapy: Alice Wu-Cardona, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/913fd323-71be-44c7-845f-52a193a50a9e/2/320x400.jpeg)
One Life Therapy: Alice Wu-Cardona, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
I work from a trauma focused lens using Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities.
Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.
I work from a trauma focused lens using Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities.
Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.
![Photo of Vangie Akridge, PsyD, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/115b11a4-0d3b-4157-bbea-4682b477e841/3/320x400.jpeg)
Being a teenager can be hard and being a parent of a teenager can be challenging. Knowing that we all desire for children to be emotionally well adjusted and academically successful, it is sometimes necessary to seek support. I am available to support your family through the journey of adolescence and can provide you with valuable information about your child's learning abilities and emotional functioning and tools to navigate the education system. You are not alone. I am here to support you.
Being a teenager can be hard and being a parent of a teenager can be challenging. Knowing that we all desire for children to be emotionally well adjusted and academically successful, it is sometimes necessary to seek support. I am available to support your family through the journey of adolescence and can provide you with valuable information about your child's learning abilities and emotional functioning and tools to navigate the education system. You are not alone. I am here to support you.
![Photo of Lucia R. Desoto, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4099e503-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My work is strongly influenced by my belief in the mind-body connection,family system's theory, and EMDR therapy based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model.
I view therapy as a very special, sacred space where my clients may begin and proceed on their journey toward health. I have extensive experience working with a host of different mental health issues. As a Christian therapist, I am able to offer not only experience and professionalism, but also provide an atmosphere of safety where clients are free to hear from God, Himself, as He brings truth which is genuine, long-lasting, and results in true healing and freedom.
My work is strongly influenced by my belief in the mind-body connection,family system's theory, and EMDR therapy based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model.
I view therapy as a very special, sacred space where my clients may begin and proceed on their journey toward health. I have extensive experience working with a host of different mental health issues. As a Christian therapist, I am able to offer not only experience and professionalism, but also provide an atmosphere of safety where clients are free to hear from God, Himself, as He brings truth which is genuine, long-lasting, and results in true healing and freedom.
![Photo of Jorge Luis Limon - Jorge Limon, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60c3c29d-28fb-4976-98dd-e755a0d1709c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jorge Limon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I have a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist. My Master's degree from Cal State Northridge has given me a strong educational foundation that enhances my expertise. I have experience in trauma-focused therapy and prioritize collaborative efforts with my clients, ensuring that we work together to achieve their therapeutic goals.
I have a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist. My Master's degree from Cal State Northridge has given me a strong educational foundation that enhances my expertise. I have experience in trauma-focused therapy and prioritize collaborative efforts with my clients, ensuring that we work together to achieve their therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Pauline Hsieh - Well and Sound Center, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51ae3186-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling weary or tired? Are you hoping to step forward with your life? Welcome, you just made your first step to start the journey of overcoming the barriers that prevent you from living a productive and fruitful life. Well and Sound Center consists of a group of professionals from psychologist, LMFT. We work with clients on individual needs, couples issues, and family challenges. Services are offered in English and Mandarin. Please contact us today to learn more about the services.
Are you feeling weary or tired? Are you hoping to step forward with your life? Welcome, you just made your first step to start the journey of overcoming the barriers that prevent you from living a productive and fruitful life. Well and Sound Center consists of a group of professionals from psychologist, LMFT. We work with clients on individual needs, couples issues, and family challenges. Services are offered in English and Mandarin. Please contact us today to learn more about the services.
![Photo of Seth M Gans, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/512827a6-e91c-483f-81fa-2c47cb2c1bdf/1/320x400.jpeg)
It’s okay to not be okay. We all need help sometimes. If you're experiencing family conflict, I can help you connect with your child in ways that will foster healthy attachment and improve your communication. If your family is going through a divorce, I can help your child navigate that difficult life transition. If your child is acting out at school or at home, I can help them learn to express themself in healthier ways, as well as provide you with parenting strategies to decrease unwanted behaviors. If your child is struggling socially, I can help them improve their social skills so that they no longer feel isolated.
It’s okay to not be okay. We all need help sometimes. If you're experiencing family conflict, I can help you connect with your child in ways that will foster healthy attachment and improve your communication. If your family is going through a divorce, I can help your child navigate that difficult life transition. If your child is acting out at school or at home, I can help them learn to express themself in healthier ways, as well as provide you with parenting strategies to decrease unwanted behaviors. If your child is struggling socially, I can help them improve their social skills so that they no longer feel isolated.
![Photo of Kathryn Kendall - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0032ff7b-92cd-4fee-b475-c30ea83a81fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathryn Kendall - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appt.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appt.
![Photo of Nina Lindajane Holmes, LMFT, TRI, ESMHL, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c650233-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nina Lindajane Holmes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, TRI, ESMHL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92131
I am a Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist and Certified Imago Workshop Presenter. I am Internal Family Systems or IFS Level One trained, currently enrolled in Level Two IFS training in Intimacy From the Inside Out (the IFS couples model). I have 18 years of clinical experience assisting with relationships as well as with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, psychosis and sexual assault. I often work collaboratively with the entire family to promote positive change. I provide equine facilitated psychotherapy for individuals who make better progress working outdoors.
I am a Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist and Certified Imago Workshop Presenter. I am Internal Family Systems or IFS Level One trained, currently enrolled in Level Two IFS training in Intimacy From the Inside Out (the IFS couples model). I have 18 years of clinical experience assisting with relationships as well as with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, psychosis and sexual assault. I often work collaboratively with the entire family to promote positive change. I provide equine facilitated psychotherapy for individuals who make better progress working outdoors.
![Photo of Hermin Youssefian - Elevation Therapy Center, PhD, LMFT, CEAP, SAP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d6277b7-88be-4414-86eb-a695280600a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elevation Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CEAP, SAP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Hello, My name is Hermin Youssefian Phd, LMFT, CEAP, SAP. I am a LMFT (LIC 45270). I began my training as a psychotherapist in 1994, with a focus on working with couples, children and families, particularly clients with a history of trauma and significant losses. I obtained my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and my Master's Degree in Marriage Family and Child Therapy in 1998. Since then I have acquired 25+ years of experience in the field and can say I am truly living out my purpose. I am genuinely passionate and extremely dedicated to helping couples, families and children grow and heal from their pain and live fulfilling lives
Hello, My name is Hermin Youssefian Phd, LMFT, CEAP, SAP. I am a LMFT (LIC 45270). I began my training as a psychotherapist in 1994, with a focus on working with couples, children and families, particularly clients with a history of trauma and significant losses. I obtained my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and my Master's Degree in Marriage Family and Child Therapy in 1998. Since then I have acquired 25+ years of experience in the field and can say I am truly living out my purpose. I am genuinely passionate and extremely dedicated to helping couples, families and children grow and heal from their pain and live fulfilling lives
See more therapy options for San Diego
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.