Family Therapy in Laguna Beach, CA
![Photo of Macayla Meyers, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71bcf0f9-2f2d-4829-8003-84a6ba60e929/2/320x400.jpeg)
Macayla Meyers
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
In my therapy sessions, I use various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy to help my clients improve their mental and physical well-being.
Are racing thoughts keeping you up night? Tired of ER visits from panic attacks? Struggling to focus or pay attention? Feeling overwhelmed in crowds? Overall lack of motivation or energy? Do your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? Spending more time on hold or waitlists instead of getting the card you need? Take the first step and Book a consultation today - leave the rest up to us! Every client gets a personal concierge and other exclusive benefits. Schedule to learn more. All inclusive mental health and primary care. Appointments available 7 days per week for returning clients. Every client gets a personal concierge.
In my therapy sessions, I use various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy to help my clients improve their mental and physical well-being.
Are racing thoughts keeping you up night? Tired of ER visits from panic attacks? Struggling to focus or pay attention? Feeling overwhelmed in crowds? Overall lack of motivation or energy? Do your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? Spending more time on hold or waitlists instead of getting the card you need? Take the first step and Book a consultation today - leave the rest up to us! Every client gets a personal concierge and other exclusive benefits. Schedule to learn more. All inclusive mental health and primary care. Appointments available 7 days per week for returning clients. Every client gets a personal concierge.
![Photo of Tama Walley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ea4e298-04e1-4dd5-8614-98b84ecfb8a2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tama Walley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
I specialize in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and am a Level 2 trained therapist.
When we feel overwhelmed, we get out of alignment emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. This affects our nervous system and can show up as stress, lack of energy, overthinking, addictive behaviors, anxiety, and depression, etc. Trauma can be anything that overwhelmed us. Unresolved trauma drains our system of energy. As a holistic therapist, we address body, mind, and spirit to discover and heal what holds us back. My hope is to provide a safe space for you to access your internal healing wisdom, so that you can be present for what is difficult or painful, make the changes you want, and find greater energy.
I specialize in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and am a Level 2 trained therapist.
When we feel overwhelmed, we get out of alignment emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. This affects our nervous system and can show up as stress, lack of energy, overthinking, addictive behaviors, anxiety, and depression, etc. Trauma can be anything that overwhelmed us. Unresolved trauma drains our system of energy. As a holistic therapist, we address body, mind, and spirit to discover and heal what holds us back. My hope is to provide a safe space for you to access your internal healing wisdom, so that you can be present for what is difficult or painful, make the changes you want, and find greater energy.
![Photo of Howard Huhem, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e14f87d-3c93-4186-9922-9c7f16bdfc88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Howard is a Licensed Marriage a Family Therapist in California, who specializes in individual, couples and family therapy.
Howard is a Licensed Marriage a Family Therapist in California, who specializes in individual, couples and family therapy.
![Photo of Asfara Noormohamed, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d99a8da0-be58-4757-b12c-98184b7235e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Asfara Noormohamed
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hello there! Are you seeking a therapist who's not only approachable but also deeply committed to helping you navigate life's ups and downs? Well, you've landed in the right place—I'm Asfara Noormohamed, and I'm here to lend you a friendly ear and a helping hand. With nine years of experience in consultation and professional relationship management, I've developed a knack for building connections and fostering positive change. Currently immersed in a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, under the supervision of Melinda Haynes (LMFT 10230). I'm eager to expand my skills and support individuals, couples, and families like you.
Hello there! Are you seeking a therapist who's not only approachable but also deeply committed to helping you navigate life's ups and downs? Well, you've landed in the right place—I'm Asfara Noormohamed, and I'm here to lend you a friendly ear and a helping hand. With nine years of experience in consultation and professional relationship management, I've developed a knack for building connections and fostering positive change. Currently immersed in a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, under the supervision of Melinda Haynes (LMFT 10230). I'm eager to expand my skills and support individuals, couples, and families like you.
![Photo of Priscilla Newton, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47e9e9c8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Priscilla Newton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a beautiful home office located in Laguna Beach. I work with individuals, couples and families to help identify and process your experiences, build healthy communication, and restore respect and trust in your relationships. I truly believe that change is possible, therapy an opportunity, and that everyone can reach their true potential.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a beautiful home office located in Laguna Beach. I work with individuals, couples and families to help identify and process your experiences, build healthy communication, and restore respect and trust in your relationships. I truly believe that change is possible, therapy an opportunity, and that everyone can reach their true potential.
![Photo of Mary Herzog, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f29a214-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Serious/chronic illness, grief and bereavement, behavioral or emotional outbursts, and relationship and sexuality issues, pose challenges for all family members to overcome.
I am a licensed psychologist whose research and practice in dance, education, and psychology support my innovative use of the most effective and empirically based treatment strategies. From your first appointment, my goal is to help you figure out your current obstacles and how to get past them. I will listen carefully to your concerns, ask a few questions and then try to provide an accurate and compassionate summary of my understanding of your situation. I will offer some treatment options and give you a sense of how we might work together so you can move forward in your life.
Serious/chronic illness, grief and bereavement, behavioral or emotional outbursts, and relationship and sexuality issues, pose challenges for all family members to overcome.
I am a licensed psychologist whose research and practice in dance, education, and psychology support my innovative use of the most effective and empirically based treatment strategies. From your first appointment, my goal is to help you figure out your current obstacles and how to get past them. I will listen carefully to your concerns, ask a few questions and then try to provide an accurate and compassionate summary of my understanding of your situation. I will offer some treatment options and give you a sense of how we might work together so you can move forward in your life.
![Photo of Jean Wolfe Powers Psychotherapist, MA, LMFT, CMC, ACC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf66389-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jean Wolfe Powers Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMC, ACC
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
My extensive work with trauma, grief, and loss has earned worldwide attention spanning across four decades. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and International Certified Life Coach, I work with individuals, families, and groups to transform mental and emotional challenges into experiences of thriving health and well-being. My early career defining work began in the 80’s alongside John Bradshaw and focused on addiction, recovery, and codependency. Together with a team of cutting-edge psychotherapists, I developed groundbreaking techniques for understanding trauma: when it starts, how it affects the brain, and how to heal.
My extensive work with trauma, grief, and loss has earned worldwide attention spanning across four decades. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and International Certified Life Coach, I work with individuals, families, and groups to transform mental and emotional challenges into experiences of thriving health and well-being. My early career defining work began in the 80’s alongside John Bradshaw and focused on addiction, recovery, and codependency. Together with a team of cutting-edge psychotherapists, I developed groundbreaking techniques for understanding trauma: when it starts, how it affects the brain, and how to heal.
![Photo of Julie Maul, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d3b9452-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you questioning whether you should continue in your current relationship? Is your daily life plagued with arguing? Do you need help with communication? Are there trust issues or an infidelity? In a satisfying relationship and planning on getting married? Do you need help ending a relationship? Is your relationship affecting other family members? Have you been feeling depressed or anxious? Are you having difficulty with disturbing memories of a traumatic event? Are you experiencing chronic pain or have you been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, RSD or migraines? Are you faced with a dilemma and need a sounding board? I can help.
Are you questioning whether you should continue in your current relationship? Is your daily life plagued with arguing? Do you need help with communication? Are there trust issues or an infidelity? In a satisfying relationship and planning on getting married? Do you need help ending a relationship? Is your relationship affecting other family members? Have you been feeling depressed or anxious? Are you having difficulty with disturbing memories of a traumatic event? Are you experiencing chronic pain or have you been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, RSD or migraines? Are you faced with a dilemma and need a sounding board? I can help.
![Photo of Nicole Whitmore, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6c22ac3-fce6-4244-9e7e-adce754718ab/1/320x400.png)
Nicole Whitmore
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
In my therapy sessions, I use various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy to help my clients improve their mental and physical well-being.
Are racing thoughts keeping you up night? Tired of ER visits from panic attacks? Struggling to focus or pay attention? Feeling overwhelmed in crowds? Overall lack of motivation or energy? Do your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? Spending more time on hold or waitlists instead of getting the card you need? Take the first step and Book a consultation today - leave the rest up to us! Every client gets a personal concierge and other exclusive benefits. Schedule to learn more. All inclusive mental health and primary care. Appointments available 7 days per week for returning clients. Every client gets a personal concierge.
In my therapy sessions, I use various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy to help my clients improve their mental and physical well-being.
Are racing thoughts keeping you up night? Tired of ER visits from panic attacks? Struggling to focus or pay attention? Feeling overwhelmed in crowds? Overall lack of motivation or energy? Do your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? Spending more time on hold or waitlists instead of getting the card you need? Take the first step and Book a consultation today - leave the rest up to us! Every client gets a personal concierge and other exclusive benefits. Schedule to learn more. All inclusive mental health and primary care. Appointments available 7 days per week for returning clients. Every client gets a personal concierge.
![Photo of Andrea D Schoon, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47efb6a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a family of my own.
When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage counseling, individual therapy, or therapy for your teen, I can help you get on track to a healthier more fulfilling life.
I have a family of my own.
When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage counseling, individual therapy, or therapy for your teen, I can help you get on track to a healthier more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Kirk Michael Andrews, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c18f0e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and bereavement. I work with individuals, couples, families and children. I have been licensed as an LMFT for 29 years. I appreciate how difficult it is to seek help and will treat you with respect, dignity and the highest ethical standards. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, The Pragmatic Experiential Method of couples counseling, and the tracking of non-verbal cues and communication.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and bereavement. I work with individuals, couples, families and children. I have been licensed as an LMFT for 29 years. I appreciate how difficult it is to seek help and will treat you with respect, dignity and the highest ethical standards. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, The Pragmatic Experiential Method of couples counseling, and the tracking of non-verbal cues and communication.
15 Second Videos
Macayla Meyers
Nicole Whitmore
Alexandria Bekele
David McKnight
Paul Gillane
Lavon L Head
Mary O'Connor
Robert Barron
Jason Olin
Lgbtq Therapist Brooklynn Kendall
Meggan Bunce
Fabrice Paracuellos
GT Healthcare
Kathleen (Kay) Wenger
GT Healthcare
Merceydes Morassi
Tal Leead
Neha Singh Saluja
Signe Schiavo MFT
Cheryl Meier
Nicole Testa
Julie K Peters
Lulu Skafi
Danielle Sharkey
Jessica Selby
Michelle Hobson
Jenna Samuels
Angelica Smith
Eryn Margaret Lewis
Estera Borcsa
Deane Henryson
Aly Giermann
LaTianna Williams
Reconnect Relationship - Dr. Gilbert Chalepas
![Photo of Alexandria Bekele, ACSW, CATC VI](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52393b2e-0841-4170-b762-4fa7e2fc108c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandria Bekele
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, CATC VI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
An additional area of expertise is my experience as a litigation paralegal and certified mediator; offering cordial, solution-focused services in high conflict situations, including divorce, business or family disputes and an array of mental health crisis.
When thinking about how to introduce myself, I invariably return to what I personally require when choosing a therapist – genuine commitment, personal sincerity, and clinical expertise. I'm dedicated to the core belief that a good therapist is one who gently guides a client to uncover the emotional stumbling blocks causing anxiety, pain, or inertia so that the person can move forward in life. My therapeutic style exudes compassion, while equally engaging in honest, candid conversations to uncover the personal pain points, challenges, and stressors that bring a client to therapy.
An additional area of expertise is my experience as a litigation paralegal and certified mediator; offering cordial, solution-focused services in high conflict situations, including divorce, business or family disputes and an array of mental health crisis.
When thinking about how to introduce myself, I invariably return to what I personally require when choosing a therapist – genuine commitment, personal sincerity, and clinical expertise. I'm dedicated to the core belief that a good therapist is one who gently guides a client to uncover the emotional stumbling blocks causing anxiety, pain, or inertia so that the person can move forward in life. My therapeutic style exudes compassion, while equally engaging in honest, candid conversations to uncover the personal pain points, challenges, and stressors that bring a client to therapy.
![Photo of Lori Aleknavicius, PsyD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d926e23-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychologist who has extensive therapy experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families in a wide variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and school settings. I have provided individual, family and group therapy services to, as well as conducted psychological evaluations on, children, adolescents, adults and families of varying cultures, ethnicities, religions affiliations, sexual orientations, and levels of socioeconomic status. My areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, relational problems,and disorders usually diagnosed during childhood. I value each client as a unique individual and tailor my treatment approaches based on individual characteristics.
I am a licensed psychologist who has extensive therapy experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families in a wide variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and school settings. I have provided individual, family and group therapy services to, as well as conducted psychological evaluations on, children, adolescents, adults and families of varying cultures, ethnicities, religions affiliations, sexual orientations, and levels of socioeconomic status. My areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, relational problems,and disorders usually diagnosed during childhood. I value each client as a unique individual and tailor my treatment approaches based on individual characteristics.
![Photo of Melinda Haynes - Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc, LMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7165549-0161-4985-98a1-94891844723c/1/320x400.png)
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
![Photo of Inner Fokus, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c52fbe4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
It can reflect looking at ourselves as individuals, members of a family or other group, or at our behaviors and how we interact with others.
More than just a way to capture attention, the spelling of Inner Fōkus also carries a personal meaning to the founders. The name is a nod to the German heritage shared by both Dr. Lori and Dr. Patrick, since “fōkus” is the correct spelling of “focus” in German. Our heritage, culture, and environment can have great impacts in shaping who we are. Our name, Inner Fōkus, also serves as a prominent reminder of the importance to occasionally break from current patterns and try new things.
It can reflect looking at ourselves as individuals, members of a family or other group, or at our behaviors and how we interact with others.
More than just a way to capture attention, the spelling of Inner Fōkus also carries a personal meaning to the founders. The name is a nod to the German heritage shared by both Dr. Lori and Dr. Patrick, since “fōkus” is the correct spelling of “focus” in German. Our heritage, culture, and environment can have great impacts in shaping who we are. Our name, Inner Fōkus, also serves as a prominent reminder of the importance to occasionally break from current patterns and try new things.
![Photo of Andrea D Schoon, MA, , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47ef902a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a family of my own.
When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage counseling, individual therapy, or therapy for your teen, I can help you get on track to a healthier more fulfilling life.
I have a family of my own.
When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage counseling, individual therapy, or therapy for your teen, I can help you get on track to a healthier more fulfilling life.
![Photo of James John Soltis, AMFT, RN, MS Psyc, RAC, USCG Rt, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e276200-9ab7-4c02-804f-daf2d6b4c726/1/320x400.jpeg)
James John Soltis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, RN, MS Psyc, RAC, USCG Rt
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
As a current Registered Nurse of 19 years, a former US Coast Guard boarding officer of 6 years, a Registered Addiction Counselor, and a current Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I have learned how to approach issues of anger, loss, addiction, abuse, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and other types of pain. Through a client-centered and collaborative approach that supports all aspects of one’s life, such as the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual bodies, I offer a safe space where freedom from the story of pain can be addressed and overcome. Allow awareness, confidence, and authenticity to guide you to Freedom.
As a current Registered Nurse of 19 years, a former US Coast Guard boarding officer of 6 years, a Registered Addiction Counselor, and a current Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I have learned how to approach issues of anger, loss, addiction, abuse, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and other types of pain. Through a client-centered and collaborative approach that supports all aspects of one’s life, such as the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual bodies, I offer a safe space where freedom from the story of pain can be addressed and overcome. Allow awareness, confidence, and authenticity to guide you to Freedom.
![Photo of Dara Cortes, MSW, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/423a8c06-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dara Cortes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
I have provided mental health treatment to youth/adults in individual, as well as couples/family therapy.
Life can be challenging, painful, frustrating, and uncertain at times. Through therapeutic means, we can work together to explore meaningful and creative ways to break down barriers and find the appropriate means for you to feel good in your skin. There are no guarantees in what life throws our way. There are however, beautiful opportunities in every situation we encompass, to respond effectively and empower ourselves to live the best life possible. I welcome the opportunity to journey through this process with you.
I have provided mental health treatment to youth/adults in individual, as well as couples/family therapy.
Life can be challenging, painful, frustrating, and uncertain at times. Through therapeutic means, we can work together to explore meaningful and creative ways to break down barriers and find the appropriate means for you to feel good in your skin. There are no guarantees in what life throws our way. There are however, beautiful opportunities in every situation we encompass, to respond effectively and empower ourselves to live the best life possible. I welcome the opportunity to journey through this process with you.
![Photo of Kimberly Taylor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd98eadd-9981-4562-9492-da6c12a8e7b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 14 plus years as a counselor, author, consultant and therapist. My expertise is working with women to address self esteem, depression, anxiety, toxic relationship dynamics and creating healthy boundaries, assertiveness, self confidence, finding one’s purpose and achieving life goals.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 14 plus years as a counselor, author, consultant and therapist. My expertise is working with women to address self esteem, depression, anxiety, toxic relationship dynamics and creating healthy boundaries, assertiveness, self confidence, finding one’s purpose and achieving life goals.
![Photo of Kathleen 'Kay' Wenger, MA, LPCC, LMFT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97d8ef07-d01a-4b32-8a5e-65aa9194ae1c/3/320x400.jpeg)
In our work together we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals and families. I am an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University where I have worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development. Call Today
In our work together we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals and families. I am an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University where I have worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development. Call Today
See more therapy options for Laguna Beach
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.