Family Therapy in Bethesda, MD
![Photo of Kathleen M McNulty, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f21f2f4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen M McNulty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Do you worry that you are not a good enough parent, partner or friend? Do you have trouble getting to sleep when you are overloaded with thoughts about mistakes you've made? Do you wake up most mornings feeling depressed or anxious? Are your moods swinging- you have a short fuse- or are you shutting down? If yes, you could be suffering from depression & anxiety. The cause could be chemical-due to a family history or it could be situational-due to a loss or traumatic event. Traumatic events include becoming a caregiver to a family member with mental illness.
Do you worry that you are not a good enough parent, partner or friend? Do you have trouble getting to sleep when you are overloaded with thoughts about mistakes you've made? Do you wake up most mornings feeling depressed or anxious? Are your moods swinging- you have a short fuse- or are you shutting down? If yes, you could be suffering from depression & anxiety. The cause could be chemical-due to a family history or it could be situational-due to a loss or traumatic event. Traumatic events include becoming a caregiver to a family member with mental illness.
![Photo of Luba Roytburd, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6c5957-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, those dealing with adjusting to a new a culture, and individuals for whom cultural differences create challenges in family relationships.
Feeling different? Do you have a sense that people don’t get you? Do you travel a different path than everybody else? Are you living your life very differently from what other people expect you to? Life can be tough when you feel different. Different can also mean isolated, lonely, and misunderstood. But you can be different and still fit in. That's where I can help.
I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, those dealing with adjusting to a new a culture, and individuals for whom cultural differences create challenges in family relationships.
Feeling different? Do you have a sense that people don’t get you? Do you travel a different path than everybody else? Are you living your life very differently from what other people expect you to? Life can be tough when you feel different. Different can also mean isolated, lonely, and misunderstood. But you can be different and still fit in. That's where I can help.
![Photo of Karin Focke, MS, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f3a55ec-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Karin Focke
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Change can be unpredictable and sometimes stressful to the point that it may disturb a family, trigger anxiety or depression, generate relationship problems in adults and behavioral problems in adolescents and children.
Having lived in different countries myself, I can understand how difficult it is to adapt to new life situations.
Change can be unpredictable and sometimes stressful to the point that it may disturb a family, trigger anxiety or depression, generate relationship problems in adults and behavioral problems in adolescents and children.
Having lived in different countries myself, I can understand how difficult it is to adapt to new life situations.
![Photo of Marie A. Murphy - Marie A. Murphy MS, MSW, BCPsa, MS, MSW, BCPsa, FIPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/509e869c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marie A. Murphy MS, MSW, BCPsa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, BCPsa, FIPA
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I specialize in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety (mood disorders), early trauma, family or personal transitions, relationship concerns (including marital and/or family issues), psychosomatic issues, losses, and grief issues that are inevitable throughout our lives. I focus on understanding the underlying fears and blockages that interfere with more satisfaction and enjoyment in life--put another way, in thinking about our psychological lives and our states of mind, the past is prologue. I deeply value the uniqueness of each patient's experience and the importance of active and supportive collaboration in promoting growth and change.
I specialize in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety (mood disorders), early trauma, family or personal transitions, relationship concerns (including marital and/or family issues), psychosomatic issues, losses, and grief issues that are inevitable throughout our lives. I focus on understanding the underlying fears and blockages that interfere with more satisfaction and enjoyment in life--put another way, in thinking about our psychological lives and our states of mind, the past is prologue. I deeply value the uniqueness of each patient's experience and the importance of active and supportive collaboration in promoting growth and change.
![Photo of Katelyn Alcamo, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5344492f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katelyn Alcamo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Family Therapy Center of Bethesda offers individual, couple, child, and family therapy.
Are you worried that your child is anxious, depressed or having difficulty navigating peer relationships? Are you struggling with parenting a teenager? Do you feel disconnected from your partner and find yourself wondering where the passion went? Relationships can be both the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of our lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am specially trained to work with children, couples, and families. I provide a safe and supportive place where you are empowered to reach your personal and relationship goals. Together we can help you find balance, enrichment, and happiness in your life.
Family Therapy Center of Bethesda offers individual, couple, child, and family therapy.
Are you worried that your child is anxious, depressed or having difficulty navigating peer relationships? Are you struggling with parenting a teenager? Do you feel disconnected from your partner and find yourself wondering where the passion went? Relationships can be both the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of our lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am specially trained to work with children, couples, and families. I provide a safe and supportive place where you are empowered to reach your personal and relationship goals. Together we can help you find balance, enrichment, and happiness in your life.
![Photo of Lawrence I Sank, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bdb3989-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Additional approaches include, when appropriate, hypnosis, relaxation and mindfulness training while using individual, family and couples formats.
I apply the science of Psychology in assisting individuals, couples and families in the pursuit of their goals. I strive to maximize their happiness and to live more effective lives. I have practiced in the Washington Metropolitan area since 1973. Trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, I have specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and in the treatment of mood disorders. As a certified sex therapist I combine the application of psychological science with a compassionate, empathic approach to individuals and couples as they struggle with their problems in the area of sexual functioning and related difficulties.
Additional approaches include, when appropriate, hypnosis, relaxation and mindfulness training while using individual, family and couples formats.
I apply the science of Psychology in assisting individuals, couples and families in the pursuit of their goals. I strive to maximize their happiness and to live more effective lives. I have practiced in the Washington Metropolitan area since 1973. Trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, I have specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and in the treatment of mood disorders. As a certified sex therapist I combine the application of psychological science with a compassionate, empathic approach to individuals and couples as they struggle with their problems in the area of sexual functioning and related difficulties.
![Photo of Shelby Willoughby, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3483b1a-99bf-4f5b-86c7-ffe2c9176ca6/1/320x400.png)
Shelby Willoughby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
I provide services predominately through individual therapy but believe in bringing in chosen family systems to promote healing in the form of couples and family therapy.
Are you an adult or teen in the LGBTQIA+ community, affected by eating disorders self-discovery, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, grief, or relational and social difficulties? I have extensive history working with these individuals and those who have experienced intimate partner violence and substance abuse/dependency. If you are looking for bariatric evaluations that are required for the surgical process, I can assist you. I offer this service is to aid in determining readiness, addressing any concerns for underlying eating disorder behavior,pre/post therapeutic support, and exploring options outside of surgery.
I provide services predominately through individual therapy but believe in bringing in chosen family systems to promote healing in the form of couples and family therapy.
Are you an adult or teen in the LGBTQIA+ community, affected by eating disorders self-discovery, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, grief, or relational and social difficulties? I have extensive history working with these individuals and those who have experienced intimate partner violence and substance abuse/dependency. If you are looking for bariatric evaluations that are required for the surgical process, I can assist you. I offer this service is to aid in determining readiness, addressing any concerns for underlying eating disorder behavior,pre/post therapeutic support, and exploring options outside of surgery.
![Photo of Lana E. Segerman, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54bae94f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lana E. Segerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
My work with individuals and couples is informed by the compassion-based Internal Family Systems model.
Envision being hopeful and not feeling overwhelmed by sadness or worry, struggles with relationships, or loss of connection with others. Envision calmly coping with grief over the death of a loved one, the end of a close relationship, life transitions, or feelings of regret. Envision having courage, confidence, and clarity as you face life's struggles.
My work with individuals and couples is informed by the compassion-based Internal Family Systems model.
Envision being hopeful and not feeling overwhelmed by sadness or worry, struggles with relationships, or loss of connection with others. Envision calmly coping with grief over the death of a loved one, the end of a close relationship, life transitions, or feelings of regret. Envision having courage, confidence, and clarity as you face life's struggles.
![Photo of Rebecca Katz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4092fca8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
After years of working in New York, I am now happily serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia community. I am a clinical psychologist providing evidenced based treatment to adults, children and adolescents. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and low self-esteem. My specialty training in the treatment of eating and weight disorders offers a unique perspective as an expert in the implementation and practice of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
After years of working in New York, I am now happily serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia community. I am a clinical psychologist providing evidenced based treatment to adults, children and adolescents. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and low self-esteem. My specialty training in the treatment of eating and weight disorders offers a unique perspective as an expert in the implementation and practice of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
![Photo of Anna White, LCMFT, CFTP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c361991-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anna White
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, CFTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Through individual, family, and play therapy, you and your family can feel healthy, empowered, and connected.
Among families, kids, adults, and couples alike, feeling healthy, happy, connected, and confident can be hard. For so many people and families today, the pressures of the world, fast changes in life, and challenging or traumatic experiences interrupt the connections we wish to have. Maybe for you or your family, this means more and more conflicts, feeling alone and unsupported, being unsure how to make things better, or not knowing what you want or need. Whether you feel lost and disconnected, frustrated, overwhelmed, angry, scared, or lonely, there are ways to restore your feelings of connection, purpose, confidence, and direction.
Through individual, family, and play therapy, you and your family can feel healthy, empowered, and connected.
Among families, kids, adults, and couples alike, feeling healthy, happy, connected, and confident can be hard. For so many people and families today, the pressures of the world, fast changes in life, and challenging or traumatic experiences interrupt the connections we wish to have. Maybe for you or your family, this means more and more conflicts, feeling alone and unsupported, being unsure how to make things better, or not knowing what you want or need. Whether you feel lost and disconnected, frustrated, overwhelmed, angry, scared, or lonely, there are ways to restore your feelings of connection, purpose, confidence, and direction.
![Photo of Ilene Marto Atiyah, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f1a8be-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, school/college challenges, work issues, substance use, trauma, or family conflict, I invite you to reach out to me.
I am deeply passionate about supporting every person I encounter to lead a life worth living. I offer a warm and mindful space to celebrate strengths and explore challenges while balancing the dialectics of acceptance and change.
If you are struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, school/college challenges, work issues, substance use, trauma, or family conflict, I invite you to reach out to me.
I am deeply passionate about supporting every person I encounter to lead a life worth living. I offer a warm and mindful space to celebrate strengths and explore challenges while balancing the dialectics of acceptance and change.
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![Photo of Jacob S Hafkin, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4646583d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacob S Hafkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
I offer outdoor therapy, multi hour experiential activities, family therapy and parent coaching in addition to traditional one on one therapy sessions.
Hi, I'm Jacob. I'm a traveler, a reader, an outoorsman and a plant collector. I'm a Therapist, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and a Wilderness First Responder. In 2013 I graduated with an MSW from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. There, I obtained specialty certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling and School Social Work. I've aided middle schoolers, adolescents and people in their 20's/30s to transition from angry and confused to calmer and empowered. My goal is to get real work done, but also have fun along the way.
I offer outdoor therapy, multi hour experiential activities, family therapy and parent coaching in addition to traditional one on one therapy sessions.
Hi, I'm Jacob. I'm a traveler, a reader, an outoorsman and a plant collector. I'm a Therapist, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and a Wilderness First Responder. In 2013 I graduated with an MSW from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. There, I obtained specialty certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling and School Social Work. I've aided middle schoolers, adolescents and people in their 20's/30s to transition from angry and confused to calmer and empowered. My goal is to get real work done, but also have fun along the way.
![Photo of Orlesa Poole - Poole Counseling Group LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90db5e94-315d-4100-8af2-74fb6b34e722/1/320x400.jpeg)
Poole Counseling Group LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
You care deeply for your family, but the ongoing stress, the sleepless nights, and the emotional ups and downs are wearing you thin. It's not just about dealing with tantrums or navigating teen drama; it's the weight of knowing that your well-being directly impacts your family's happiness. You're not just looking for a quick fix; you're looking for a lasting change.You want a harmonious home where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported. Your aim is to foster positive behavior in your children, improve communication within your family, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges.
You care deeply for your family, but the ongoing stress, the sleepless nights, and the emotional ups and downs are wearing you thin. It's not just about dealing with tantrums or navigating teen drama; it's the weight of knowing that your well-being directly impacts your family's happiness. You're not just looking for a quick fix; you're looking for a lasting change.You want a harmonious home where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported. Your aim is to foster positive behavior in your children, improve communication within your family, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges.
![Photo of Emilie Gomart (-Berg), LCMFT, MSc, CSHP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45bf5e4c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Emilie Gomart (-Berg)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, MSc, CSHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816
Emilie is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family therapist (LCMFT) and an AASECT (American Association for Sex Therapy) certified Sex Therapist. Emilie’s expertise is in working with couples to improve their relationships and build more meaningful and more resilient bonds with each other. She has experience with couples with a broad range of relationship and sexual issues, including general communication, conflicts around parenting, sexual desire differences or the impact of an affair. She sees couples in person exclusively. Clients can choose between two modalities: either couple therapy or group therapy for adults.
Emilie is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family therapist (LCMFT) and an AASECT (American Association for Sex Therapy) certified Sex Therapist. Emilie’s expertise is in working with couples to improve their relationships and build more meaningful and more resilient bonds with each other. She has experience with couples with a broad range of relationship and sexual issues, including general communication, conflicts around parenting, sexual desire differences or the impact of an affair. She sees couples in person exclusively. Clients can choose between two modalities: either couple therapy or group therapy for adults.
![Photo of Yousef Essex, LGPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12a0674c-975a-46de-a4bc-393c6ac6afee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yousef Essex
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LGPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with worries, sadness, relationship difficulties, or feel "stuck" in some way. My primary focus areas are anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma, using a combination of cognitive behavioral and integrative practices. I draw from modalities such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing. This integrative approach to mental health allows me to tailor the experience to your unique needs.
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with worries, sadness, relationship difficulties, or feel "stuck" in some way. My primary focus areas are anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma, using a combination of cognitive behavioral and integrative practices. I draw from modalities such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing. This integrative approach to mental health allows me to tailor the experience to your unique needs.
![Photo of Stephanie Prigal, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f57024d-c773-4eac-af8e-7b9af4da50bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
When working with families, I treat the entire family as my client from an unbiased viewpoint.
My therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of meeting the client and family where they are at and building a connection through trust and understanding. I have experience working with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in supporting clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem challenges, socialization and attention deficit disorder. When working with adolescents or adults, I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.
When working with families, I treat the entire family as my client from an unbiased viewpoint.
My therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of meeting the client and family where they are at and building a connection through trust and understanding. I have experience working with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in supporting clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem challenges, socialization and attention deficit disorder. When working with adolescents or adults, I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.
![Photo of Robin S. Smith, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35a03770-8e9b-4ee3-b688-f9f4ad35ca7b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robin S. Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
At The Couple and Family Clinic, we consider our work to be both a great privilege and responsibility to provide the highest quality care for the people we work with.
Did you know that the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist is strongly linked to successful therapeutic outcomes? This is why my goal is to provide every person I see with an emotionally safe space, free of judgment. You want somebody who genuinely cares, who is curious and hopeful. I encourage people to explore new ways of thinking about their experiences and different ways of expressing themselves. I aim for the people I work with to leave each session feeling more empowered, with a sense of agency, and able to learn what they're capable of doing.
At The Couple and Family Clinic, we consider our work to be both a great privilege and responsibility to provide the highest quality care for the people we work with.
Did you know that the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist is strongly linked to successful therapeutic outcomes? This is why my goal is to provide every person I see with an emotionally safe space, free of judgment. You want somebody who genuinely cares, who is curious and hopeful. I encourage people to explore new ways of thinking about their experiences and different ways of expressing themselves. I aim for the people I work with to leave each session feeling more empowered, with a sense of agency, and able to learn what they're capable of doing.
![Photo of Pat Webbink - Pat Webbink, PhD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c3bf94-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.
![Photo of Deborah Kleiner Ward, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de65d97d-c74a-46f4-b39b-99924426a845/3/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Kleiner Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
I also practice Internal Family Systems Therapy & EMDR.
I believe in the innate goodness of people. Problems arise when we lack the ability to communicate what's really going on within or can't get past defenses to understand another person's feelings or experiences. Most people haven't been taught the skills to be safe listeners and so we grow up believing that others don't have capacity to understand us. I love bringing people closer by teaching them to cross the bridge into the world of others without losing themselves. I teach emotional safety by demonstrating emotional safety and believe breakdowns create opportunities for new breakthroughs.
I also practice Internal Family Systems Therapy & EMDR.
I believe in the innate goodness of people. Problems arise when we lack the ability to communicate what's really going on within or can't get past defenses to understand another person's feelings or experiences. Most people haven't been taught the skills to be safe listeners and so we grow up believing that others don't have capacity to understand us. I love bringing people closer by teaching them to cross the bridge into the world of others without losing themselves. I teach emotional safety by demonstrating emotional safety and believe breakdowns create opportunities for new breakthroughs.
![Photo of Matthew Burgess Leary, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/239669cb-9113-45e1-8d6f-558af5b460fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew Burgess Leary
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I believe it shows courage to seek out therapy, especially couples and family therapy. You may be struggling with serious emotional issues, deep personal crises, relationship distress, or a sense of distance with your child or adolescent. Many couples I work with have lost a sense of connection and/or find themselves hurting each other over and over again. Many individuals I work with simply want to get more from their lives - more love, joy, and connection. I collaborate with you to create a therapy environment that is warm, safe, supportive, challenging when needed, and authentic.
I believe it shows courage to seek out therapy, especially couples and family therapy. You may be struggling with serious emotional issues, deep personal crises, relationship distress, or a sense of distance with your child or adolescent. Many couples I work with have lost a sense of connection and/or find themselves hurting each other over and over again. Many individuals I work with simply want to get more from their lives - more love, joy, and connection. I collaborate with you to create a therapy environment that is warm, safe, supportive, challenging when needed, and authentic.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
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.