Family Therapy in Seattle, WA

Photo of Dr. Scott Christie, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CADCIII, Counselor
Dr. Scott Christie
Counselor, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98134  (Online Only)
I successfully work with those struggling with addictions, compulsions, anger and relationship issues and complex family dynamics.
Choosing a counselor is an important. I have 30+ years of experience helping individuals, couples and families. My support is to help clients manage emotions and reactions, increase communication skills, self-esteem and confidence. As I come alongside your journey I also understand the difficulties with self-disclosure and the barriers to change. I can provide a brief consultation to determine fit, and determine how I might support your goals.
I successfully work with those struggling with addictions, compulsions, anger and relationship issues and complex family dynamics.
Choosing a counselor is an important. I have 30+ years of experience helping individuals, couples and families. My support is to help clients manage emotions and reactions, increase communication skills, self-esteem and confidence. As I come alongside your journey I also understand the difficulties with self-disclosure and the barriers to change. I can provide a brief consultation to determine fit, and determine how I might support your goals.
(503) 300-6369 View (503) 300-6369
Photo of Julie Camp, MA, LMHC, MHP, Counselor
Julie Camp
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98126
This includes specific considerations I will bring into treatment of the influence of culture, including related family values (for better/worse), internalized prejudices, hardships, and personal orientations.
Individuals seek therapy to make life changes, try new behaviors, and learn to heal/grow. Often, this is precipitated by a crisis demanding such growth. I encourage clients to gather and bolster personal resources in order to address problems they are struggling with and create new ways of thinking/believing. Our work will focus on the presenting issue, previous coping attempts, related emotions, and possible alternatives. Effective therapy may include unresolved family-of-origin issues, the building of interpersonal skills, and/or the resolution of unhealthy views of self or others and unprocessed trauma.
This includes specific considerations I will bring into treatment of the influence of culture, including related family values (for better/worse), internalized prejudices, hardships, and personal orientations.
Individuals seek therapy to make life changes, try new behaviors, and learn to heal/grow. Often, this is precipitated by a crisis demanding such growth. I encourage clients to gather and bolster personal resources in order to address problems they are struggling with and create new ways of thinking/believing. Our work will focus on the presenting issue, previous coping attempts, related emotions, and possible alternatives. Effective therapy may include unresolved family-of-origin issues, the building of interpersonal skills, and/or the resolution of unhealthy views of self or others and unprocessed trauma.
(253) 733-0286 View (253) 733-0286
Photo of Jenny Leung, MA, LMFT, E-RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenny Leung
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
Couple Counseling Only! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Working exclusively with couples, I help partners to uncover underlying emotions and to communicate more effectively for attention, understanding, compassion and caring. The result is greater warmth, trust, safety and emotional connection. Honest and direct in my approach yet gentle and patient, I am committed to creating compassionate and authentic relationships where each partner feels deeply supported, understood, and seen. I work frequently with couples where one or both partners are of Asian ancestry.
Couple Counseling Only! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Working exclusively with couples, I help partners to uncover underlying emotions and to communicate more effectively for attention, understanding, compassion and caring. The result is greater warmth, trust, safety and emotional connection. Honest and direct in my approach yet gentle and patient, I am committed to creating compassionate and authentic relationships where each partner feels deeply supported, understood, and seen. I work frequently with couples where one or both partners are of Asian ancestry.
(206) 966-4172 View (206) 966-4172
Photo of Michele M Pomarico, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele M Pomarico
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98125  (Online Only)
My background includes working as a behavioral health provider in infertility, family medicine, and OB-Gyn clinics at the University of Washington and in the community for over 20 years.
I am an experienced therapist with a specialty in women's health and reproductive issues, including infertility, unanticipated pregnancy outcomes, pregnancy loss, and post partum depression and anxiety. I have helped individuals and families through major life transitions, difficult losses, family building decisions, and struggles with anxiety and depression. My goal is to partner with clients to assess their needs and develop a plan to meet their goals. I use a number of therapeutic modalities, tailoring interventions to each unique individual. My style is interactive, genuine, respectful, direct and non-judgmental.
My background includes working as a behavioral health provider in infertility, family medicine, and OB-Gyn clinics at the University of Washington and in the community for over 20 years.
I am an experienced therapist with a specialty in women's health and reproductive issues, including infertility, unanticipated pregnancy outcomes, pregnancy loss, and post partum depression and anxiety. I have helped individuals and families through major life transitions, difficult losses, family building decisions, and struggles with anxiety and depression. My goal is to partner with clients to assess their needs and develop a plan to meet their goals. I use a number of therapeutic modalities, tailoring interventions to each unique individual. My style is interactive, genuine, respectful, direct and non-judgmental.
(206) 489-3783 View (206) 489-3783
Photo of Antonia Marie Eberhart, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Antonia Marie Eberhart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98121
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems, both of which I see as caring and respectful interventions that help people live their lives according to their values and from a place of self-leadership.
I love working with people to help them better understand themselves and others, to move from feeling disempowered and defeated to finding agency, connection, and direction. I serve individuals and couples struggling with painful experiences, challenging symptoms, and confusion and fears about what to do next. I treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and relational discord.
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems, both of which I see as caring and respectful interventions that help people live their lives according to their values and from a place of self-leadership.
I love working with people to help them better understand themselves and others, to move from feeling disempowered and defeated to finding agency, connection, and direction. I serve individuals and couples struggling with painful experiences, challenging symptoms, and confusion and fears about what to do next. I treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and relational discord.
(206) 800-8506 x170 View (206) 800-8506 x170
Photo of Mary Vargas, MS, MSW, LMHCA, LSWAIC, Counselor
Mary Vargas
Counselor, MS, MSW, LMHCA, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
I have provided solution-based interventions, trauma therapy, medical crisis and family interventions for cancer patients and their families, strength based focus therapy, humanistic approach and person centered approach to English and Spanish speaking families.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, couples, single parents, and the elderly. I also have experience that includes, but is not limited to, grief and loss, domestic violence, substance abuse, and career counseling. I prefer to use the humanistic and strengths-based approach but can change the therapy approach to fit your needs.
I have provided solution-based interventions, trauma therapy, medical crisis and family interventions for cancer patients and their families, strength based focus therapy, humanistic approach and person centered approach to English and Spanish speaking families.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, couples, single parents, and the elderly. I also have experience that includes, but is not limited to, grief and loss, domestic violence, substance abuse, and career counseling. I prefer to use the humanistic and strengths-based approach but can change the therapy approach to fit your needs.
(360) 774-4162 x1 View (360) 774-4162 x1
Photo of Aaron McClain, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aaron McClain
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
This approach views clients within the context of early experiences, attachment to caregivers, and within multiple systems ( family, work, school).
I work with men who have difficulty identifying with their feelings, struggle with depression and anxiety, or have issues with their work/life balance. My clients typically struggle with expressing themselves in their relationships. They feel lonely, hopeless, and isolated. They are overworked and under loved. In our work together, I will give you support, feedback and insight, and constructively challenge patterns and beliefs that may be getting in your way. Together we can strive to understand the roots of the struggles you are experiencing in your life.
This approach views clients within the context of early experiences, attachment to caregivers, and within multiple systems ( family, work, school).
I work with men who have difficulty identifying with their feelings, struggle with depression and anxiety, or have issues with their work/life balance. My clients typically struggle with expressing themselves in their relationships. They feel lonely, hopeless, and isolated. They are overworked and under loved. In our work together, I will give you support, feedback and insight, and constructively challenge patterns and beliefs that may be getting in your way. Together we can strive to understand the roots of the struggles you are experiencing in your life.
(765) 629-4592 View (765) 629-4592
Photo of Amanda Sappington, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Sappington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115
I believe that therapy is meant to empower clients to feel that they are capable of change and living a fuller, more integrated life. I work with individuals and couples dealing with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and family conflict. I utilize a systemic and bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach in therapy. This simply means integrating the many parts of a person into therapy. I also aim to explore the impact of significant relationships and the influence of larger social systems on client's sense of wholeness and ability to achieve desired growth.
I believe that therapy is meant to empower clients to feel that they are capable of change and living a fuller, more integrated life. I work with individuals and couples dealing with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and family conflict. I utilize a systemic and bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach in therapy. This simply means integrating the many parts of a person into therapy. I also aim to explore the impact of significant relationships and the influence of larger social systems on client's sense of wholeness and ability to achieve desired growth.
(206) 504-2956 View (206) 504-2956
Photo of Madisyn Roberts, MA, LMHC, CST, Counselor
Madisyn Roberts
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
For example, if stress from work, family life, or other factors are making you want to shut down and hide out at the end of the day, your genitals might be retreating, too.
I am a licensed mental health counselor and an AASECT certified sex therapist and understand that our culture is deeply sex-negative, which means that we are conditioned to view sexual pleasure with shame, guilt, and disgust. This repressive influence can especially impact those who are non-monogamous, kinky, LGBTQIA+, folx with disabilities/chronic pain, and/or larger bodies. While many believe sexual problems are purely physical, as a holistic sex therapist, I’ll work with you to identify, explore and address mental, emotional, and relationship issues in tandem with the physical.
For example, if stress from work, family life, or other factors are making you want to shut down and hide out at the end of the day, your genitals might be retreating, too.
I am a licensed mental health counselor and an AASECT certified sex therapist and understand that our culture is deeply sex-negative, which means that we are conditioned to view sexual pleasure with shame, guilt, and disgust. This repressive influence can especially impact those who are non-monogamous, kinky, LGBTQIA+, folx with disabilities/chronic pain, and/or larger bodies. While many believe sexual problems are purely physical, as a holistic sex therapist, I’ll work with you to identify, explore and address mental, emotional, and relationship issues in tandem with the physical.
(206) 278-3326 View (206) 278-3326
Photo of Wendy E Smith, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Wendy E Smith
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
I also enjoy working with family members of people with disabilities/ illnesses and with couples for whom disability/ illness is a factor.
If you are seeking to work through anxiety, depression, an identity issue, a life transition, a traumatic experience, or a loss, I may be the therapist to help you. As a Certified Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapist, I can also help couples deeply reconnect on the level of needs and feelings--as opposed to having that same unproductive argument over and over again. With individuals, I often work in the here-and-now. Additionally, I pay attention to your history in order to understand (together with you) how your past experiences might be affecting your capacity to live well in the present and imagine a future.
I also enjoy working with family members of people with disabilities/ illnesses and with couples for whom disability/ illness is a factor.
If you are seeking to work through anxiety, depression, an identity issue, a life transition, a traumatic experience, or a loss, I may be the therapist to help you. As a Certified Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapist, I can also help couples deeply reconnect on the level of needs and feelings--as opposed to having that same unproductive argument over and over again. With individuals, I often work in the here-and-now. Additionally, I pay attention to your history in order to understand (together with you) how your past experiences might be affecting your capacity to live well in the present and imagine a future.
(206) 745-0971 View (206) 745-0971
Photo of Dr. Alice Huang, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Alice Huang
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105  (Online Only)
I have learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the LGBT community, Veterans & their partners, cancer patients and their family, and more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I have supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany and New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
I have learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the LGBT community, Veterans & their partners, cancer patients and their family, and more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I have supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany and New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
(425) 906-7157 View (425) 906-7157
Photo of Mary Jayne Wykowski, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Jayne Wykowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116  (Online Only)
Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step so that life may get different for you. The beauty and benefits of re-examining how we can make changes in our lives, continues to fuel my passion for therapeutic dialogue. The integrative nature of my work allows for us to look at family of origin explanations, without blaming, so that you can move toward change. When what feels like roadblocks comes up there are a number of tools that can help, like increasing mindfulness and learning more around boundaries and assertive communication.
Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step so that life may get different for you. The beauty and benefits of re-examining how we can make changes in our lives, continues to fuel my passion for therapeutic dialogue. The integrative nature of my work allows for us to look at family of origin explanations, without blaming, so that you can move toward change. When what feels like roadblocks comes up there are a number of tools that can help, like increasing mindfulness and learning more around boundaries and assertive communication.
(206) 558-1081 View (206) 558-1081
Photo of Brandon Tripp - Brandon Tripp, MS, LMHC, SUDP, MAC, SAP, MS, LMHC, SUDP, MAC, SAP, Counselor
Brandon Tripp, MS, LMHC, SUDP, MAC, SAP
Counselor, MS, LMHC, SUDP, MAC, SAP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98118
My Clients: I regularly work with clients on common issues such as: major life transitions, depression, anxiety, struggles with work-life balance, racial identity, family of origin issues, grief, trauma, and addiction recovery. I am passionate about working with: People of color, Students, people who identify as possessing multiple minority identities, LGBTQIA+, relationship problems, bicultural stress, cultural adjustment, sexual trauma, and issues related to sexual identity and gender. I am also comfortable working with non-heteronormative relationship lifestyles; particularly navigating issues related to open/poly relationships.
My Clients: I regularly work with clients on common issues such as: major life transitions, depression, anxiety, struggles with work-life balance, racial identity, family of origin issues, grief, trauma, and addiction recovery. I am passionate about working with: People of color, Students, people who identify as possessing multiple minority identities, LGBTQIA+, relationship problems, bicultural stress, cultural adjustment, sexual trauma, and issues related to sexual identity and gender. I am also comfortable working with non-heteronormative relationship lifestyles; particularly navigating issues related to open/poly relationships.
(425) 230-4099 View (425) 230-4099
Photo of Donovan R Bigelow, JD, LLM, MA, (LMHC), Counselor
Donovan R Bigelow
Counselor, JD, LLM, MA, (LMHC)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
The Only Cure Is Strength. Our work together will focus on your needs. Psychoanalytic Therapy, integrated with other perspectives, is a powerful and effective way to help individuals and couples address life's most urgent issues. Together we can work through, overcome, or improve: Depression, stress and anxiety, Love and intimate relationships, Family conflict resolution, Sexuality and body image, Parent-child conflicts, Drug abuse and eating disorders, Balancing work and personal life, Managing emotions effectively, Strengthening the will/ego, Artistic and athletic creativity, and Creation of meaning. Every effort in therapy should be focused on achieving an aesthetic self-creation.
The Only Cure Is Strength. Our work together will focus on your needs. Psychoanalytic Therapy, integrated with other perspectives, is a powerful and effective way to help individuals and couples address life's most urgent issues. Together we can work through, overcome, or improve: Depression, stress and anxiety, Love and intimate relationships, Family conflict resolution, Sexuality and body image, Parent-child conflicts, Drug abuse and eating disorders, Balancing work and personal life, Managing emotions effectively, Strengthening the will/ego, Artistic and athletic creativity, and Creation of meaning. Every effort in therapy should be focused on achieving an aesthetic self-creation.
(206) 940-6732 View (206) 940-6732
Photo of Shellie Gravitt, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shellie Gravitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
I am Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and in Internal Family Systems (IFS). EFT allows couples to move away from painful interactions and towards connection. It is incredibly effective in helping couples understand triggers and emotional distress. Suffering in your partnership can be incredibly isolating and painful. I will help you identify and understand your and your partner's most important needs and longings. Please don't wait to get help, if your relationship is in distress reach out as soon as possible. Your relationship can be the safe haven you've always longed for.
I am Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and in Internal Family Systems (IFS). EFT allows couples to move away from painful interactions and towards connection. It is incredibly effective in helping couples understand triggers and emotional distress. Suffering in your partnership can be incredibly isolating and painful. I will help you identify and understand your and your partner's most important needs and longings. Please don't wait to get help, if your relationship is in distress reach out as soon as possible. Your relationship can be the safe haven you've always longed for.
(206) 966-6673 View (206) 966-6673
Photo of Tina Ensminger, MA, LMFT, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tina Ensminger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
It would be my privilege to walk beside you and your family toward greater wholeness.
Are you feeling "stuck" as a result of painful life circumstances or relationships? Do you have sexual intimacy concerns and unsure where to turn for help? Are you struggling to cope with issues related to parenting, illness, aging or other life transitions? Do you desire something different in your life, but are not quite sure where to start? I work with individual adults and couples who want to feel better and create deeper, more satisfying relationships.
It would be my privilege to walk beside you and your family toward greater wholeness.
Are you feeling "stuck" as a result of painful life circumstances or relationships? Do you have sexual intimacy concerns and unsure where to turn for help? Are you struggling to cope with issues related to parenting, illness, aging or other life transitions? Do you desire something different in your life, but are not quite sure where to start? I work with individual adults and couples who want to feel better and create deeper, more satisfying relationships.
(206) 557-6927 View (206) 557-6927
Photo of Graciela M Fix, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Graciela M Fix
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
I am a respectful, open-minded, and compassionate mind/body psychotherapist who assists clients to find practical solutions to life challenges. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a somatic therapy that enables people to heal from trauma and emotional distress. I am also certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which addresses distress in couples and helps them to create a secure bond; and in the Hakomi Method, which studies how we organize internal experience. I am also trained in and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy .
I am a respectful, open-minded, and compassionate mind/body psychotherapist who assists clients to find practical solutions to life challenges. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a somatic therapy that enables people to heal from trauma and emotional distress. I am also certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which addresses distress in couples and helps them to create a secure bond; and in the Hakomi Method, which studies how we organize internal experience. I am also trained in and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy .
(510) 380-8449 View (510) 380-8449
Photo of Brian Kennedy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brian Kennedy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105
My 30 years of practice include individual, couples, and family therapy. I work with people experiencing relationship distress or emotional/sexual intimacy problems, and individual adults experiencing psychological and emotional distress, which may include depression, anxiety, stress, confusion, sadness, grief, fear, and trauma. I am known for my warmth and compassion, my ability to engage and join with people, and my capacity to hold a safe healing environment for my clients. I believe strongly in the importance of connection to self, to family, to community, and to the environmental systems that surround us.
My 30 years of practice include individual, couples, and family therapy. I work with people experiencing relationship distress or emotional/sexual intimacy problems, and individual adults experiencing psychological and emotional distress, which may include depression, anxiety, stress, confusion, sadness, grief, fear, and trauma. I am known for my warmth and compassion, my ability to engage and join with people, and my capacity to hold a safe healing environment for my clients. I believe strongly in the importance of connection to self, to family, to community, and to the environmental systems that surround us.
(360) 227-5136 View (360) 227-5136
Photo of Jaime Moore, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jaime Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116
Feeling down or anxious? Maybe you are hard on yourself and want to stop, but can't. Maybe something difficult happened to you, or world events have disrupted your ability to function. You're not alone, and you're welcome with me. I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed psychodynamic therapist. That means that I am guided by the therapeutic relationship itself, and I trust that there is an innate healing force within each of us that emerges naturally as each part of us is fully heard and understood.
Feeling down or anxious? Maybe you are hard on yourself and want to stop, but can't. Maybe something difficult happened to you, or world events have disrupted your ability to function. You're not alone, and you're welcome with me. I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed psychodynamic therapist. That means that I am guided by the therapeutic relationship itself, and I trust that there is an innate healing force within each of us that emerges naturally as each part of us is fully heard and understood.
(360) 837-5908 View (360) 837-5908
Photo of Jeanette Thorson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeanette Thorson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Whether working with couples or individuals, I embrace a family systems perspective, which means I recognize the powerful impact that relationships have on our lives.
Welcome to LiveWell Counseling. I enjoy working with adults and couples at various stages of their lives by helping them recognize their strengths and needs in order to solve problems and build stronger relationships. My approach to therapy is curious and client-centered, with an emphasis on the role that emotions, beliefs, and narratives play in shaping identity and behavior. In addition to helping people work through difficult issues, I also enjoy working with individuals who are interested in therapy as a process for facilitating personal growth and wholeness.
Whether working with couples or individuals, I embrace a family systems perspective, which means I recognize the powerful impact that relationships have on our lives.
Welcome to LiveWell Counseling. I enjoy working with adults and couples at various stages of their lives by helping them recognize their strengths and needs in order to solve problems and build stronger relationships. My approach to therapy is curious and client-centered, with an emphasis on the role that emotions, beliefs, and narratives play in shaping identity and behavior. In addition to helping people work through difficult issues, I also enjoy working with individuals who are interested in therapy as a process for facilitating personal growth and wholeness.
(206) 736-0787 View (206) 736-0787
1
...
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.