Family Therapy in West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Photo of Julia M Gunderson, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julia M Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064  (Online Only)
Specifically I have had training in how to work with trauma related cases, crisis management, grief work, family therapy (included martial issues), ways to improve the parent-child relationship and adolescents issues.
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
Specifically I have had training in how to work with trauma related cases, crisis management, grief work, family therapy (included martial issues), ways to improve the parent-child relationship and adolescents issues.
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
(909) 610-3952 View (909) 610-3952
Photo of Francine Lederer, PsyD, Psychologist
Francine Lederer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064
I work with Expectant Moms, New Parents, Family Planning, Fertility Issues, Pre-Marital Couples, Career Conflict, Illness & Loss, and the Sandwich Generation.
Do you sometimes feel out of balance? Do you struggle to lead a happier and more fulfilling life? Are you stressed and anxious? Therapy is a place to explore internal processes, relationships and connections with oneself and others. It also helps to stimulate a heightened self-awareness. Finding the right thearpist with whom one can trust is vital. I can help you work through painful emotions. My goal is to help others better understand their needs and how the patterns of their own dance, affect their lives.
I work with Expectant Moms, New Parents, Family Planning, Fertility Issues, Pre-Marital Couples, Career Conflict, Illness & Loss, and the Sandwich Generation.
Do you sometimes feel out of balance? Do you struggle to lead a happier and more fulfilling life? Are you stressed and anxious? Therapy is a place to explore internal processes, relationships and connections with oneself and others. It also helps to stimulate a heightened self-awareness. Finding the right thearpist with whom one can trust is vital. I can help you work through painful emotions. My goal is to help others better understand their needs and how the patterns of their own dance, affect their lives.
(424) 294-8912 View (424) 294-8912
Photo of Nelda Fox, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nelda Fox
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90034  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working in California. I have years of clinical experience working with various forms of emotional and mental distress and I specialize in ADHD/ Neurodivergence, Trauma, and Harm Reduction.
I am a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working in California. I have years of clinical experience working with various forms of emotional and mental distress and I specialize in ADHD/ Neurodivergence, Trauma, and Harm Reduction.
(424) 252-3240 View (424) 252-3240
Photo of David M White, PhD, Psychologist
David M White
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Other Areas of Expertise: forensic psychology, psychological expert testimony, Parent Coordinator/Special Master, Psychoanalytically Oriented Psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychology, Intersubjectivity Theory, teaching, supervision, clinical teaching, consultation, family and marital conflict, divorce.
How does "therapy" work? Psychotherapy works by helping you look at feelings, thoughts and behavior in situations which you find problematic. It helps you to learn more effective ways in dealing with those situations. Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort. You and I will identify your goals -- what you want to have happen, and agree on how you'll know when you're making progress. I will talk to you about the length of time it may take to help you see changes. Progress, and change, can happen.
Other Areas of Expertise: forensic psychology, psychological expert testimony, Parent Coordinator/Special Master, Psychoanalytically Oriented Psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychology, Intersubjectivity Theory, teaching, supervision, clinical teaching, consultation, family and marital conflict, divorce.
How does "therapy" work? Psychotherapy works by helping you look at feelings, thoughts and behavior in situations which you find problematic. It helps you to learn more effective ways in dealing with those situations. Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort. You and I will identify your goals -- what you want to have happen, and agree on how you'll know when you're making progress. I will talk to you about the length of time it may take to help you see changes. Progress, and change, can happen.
(310) 390-5306 View (310) 390-5306
Photo of Rachel Marks - Dr. Rachel Marks, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Rachel Marks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025
**** Professionals that want to explore relationships, career, finances, family of origin, work/life balance, and parenting.
Welcome to my therapy practice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families dealing with a variety of challenges. Over the years, I have primarily helped clients with their depression, anxiety or major life transitions. Sometimes it is just that you have a general sense that something is wrong, or out of balance, and you need a place to talk or you are concerned for a loved one. I am here to listen and provide you with insight so that over time, you will feel clearer with yourself.
**** Professionals that want to explore relationships, career, finances, family of origin, work/life balance, and parenting.
Welcome to my therapy practice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families dealing with a variety of challenges. Over the years, I have primarily helped clients with their depression, anxiety or major life transitions. Sometimes it is just that you have a general sense that something is wrong, or out of balance, and you need a place to talk or you are concerned for a loved one. I am here to listen and provide you with insight so that over time, you will feel clearer with yourself.
(424) 532-7452 View (424) 532-7452
Photo of Kevin Graves, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kevin Graves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025
in Marriage and Family Therapy, Topping and AHEC fellowships).
“Bridging is the work of opening the gate to the stranger, within and without.” – Gloria E. Anzaldúa. You’re at an inflection point. The ground has shifted; you find yourself on rocky terrain. The trail’s end is hazy, but you catch a glimpse: the outline of a hopeful future, somehow. Let us nurture those neglected pieces of yourself too oft ignored. With sincerity, compassion, and levity, I offer steady company on your voyage. You’ll discover bridges to yourself, your loved ones, and the goals that matter to you. The discourse shall be rich; the reflection, deep; the change, meaningful. You needn’t travel alone.
in Marriage and Family Therapy, Topping and AHEC fellowships).
“Bridging is the work of opening the gate to the stranger, within and without.” – Gloria E. Anzaldúa. You’re at an inflection point. The ground has shifted; you find yourself on rocky terrain. The trail’s end is hazy, but you catch a glimpse: the outline of a hopeful future, somehow. Let us nurture those neglected pieces of yourself too oft ignored. With sincerity, compassion, and levity, I offer steady company on your voyage. You’ll discover bridges to yourself, your loved ones, and the goals that matter to you. The discourse shall be rich; the reflection, deep; the change, meaningful. You needn’t travel alone.
(310) 742-0939 View (310) 742-0939
Photo of Marci Reiss, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marci Reiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90035  (Online Only)
At the same time, we work to regain stability in relationships with your family, your friends, and even with your boss and colleagues.
When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, they have no idea what it means for their life, their future, their family, or their career. They have endless questions and nowhere to get answers. Just navigating the medical world feels like learning a whole new language in a foreign city. There are so many life changes, it can feel extremely overwhelming.
At the same time, we work to regain stability in relationships with your family, your friends, and even with your boss and colleagues.
When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, they have no idea what it means for their life, their future, their family, or their career. They have endless questions and nowhere to get answers. Just navigating the medical world feels like learning a whole new language in a foreign city. There are so many life changes, it can feel extremely overwhelming.
(424) 523-5787 View (424) 523-5787
Photo of Dr. Evangeline Bishop, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Evangeline Bishop
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Hello and welcome. I specialize in working with individuals on their parenting journey. This includes the perinatal stage addressing perinatal mood and anxiety issues (also described as postpartum depression and/or anxiety), infant-parent bonding, role transitions in individuals and families, and parenting support and coaching. I have expertise in infant and early childhood mental health and child psychology. I am passionate about supporting the well-being of new and growing families by providing individual, couples, and family therapy. My approach to therapy emphasizes connection and promotes self-reflection.
Hello and welcome. I specialize in working with individuals on their parenting journey. This includes the perinatal stage addressing perinatal mood and anxiety issues (also described as postpartum depression and/or anxiety), infant-parent bonding, role transitions in individuals and families, and parenting support and coaching. I have expertise in infant and early childhood mental health and child psychology. I am passionate about supporting the well-being of new and growing families by providing individual, couples, and family therapy. My approach to therapy emphasizes connection and promotes self-reflection.
(424) 587-2194 View (424) 587-2194
Photo of Jordan Goode, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jordan Goode
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025
In family sessions I help caregivers and children work on strengthening the relationship & increasing trust through intentional play-based work.
My name is Jordan Goode and I am a Children’s & Family Therapist. I specialize in helping children 2-12 years old who are struggling with trauma, attachment disorders, anxiety, emotional and behavioral issues, OCD, and adjusting to divorce or adoption/ foster care. I offer individual and family sessions & am trained in play therapy, art therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and Exposure Response Prevention. I believe in the healing power of therapeutic play! I provide children with a safe space and the materials to process and communicate past experiences and emotions, help them organize their thoughts, & learn coping skills.
In family sessions I help caregivers and children work on strengthening the relationship & increasing trust through intentional play-based work.
My name is Jordan Goode and I am a Children’s & Family Therapist. I specialize in helping children 2-12 years old who are struggling with trauma, attachment disorders, anxiety, emotional and behavioral issues, OCD, and adjusting to divorce or adoption/ foster care. I offer individual and family sessions & am trained in play therapy, art therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and Exposure Response Prevention. I believe in the healing power of therapeutic play! I provide children with a safe space and the materials to process and communicate past experiences and emotions, help them organize their thoughts, & learn coping skills.
(310) 634-0699 View (310) 634-0699
Photo of Jennifer Bliss, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Bliss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Issues that arise overtime can be addressed through parenting support, and individual/ family therapy.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
Issues that arise overtime can be addressed through parenting support, and individual/ family therapy.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
(310) 836-1223 View (310) 836-1223
Photo of Elise Stark, MA, LPCC, CEDS-C, Counselor
Elise Stark
Counselor, MA, LPCC, CEDS-C
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns that you know aren’t working for you? Perhaps you find that the way you’ve been showing up in your workplace, with your family, or with your friends hasn’t been effective or rewarding. A nagging insecurity keeps you from taking risks and being vulnerable with those you love. Or a need for control paralyzes your openness to growth and change. You may not even be fully aware of what's keeping you stuck - you just know that something is. We all have blind spots that get in our own way - beliefs we have about ourselves, others, and the world that become self-fulfilling prophesies for our lives.
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns that you know aren’t working for you? Perhaps you find that the way you’ve been showing up in your workplace, with your family, or with your friends hasn’t been effective or rewarding. A nagging insecurity keeps you from taking risks and being vulnerable with those you love. Or a need for control paralyzes your openness to growth and change. You may not even be fully aware of what's keeping you stuck - you just know that something is. We all have blind spots that get in our own way - beliefs we have about ourselves, others, and the world that become self-fulfilling prophesies for our lives.
(323) 676-0194 View (323) 676-0194
Photo of Daniel-Ardeshir Ravanshenas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daniel-Ardeshir Ravanshenas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Recently, I've added a sub-speciality of helping those affected by Narcissistic Abuse at the hands of a person they have wholly trusted (a romantic partner, family member, former therapists with poor and/or exploitative boundaries, abusive cult/religious leaders).
Affordable and accessible therapy is a necessity. I have two main concentrations to my practice: 1) I work with those interested in a confidential therapeutic setting to resolve complex psychological states and feelings (such as anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, trauma, childhood, relationship difficulties, personal grief, fear, shame, worthlessness, and existential questions about meaning-in-life). 2) I work in a consultant capacity for individuals with prescribed short-term, career-minded professional goals (public speaking, presentations, social skills, deadlines, writer's block, and management strategies).
Recently, I've added a sub-speciality of helping those affected by Narcissistic Abuse at the hands of a person they have wholly trusted (a romantic partner, family member, former therapists with poor and/or exploitative boundaries, abusive cult/religious leaders).
Affordable and accessible therapy is a necessity. I have two main concentrations to my practice: 1) I work with those interested in a confidential therapeutic setting to resolve complex psychological states and feelings (such as anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, trauma, childhood, relationship difficulties, personal grief, fear, shame, worthlessness, and existential questions about meaning-in-life). 2) I work in a consultant capacity for individuals with prescribed short-term, career-minded professional goals (public speaking, presentations, social skills, deadlines, writer's block, and management strategies).
(424) 353-3211 View (424) 353-3211
Photo of Brittany Burke, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Burke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals suffering with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Life Transitions. I also work with individuals suffering from creative blocks. I am invested in assisting my patients in finding ways to obtain a higher quality of life. I strongly believe in utilizing the therapeutic relationship as an instrument for change. I identify as a Psycho-Dymanic Therapist, but utilize additional modalities such as Trauma Resiliency Model, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals suffering with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Life Transitions. I also work with individuals suffering from creative blocks. I am invested in assisting my patients in finding ways to obtain a higher quality of life. I strongly believe in utilizing the therapeutic relationship as an instrument for change. I identify as a Psycho-Dymanic Therapist, but utilize additional modalities such as Trauma Resiliency Model, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
(661) 215-6142 View (661) 215-6142
Photo of Maya Boustani, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Maya Boustani
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90034  (Online Only)
I offer telehealth services so you can get help from the comfort of your home, at a time that is convenient for you and your family, wherever you are in California.
Are you looking for a treatment that is deeply rooted in science? I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in evidence-based practice for children, adolescents, and young adults. As both a researcher and a clinician, I make sure I deliver only treatments that have been proven to work in research. I treat depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors, trauma, ADHD, and more. My style is active, present-focused, and solution-driven. I will make sure to work towards mutually agreed-upon goals. Contact me for a free consultation from anywhere in California! Please note that I only offer telehealth services.
I offer telehealth services so you can get help from the comfort of your home, at a time that is convenient for you and your family, wherever you are in California.
Are you looking for a treatment that is deeply rooted in science? I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in evidence-based practice for children, adolescents, and young adults. As both a researcher and a clinician, I make sure I deliver only treatments that have been proven to work in research. I treat depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors, trauma, ADHD, and more. My style is active, present-focused, and solution-driven. I will make sure to work towards mutually agreed-upon goals. Contact me for a free consultation from anywhere in California! Please note that I only offer telehealth services.
(833) 491-1253 View (833) 491-1253
Photo of Lynette Lau, PhD, Psychologist
Lynette Lau
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Although I have specialized training in infant/early childhood mental health and couple therapy, I offer therapy to all ages across the lifespan (starting at birth) and in various formats (e.g., individual, couple, family). My goals in treatment are to help folx: (1) better understand themselves; (2) better articulate and express who they are; (3) go about creating a meaningful life with intentionality; (4) understand and self-advocate for their identified needs; and (5) form meaningful connections to the people and environment that they are in.
Although I have specialized training in infant/early childhood mental health and couple therapy, I offer therapy to all ages across the lifespan (starting at birth) and in various formats (e.g., individual, couple, family). My goals in treatment are to help folx: (1) better understand themselves; (2) better articulate and express who they are; (3) go about creating a meaningful life with intentionality; (4) understand and self-advocate for their identified needs; and (5) form meaningful connections to the people and environment that they are in.
(562) 600-2690 View (562) 600-2690
Photo of Jacqueline Gall, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jacqueline Gall
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064
I have worked with individuals who struggle with substance abuse disorders, depression, trauma, anger, anxiety, autism, and relationship issues. I have worked in the helping field for 6 years and have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for under a year. I have had my Advanced Alcohol and Drug counseling certificate for over 4 years. I am here to tell you, you are able to bring balance back into your life and recover from what may be troubling you. We can focus on mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
I have worked with individuals who struggle with substance abuse disorders, depression, trauma, anger, anxiety, autism, and relationship issues. I have worked in the helping field for 6 years and have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for under a year. I have had my Advanced Alcohol and Drug counseling certificate for over 4 years. I am here to tell you, you are able to bring balance back into your life and recover from what may be troubling you. We can focus on mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
(559) 461-3212 View (559) 461-3212
Photo of Tom Henning, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tom Henning
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90064
You may feel stuck in a negative cycle: in a relationship, your career, or life in general. Perhaps you are dealing with trauma, or a difficult life transition such as divorce or bereavement, or you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. I'd like to help you make the changes you are looking for. I work with individuals, couples and families as they learn to cultivate healthy relationships and manage the stresses of modern-day life. Having raised a family while practicing law as a partner in a busy law firm, I have experienced the struggles and trade-offs in trying to maintain a work- family-personal life balance.
You may feel stuck in a negative cycle: in a relationship, your career, or life in general. Perhaps you are dealing with trauma, or a difficult life transition such as divorce or bereavement, or you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. I'd like to help you make the changes you are looking for. I work with individuals, couples and families as they learn to cultivate healthy relationships and manage the stresses of modern-day life. Having raised a family while practicing law as a partner in a busy law firm, I have experienced the struggles and trade-offs in trying to maintain a work- family-personal life balance.
(424) 500-8842 View (424) 500-8842
Photo of Dr. Dale C Hiebert, PsyD, CPsych, Psychologist
Dr. Dale C Hiebert
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Meaning, I have been trained to help you face and explore things such as why intimacy is scary, your family drives you to drink, or why you can't say no to people.
Many of the ways we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us are highly influenced by the relational and emotional climate we grew up in. I believe that gaining insight into these dynamics and how they operate in conscious and unconscious ways in our personal lives puts us in a position to make mindful and intentional choices that lead to flourishing and a rich experience of life.
Meaning, I have been trained to help you face and explore things such as why intimacy is scary, your family drives you to drink, or why you can't say no to people.
Many of the ways we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us are highly influenced by the relational and emotional climate we grew up in. I believe that gaining insight into these dynamics and how they operate in conscious and unconscious ways in our personal lives puts us in a position to make mindful and intentional choices that lead to flourishing and a rich experience of life.
(310) 402-5127 View (310) 402-5127
Photo of Sharon Bina, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Bina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025
My areas of expertise are: Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Depression, educational problems, divorce, ADHD/ADD, executive dysfunction, school refusal, Defiant behavior, parent child relationship problems, and family therapy.
I have been a child therapist for the past 20 years, I provide therapy for children ages 0-18 years old. Modalities that I have found to be helpful when working with the younger population are the following; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I also incorporate Family Therapy ( Family Systems), where I support families in creating intimacy through none-judgmental communication. I assist parents through difficulties, and challenges of parenthood. I also work with adults/teens/children who are experiencing executive dysfunction symptoms or are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.
My areas of expertise are: Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Depression, educational problems, divorce, ADHD/ADD, executive dysfunction, school refusal, Defiant behavior, parent child relationship problems, and family therapy.
I have been a child therapist for the past 20 years, I provide therapy for children ages 0-18 years old. Modalities that I have found to be helpful when working with the younger population are the following; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I also incorporate Family Therapy ( Family Systems), where I support families in creating intimacy through none-judgmental communication. I assist parents through difficulties, and challenges of parenthood. I also work with adults/teens/children who are experiencing executive dysfunction symptoms or are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.
(424) 325-4894 View (424) 325-4894
Photo of Ashkan Rafael Shadi, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashkan Rafael Shadi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90035
I specialize in helping individuals and couples overcome struggles with anxiety and depression. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received my Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples overcome struggles with anxiety and depression. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received my Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.
(323) 990-6951 View (323) 990-6951
1
...

See more therapy options for West Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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.