Family Therapy in Champaign, IL

Photo of Melissa Allinger, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Allinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820  (Online Only)
I use a variety of psychotherapy treatments, including but not limited to CBT, TI-CBT, and family-focused approaches.
I am an MSW, Licensed Social Worker specializing in clinical therapy. My goal is to assist and advocate for others in our community. We will construct achievable goals and evaluate them as we progress. I look forward to walking down your path, collaborating, and working with you to improve your whole health. I strive to end our community's behavioral and mental health stigmas! It is OKAY - to not be OKAY!
I use a variety of psychotherapy treatments, including but not limited to CBT, TI-CBT, and family-focused approaches.
I am an MSW, Licensed Social Worker specializing in clinical therapy. My goal is to assist and advocate for others in our community. We will construct achievable goals and evaluate them as we progress. I look forward to walking down your path, collaborating, and working with you to improve your whole health. I strive to end our community's behavioral and mental health stigmas! It is OKAY - to not be OKAY!
(217) 817-0204 View (217) 817-0204
Photo of Emily Heming, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Heming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820  (Online Only)
She uses a variety of approaches including dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally focused therapy, positive psychology, and family systems.
Emily Heming is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 3 years of experience in the mental health field and 6 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults feel empowered and validated. Emily offers counseling to individuals, couples, and families dealing with a wide range of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. Her goal is to create a secure, welcoming environment to discuss and reflect on all areas of life.
She uses a variety of approaches including dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally focused therapy, positive psychology, and family systems.
Emily Heming is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 3 years of experience in the mental health field and 6 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults feel empowered and validated. Emily offers counseling to individuals, couples, and families dealing with a wide range of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. Her goal is to create a secure, welcoming environment to discuss and reflect on all areas of life.
(217) 837-9350 View (217) 837-9350
Photo of Jenelle Thompson-Keene, LCPC
Jenelle Thompson-Keene
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Jenelle Thompson-Keene is a Licensed Clinical Counselor who has worked in a variety of settings over the past 25 years. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and backgrounds identify strengths and implement new skills. Jenelle specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, attachment, substance abuse, later stages of life, and family issues. Jenelle completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Illinois University. She has worked in non-profit settings such as crisis teams, substance abuse treatment centers, and intensive outreach therapy, among others.
Jenelle Thompson-Keene is a Licensed Clinical Counselor who has worked in a variety of settings over the past 25 years. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and backgrounds identify strengths and implement new skills. Jenelle specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, attachment, substance abuse, later stages of life, and family issues. Jenelle completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Illinois University. She has worked in non-profit settings such as crisis teams, substance abuse treatment centers, and intensive outreach therapy, among others.
(217) 765-8457 View (217) 765-8457
Photo of Linda Smith - Linda Smith, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda Smith, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
As a therapist, I incorporate concepts and treatment strategies from Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, Developmental and Mindfulness theories.
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable talking to can make a huge difference, in your progress, since therapy takes place within the context of a relationship. During my 28 years as a therapist, I discovered I quickly develop therapeutic trust and rapport with most clients. Also, clients generally respond positively to my open and direct communication.
As a therapist, I incorporate concepts and treatment strategies from Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, Developmental and Mindfulness theories.
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable talking to can make a huge difference, in your progress, since therapy takes place within the context of a relationship. During my 28 years as a therapist, I discovered I quickly develop therapeutic trust and rapport with most clients. Also, clients generally respond positively to my open and direct communication.
(217) 731-4351 View (217) 731-4351
Photo of Nicole Epperson, LCPC, Counselor
Nicole Epperson
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Adler University. She has been working in the field for more than a decade providing outpatient counseling, residential treatment, and EAP services. She helps clients address a variety of concerns and specializes in LGBTQIA issues, chronic pain and chronic medical conditions, grief and loss, addiction, relationships, and family issues. She takes a client-centered approach and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches.
Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Adler University. She has been working in the field for more than a decade providing outpatient counseling, residential treatment, and EAP services. She helps clients address a variety of concerns and specializes in LGBTQIA issues, chronic pain and chronic medical conditions, grief and loss, addiction, relationships, and family issues. She takes a client-centered approach and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches.
(217) 600-2475 View (217) 600-2475
Photo of Kathleen Wirth-Couch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathleen Wirth-Couch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Whether you are an individual, couple, or family, my goal is to provide you with a comfortable, safe, and nonjudgmental environment to process your life’s challenges and reach your fullest potential and healthiest selves.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as a National Certified Counselor. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical and School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. I have 20+ years of experience counseling people. I began my counseling career working with active duty military populations and their families. I am currently a Veterans advocate, assisting active duty and military retirees.
Whether you are an individual, couple, or family, my goal is to provide you with a comfortable, safe, and nonjudgmental environment to process your life’s challenges and reach your fullest potential and healthiest selves.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as a National Certified Counselor. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical and School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. I have 20+ years of experience counseling people. I began my counseling career working with active duty military populations and their families. I am currently a Veterans advocate, assisting active duty and military retirees.
(217) 764-8112 View (217) 764-8112
Photo of Ghada Abdalla, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ghada Abdalla
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61822
Ghada works with you to better your sense of awareness and focuses on bettering relationships and connections in your life. She is certified in II LEND (Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities). Specializing in major mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Ghada has extensive experience with family/children therapy.
Ghada works with you to better your sense of awareness and focuses on bettering relationships and connections in your life. She is certified in II LEND (Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities). Specializing in major mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Ghada has extensive experience with family/children therapy.
(217) 687-1326 View (217) 687-1326
Photo of Jenelle Thompson-Keene - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Champaign
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Champaign
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(855) 524-5193 View (855) 524-5193
Photo of Victoria Kearney, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Victoria Kearney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
In a world where we lack so much control, regaining our sense of self is so important. My goal is to help individuals learn about their mental health and start to take the necessary steps to improve their quality of life. I believe a person cannot truly begin to grow unless they are able to connect with their therapist and understand how their mental health concerns affect their lives. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2020 with a focus on Children, Youth, and Family Services.
In a world where we lack so much control, regaining our sense of self is so important. My goal is to help individuals learn about their mental health and start to take the necessary steps to improve their quality of life. I believe a person cannot truly begin to grow unless they are able to connect with their therapist and understand how their mental health concerns affect their lives. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2020 with a focus on Children, Youth, and Family Services.
(217) 834-1512 View (217) 834-1512
Photo of Stacey Skelton, LSW, MPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Skelton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MPA
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Therapy is not just about understanding the self that you are but also becoming the self that you want to be. As a therapist, I have enjoyed my time in guiding people through the process of finding themselves and learning more about themselves, or each other along the way. Using a non judgmental approach to individual, family, and couples therapy has proven to be effective in mitigating these challenges that life has brought to anyone that I see. I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work. I utilize different modalities such as CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Client Centered, Play Therapy, Solution Focused, etc.
Therapy is not just about understanding the self that you are but also becoming the self that you want to be. As a therapist, I have enjoyed my time in guiding people through the process of finding themselves and learning more about themselves, or each other along the way. Using a non judgmental approach to individual, family, and couples therapy has proven to be effective in mitigating these challenges that life has brought to anyone that I see. I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work. I utilize different modalities such as CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Client Centered, Play Therapy, Solution Focused, etc.
(217) 993-8464 View (217) 993-8464
Photo of Andrea Herzog, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Herzog
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
I also work with couples and families who are dealing with issues related to family changes, trauma, loss, abuse or neglect, or general difficulties at work or at home.
We all go through tough times in our lives, times when we feel overwhelmed or lost, and when we need help to cope with it all and find a new path. I work with adults who are struggling with a wide variety of issues--parenting, adjustment issues, depression or anxiety, grief or loss, domestic violence, trauma and PTSD, and relationship issues just to name a few. I provide a safe, supportive, nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner thoughts, feelings and experiences and can rediscover what they need to feel happier and more at peace with their lives.
I also work with couples and families who are dealing with issues related to family changes, trauma, loss, abuse or neglect, or general difficulties at work or at home.
We all go through tough times in our lives, times when we feel overwhelmed or lost, and when we need help to cope with it all and find a new path. I work with adults who are struggling with a wide variety of issues--parenting, adjustment issues, depression or anxiety, grief or loss, domestic violence, trauma and PTSD, and relationship issues just to name a few. I provide a safe, supportive, nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner thoughts, feelings and experiences and can rediscover what they need to feel happier and more at peace with their lives.
(217) 619-0998 View (217) 619-0998
Photo of Staci McNicholl, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Staci McNicholl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
I have a passion for family court, custody, and mediation issues, with the goal of healthy communication, parenting, and decision-making post separation or divorce.
Healthy relationships, children, parenting, and families are my passion. In addition to having a set of 20-year-old twins and 16-year-old, my husband and I also have a toddler. This, together with my almost 25 years in practice and specialized certifications, allows me to work alongside you on life stressors such as family court, custody, and family/divorce mediation/parent coordination concerns as well as the issues of anxiety, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image, and family/marriage issues.
I have a passion for family court, custody, and mediation issues, with the goal of healthy communication, parenting, and decision-making post separation or divorce.
Healthy relationships, children, parenting, and families are my passion. In addition to having a set of 20-year-old twins and 16-year-old, my husband and I also have a toddler. This, together with my almost 25 years in practice and specialized certifications, allows me to work alongside you on life stressors such as family court, custody, and family/divorce mediation/parent coordination concerns as well as the issues of anxiety, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image, and family/marriage issues.
(217) 253-8676 View (217) 253-8676
Photo of Lisa Hayasaki, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Hayasaki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61822
We all have unique needs and goals and I am pleased to be part of a process which can bring positive change and healing. I've been privileged to know and help people from all walks of life w/diverse backgrounds and experiences. My background: community mental health, substance abuse, trauma work, student population, and overseas with US military families. I'm comfortable working w/people of all ages. I provide short-term, solution focused counselling, long term intensive therapy, play therapy, couples and family counseling.
We all have unique needs and goals and I am pleased to be part of a process which can bring positive change and healing. I've been privileged to know and help people from all walks of life w/diverse backgrounds and experiences. My background: community mental health, substance abuse, trauma work, student population, and overseas with US military families. I'm comfortable working w/people of all ages. I provide short-term, solution focused counselling, long term intensive therapy, play therapy, couples and family counseling.
(217) 718-3632 View (217) 718-3632
Photo of Venus Evans-Winters, CCTP, MSW, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Venus Evans-Winters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CCTP, MSW, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Serving clients across Illinois for over a decade, her areas of expertise are trauma related to interpersonal or family violence, sexual assault and abuse, adoptive and foster care, school problems/workplace problems, parenting, and couples therapy.
Dr. Venus Evans-Winters is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma expert, and professor. She draws upon multiple therapeutic and psychoeducational techniques (e.g., cognitive, dialectical, and reality therapies) to meet clients' mental health and socio-emotional needs. A native of Chicago and representative of the hip-hop generation, she helps clients from diverse backgrounds cope with chronic stress and trauma. Her practice is influenced by Adlerian theory and centers on culturally responsive approaches to practice because we know that culture is a significant influence on one's perception of stress and self-efficacy.
Serving clients across Illinois for over a decade, her areas of expertise are trauma related to interpersonal or family violence, sexual assault and abuse, adoptive and foster care, school problems/workplace problems, parenting, and couples therapy.
Dr. Venus Evans-Winters is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma expert, and professor. She draws upon multiple therapeutic and psychoeducational techniques (e.g., cognitive, dialectical, and reality therapies) to meet clients' mental health and socio-emotional needs. A native of Chicago and representative of the hip-hop generation, she helps clients from diverse backgrounds cope with chronic stress and trauma. Her practice is influenced by Adlerian theory and centers on culturally responsive approaches to practice because we know that culture is a significant influence on one's perception of stress and self-efficacy.
(309) 362-0501 View (309) 362-0501
Photo of Shanelle Marie Koroma, LPHA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shanelle Marie Koroma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPHA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
*Specializes in teletherapy* Shanelle is a mental health therapist, trainer, author, and life coach. Having experienced a multitude of obstacles, Shanelle decided at a young age to spend her life's purpose learning to heal and helping others to heal. Shanelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing mental health counseling since 2016. Shanelle enjoys family, painting, gardening, and self-development. Shanelle's ideal client is a person in the Action phase of change, and a person who is willing to try new skills inside and outside of sessions.
*Specializes in teletherapy* Shanelle is a mental health therapist, trainer, author, and life coach. Having experienced a multitude of obstacles, Shanelle decided at a young age to spend her life's purpose learning to heal and helping others to heal. Shanelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing mental health counseling since 2016. Shanelle enjoys family, painting, gardening, and self-development. Shanelle's ideal client is a person in the Action phase of change, and a person who is willing to try new skills inside and outside of sessions.
(217) 394-1346 View (217) 394-1346
Photo of Jason Givens, M Ed, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jason Givens
Pre-Licensed Professional, M Ed
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61822
I provide individual, group, couples, and family therapy.
I provide a warm and unconditional space for you to feel like sharing the hardest issues going on in your life. I have been a Counselor/Therapist for over 10 years and would love to help you overcome the obstacles that you are currently facing. I specialize working with kids, teens, adults, and couples. I can help you with your ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Sports and Performance Anxiety, and emotional needs. I am certified in EMDR. I can also help you with career planning, academics, and creating and following a budget for you and/or your family.
I provide individual, group, couples, and family therapy.
I provide a warm and unconditional space for you to feel like sharing the hardest issues going on in your life. I have been a Counselor/Therapist for over 10 years and would love to help you overcome the obstacles that you are currently facing. I specialize working with kids, teens, adults, and couples. I can help you with your ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Sports and Performance Anxiety, and emotional needs. I am certified in EMDR. I can also help you with career planning, academics, and creating and following a budget for you and/or your family.
(217) 286-1421 View (217) 286-1421
Photo of Samantha Prague, MA, LCPC
Samantha Prague
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820
I provide individual, family and group therapy in addition to IEP and 504 plan consultations.
Our worlds are chaotic, messy and sometimes cruel. As a result it is easy to unknowingly repeat that disorganization in our own lives. My goal to challenge these patterns of behaviors and relationships that may be keeping children, adolescents and emerging adults stuck. My specialty is working with strong personalities who have difficulty communicating their emotions with others, often relying on their behaviors alone to do so. My clients are quirky children who have ADHD, trauma, self injury, suicidality and mood disorders in addition to adolescents and college students who struggle with identity formation and healing the past.
I provide individual, family and group therapy in addition to IEP and 504 plan consultations.
Our worlds are chaotic, messy and sometimes cruel. As a result it is easy to unknowingly repeat that disorganization in our own lives. My goal to challenge these patterns of behaviors and relationships that may be keeping children, adolescents and emerging adults stuck. My specialty is working with strong personalities who have difficulty communicating their emotions with others, often relying on their behaviors alone to do so. My clients are quirky children who have ADHD, trauma, self injury, suicidality and mood disorders in addition to adolescents and college students who struggle with identity formation and healing the past.
(872) 266-7573 View (872) 266-7573
Photo of Dr. Mary Derbish, PhD, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Mary Derbish
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61821
I am open and willing to address any concerns you have and work with you to make the best counseling decision for you and your family.
You may not be there yet, but you are one step closer than you were yesterday. I specialize in treating kids and teens with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, eating disorders, difficult friendships and relationships, and trouble adjusting after divorce or other life changes. I am also passionate about empowering women through various stages of life: transitioning to college, identity development, becoming a mom, relationship conflict, divorce, and mental health. I offer parenting sessions to parents of children with emotional or behavioral struggles, and couples or family therapy for a variety of issues.
I am open and willing to address any concerns you have and work with you to make the best counseling decision for you and your family.
You may not be there yet, but you are one step closer than you were yesterday. I specialize in treating kids and teens with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, eating disorders, difficult friendships and relationships, and trouble adjusting after divorce or other life changes. I am also passionate about empowering women through various stages of life: transitioning to college, identity development, becoming a mom, relationship conflict, divorce, and mental health. I offer parenting sessions to parents of children with emotional or behavioral struggles, and couples or family therapy for a variety of issues.
(217) 269-8583 View (217) 269-8583
Photo of Monica Cherry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Monica Cherry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Monica Cherry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She specializes in child and adolescent behavioral issues including coping skills, depression, and suicide-ideation. She also has extensive experience working with people on the spectrum, Mood and Thinking Disorders as well as Psychotic Disorders and medication management. She works with individuals and families and her treatment approach includes: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems.
Monica Cherry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She specializes in child and adolescent behavioral issues including coping skills, depression, and suicide-ideation. She also has extensive experience working with people on the spectrum, Mood and Thinking Disorders as well as Psychotic Disorders and medication management. She works with individuals and families and her treatment approach includes: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems.
(217) 364-7627 View (217) 364-7627
Photo of Ranya Hasan, ICAADC, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Ranya Hasan
Counselor, ICAADC, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61822
You are your greatest investment. Ranya journeys with you to help you fulfill your goals, address stressors in your life, and create a personalized culturally competent, holistic plan that works for you. Ranya is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and Nationally Board-Certified with a clinical credential in Child and Family Therapy. She provides clinical therapy services to children, adolescents, adults, family, and couples.
You are your greatest investment. Ranya journeys with you to help you fulfill your goals, address stressors in your life, and create a personalized culturally competent, holistic plan that works for you. Ranya is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and Nationally Board-Certified with a clinical credential in Child and Family Therapy. She provides clinical therapy services to children, adolescents, adults, family, and couples.
(217) 727-8224 View (217) 727-8224
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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.