Family Therapy in Downingtown, PA
![Photo of Dr. Dorothy Gail Monteith, LPC, EdD, MHS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e32250f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am EMDR trained and Mindfulness Play Therapy Based Family Therapy trained.
I work well with clients that want to add to their own improvement and are motivated to change. I want to help with this need, or their want to improve. I want to help how you feel, and make you feel more positive. I am a positive, caring, compassionate person and i I listen carefully, and want to help.
I am EMDR trained and Mindfulness Play Therapy Based Family Therapy trained.
I work well with clients that want to add to their own improvement and are motivated to change. I want to help with this need, or their want to improve. I want to help how you feel, and make you feel more positive. I am a positive, caring, compassionate person and i I listen carefully, and want to help.
![Photo of Todd Shirley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/374201c3-6a8b-46e1-b3a8-f323b4ddb7d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Todd Shirley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
My therapy utilizes elements of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT).
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
My therapy utilizes elements of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT).
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
![Photo of Judith A Freed, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de36ab0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We all experience challenges at one time or another in our lives that feel overwhelming and confusing, whether they be work, family, personal, relationship, etc. Consulting a professional during these stressful times can provide a sense of direction and reassurance. As a firm believer in each person's inherent strengths and resources, I will work with you to identify obstacles and develop new tools to help more effectively meet challenging circumstances. I
We all experience challenges at one time or another in our lives that feel overwhelming and confusing, whether they be work, family, personal, relationship, etc. Consulting a professional during these stressful times can provide a sense of direction and reassurance. As a firm believer in each person's inherent strengths and resources, I will work with you to identify obstacles and develop new tools to help more effectively meet challenging circumstances. I
![Photo of Dr. Laura Miller, PsyD, LPC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453358f7-96ba-443d-818e-bf83f5f4e4ac/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Laura Miller
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
As a Psychotherapist I have had an eclectic clinical background working with the geriatric, adult, adolescent and child populations in multiple modalities including, family, and individual therapy. My work clinical work focuses on mental flexibility and exploration of individualized patterns in self-regulation, attachment and executive functioning as a way to create familial and individual changes.
As a Psychotherapist I have had an eclectic clinical background working with the geriatric, adult, adolescent and child populations in multiple modalities including, family, and individual therapy. My work clinical work focuses on mental flexibility and exploration of individualized patterns in self-regulation, attachment and executive functioning as a way to create familial and individual changes.
![Photo of Katie Gillespie - Buttonwood A Place To Heal -Now offering IOP!, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53eed208-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/16/320x400.jpeg)
Buttonwood A Place To Heal -Now offering IOP!
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
My passion in life is to help others break free from eating disorders and disordered eating so that they can live fuller lives. I am an Art Therapist and Licensed Practicing Counselor with many years in the field. I believe each person's needs are different and unique. Part of recovery is becoming more connected to the self and ultimately more aware of your needs so that symptoms become less desirable. I work with clients with eating disorders as well as family members who may need guidance and direction in how to help their loved ones.
My passion in life is to help others break free from eating disorders and disordered eating so that they can live fuller lives. I am an Art Therapist and Licensed Practicing Counselor with many years in the field. I believe each person's needs are different and unique. Part of recovery is becoming more connected to the self and ultimately more aware of your needs so that symptoms become less desirable. I work with clients with eating disorders as well as family members who may need guidance and direction in how to help their loved ones.
![Photo of Lori Nelsen Luneburg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5036907a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of the toxicity? Have you lost your identity? Do you feel crazy in your current relationship and/or family ? Emotional/Psychological/Narcissistic and other types of abuse can take a huge toll on an individual's self esteem and ability to cope. I am a caring Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience with Narcissistic/Abusive/Toxic Relationships and Trauma. I also specialize in Women Issues, Mood Disorders/Anxiety as well as Eating Disorders. My goal in therapy is to help you understand what "healthy" looks like and empower you to set boundaries and create the life that you desire.
Are you tired of the toxicity? Have you lost your identity? Do you feel crazy in your current relationship and/or family ? Emotional/Psychological/Narcissistic and other types of abuse can take a huge toll on an individual's self esteem and ability to cope. I am a caring Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience with Narcissistic/Abusive/Toxic Relationships and Trauma. I also specialize in Women Issues, Mood Disorders/Anxiety as well as Eating Disorders. My goal in therapy is to help you understand what "healthy" looks like and empower you to set boundaries and create the life that you desire.
![Photo of Lauren Cunkelman, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9caccff-eb32-40ee-b251-cd2f5b5e31e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Cunkelman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Does your child often have meltdowns or emotional explosions? Are you constantly fighting and feel like your home is a battlefield? Is it hard to connect with your child and understand why they’re behaving the way that they are? My family-oriented and collaborative approach to therapy may be a fit. I want to help you and your child decrease the amount of fighting that occurs and uncover why your child behaves the way they do. I believe that if families are more connected, our society becomes more connected, which means a more positive future. And a positive future is what you want for your child.
Does your child often have meltdowns or emotional explosions? Are you constantly fighting and feel like your home is a battlefield? Is it hard to connect with your child and understand why they’re behaving the way that they are? My family-oriented and collaborative approach to therapy may be a fit. I want to help you and your child decrease the amount of fighting that occurs and uncover why your child behaves the way they do. I believe that if families are more connected, our society becomes more connected, which means a more positive future. And a positive future is what you want for your child.
![Photo of Colin Smith, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66428884-84bb-43d9-a28b-450e309ce37f/1/320x400.png)
He has provided individual, group, and family therapy in school, home, and office settings.
Are you a teen or young adult struggling to navigate social pressures and responsibilities? A parent of a struggling teen? I help create self-esteem and establish proper perspectives when young adults feel overwhelmed. A full-time school counselor, Colin Smith has been working with adolescents both in schools and in outpatient therapy for nearly twenty years. Working in both public and approved private schools as well as community mental health has provided Colin with various learning opportunities. Areas of experience include individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem deficits, autism, and conduct disorders.
He has provided individual, group, and family therapy in school, home, and office settings.
Are you a teen or young adult struggling to navigate social pressures and responsibilities? A parent of a struggling teen? I help create self-esteem and establish proper perspectives when young adults feel overwhelmed. A full-time school counselor, Colin Smith has been working with adolescents both in schools and in outpatient therapy for nearly twenty years. Working in both public and approved private schools as well as community mental health has provided Colin with various learning opportunities. Areas of experience include individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem deficits, autism, and conduct disorders.
![Photo of Jennifer Mullowney, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40056ded-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Mullowney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
My focus areas are depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship and family issues, as well as women's issues.
As a therapist, my favorite thing is seeing my clients feel better and improve! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience and finding the right fit with your therapist is an essential part of the therapy process. I work with adults aged 18 and up. I also believe in working with my clients when developing their treatment goals and plans.
My focus areas are depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship and family issues, as well as women's issues.
As a therapist, my favorite thing is seeing my clients feel better and improve! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience and finding the right fit with your therapist is an essential part of the therapy process. I work with adults aged 18 and up. I also believe in working with my clients when developing their treatment goals and plans.
![Photo of Kaitlyn Gawrylewski, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00d02a59-373b-48c3-827c-a0ba8c62f745/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlyn Gawrylewski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Later childhood and adolescence are one of the most challenging times in our lives. Whether you are a caregiver looking for someone to help your child manage the stressors that arise during these stages, or a teen looking for someone to help you navigate the emerging changes and challenges, my humanistic approach may be a good fit for you! I incorporate a whole person view when working with clients. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, experiencing difficulty in family or peer relationships, or finding it a challenge acclimating to early adulthood, my collaborative approach may be the bridge toward optimal health.
Later childhood and adolescence are one of the most challenging times in our lives. Whether you are a caregiver looking for someone to help your child manage the stressors that arise during these stages, or a teen looking for someone to help you navigate the emerging changes and challenges, my humanistic approach may be a good fit for you! I incorporate a whole person view when working with clients. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, experiencing difficulty in family or peer relationships, or finding it a challenge acclimating to early adulthood, my collaborative approach may be the bridge toward optimal health.
![Photo of Lynn Charles - Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fa387d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
We offer individual, couples and family therapy.
Please note: We only offer video sessions. Our mission at Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County is to provide a space where women can work on themselves to become happier, successful and fulfilled in their lives. We guide our clients through the process of self-exploration, self-awareness, learning and growth. We work to remove any obstacles such as self-sabotage along with negative behavioral and thought patterns that may be inhibiting you from being the best you.
We offer individual, couples and family therapy.
Please note: We only offer video sessions. Our mission at Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County is to provide a space where women can work on themselves to become happier, successful and fulfilled in their lives. We guide our clients through the process of self-exploration, self-awareness, learning and growth. We work to remove any obstacles such as self-sabotage along with negative behavioral and thought patterns that may be inhibiting you from being the best you.
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![Photo of Dr. Bill Morgan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c73d493-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in counseling/psychotherapy for emotional and relationship problems (anxiety, depression, marriage, and other); ADD/ADHD in children and adults; testing (diagnostic, psychoeducational, learning disabilities, career, ADHD, custody, forensic, and other); parenting and family issues; and career and workplace issues.
As a psychologist, counselor, and evaluator, I look at sessions as a collaborative process. Together we work towards making the changes my clients desire so that they experience more contentment, peace, satisfaction and success. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps people learn skills that last a lifetime. I am a licensed psychologist with over twenty years experience as a counselor, therapist, and diagnostician, and am active in training therapists.
I specialize in counseling/psychotherapy for emotional and relationship problems (anxiety, depression, marriage, and other); ADD/ADHD in children and adults; testing (diagnostic, psychoeducational, learning disabilities, career, ADHD, custody, forensic, and other); parenting and family issues; and career and workplace issues.
As a psychologist, counselor, and evaluator, I look at sessions as a collaborative process. Together we work towards making the changes my clients desire so that they experience more contentment, peace, satisfaction and success. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps people learn skills that last a lifetime. I am a licensed psychologist with over twenty years experience as a counselor, therapist, and diagnostician, and am active in training therapists.
![Photo of Dr. Nicole McKinney, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a178248f-5130-4538-baf2-4fd998c0026c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Nicole McKinney
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
I am on faculty and the Director of a Couple and Family Therapy graduate program at a university.
With over 20 years experience of empowering individuals, couples and families, I aim to inspire those I counsel. I am passionate about people and the restoration, maintenance and progression of their relationships. I help people adjust to life changes including: academic, family or work related stress; education, employment or military relocation; and loss. I specialize in “before the ring” counseling, financial matters, grief and loss, interracial coupling, pregnancy care, and racial identity of Biracials. For those seeking Christian counseling, I am a Jesus follower and I am willing to incorporate faith into therapy upon request.
I am on faculty and the Director of a Couple and Family Therapy graduate program at a university.
With over 20 years experience of empowering individuals, couples and families, I aim to inspire those I counsel. I am passionate about people and the restoration, maintenance and progression of their relationships. I help people adjust to life changes including: academic, family or work related stress; education, employment or military relocation; and loss. I specialize in “before the ring” counseling, financial matters, grief and loss, interracial coupling, pregnancy care, and racial identity of Biracials. For those seeking Christian counseling, I am a Jesus follower and I am willing to incorporate faith into therapy upon request.
![Photo of Erin Adamitis, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a3f960a-28b4-4eec-a89e-f8fbd492ec82/3/320x400.jpeg)
depression and anxiety), developmental disorders and related symptoms (feeding disorders, sleep problems, toilet training), cognitive and learning impairments, disruptive behavioral problems, social difficulties, parent coaching, and family relationship issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working within the field for 10+ years. My work focuses on both assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, and teens who are experiencing difficulties with behavior, mood, development, and cognition. Though I tailor my treatment to the individual needs of each client, I most often incorporate behavioral and solution-focused techniques and work collaboratively with others in the child's life. Now in private practice, I previously worked for various schools and clinics in Chicago, IL, Nationwide Children' s Hospital in OH, and the National Institutes of Health in MD.
depression and anxiety), developmental disorders and related symptoms (feeding disorders, sleep problems, toilet training), cognitive and learning impairments, disruptive behavioral problems, social difficulties, parent coaching, and family relationship issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working within the field for 10+ years. My work focuses on both assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, and teens who are experiencing difficulties with behavior, mood, development, and cognition. Though I tailor my treatment to the individual needs of each client, I most often incorporate behavioral and solution-focused techniques and work collaboratively with others in the child's life. Now in private practice, I previously worked for various schools and clinics in Chicago, IL, Nationwide Children' s Hospital in OH, and the National Institutes of Health in MD.
![Photo of Shelby L Riley - Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da8ad9af-0542-494b-838f-a999b0691686/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
We serve adults, teens, and children and offer individual, couple, family, sand tray and play therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills?
There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.
We serve adults, teens, and children and offer individual, couple, family, sand tray and play therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills?
There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.
![Photo of Bradford A Markowitz, MSA, MA, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0c446d3-e563-42a9-81dd-453eabc70157/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have a strong comprehension of the challenges that disrupt mainstream middle class individuals, as well as the impact that such challenges place on their family systems.
As a clinician who specializes in relationship issues and self esteem, I am a focused, engaged and passionate helper. I work with my clients to explore self-defeating thoughts that contribute to their life challenges, with the intent of achieving a more balanced (and "fair") interpretation of themselves and their surroundings. As a classically trained cognitive behavioral therapist, I am a firm believer in the notion that past traumas play-out in our adult lives.
I have a strong comprehension of the challenges that disrupt mainstream middle class individuals, as well as the impact that such challenges place on their family systems.
As a clinician who specializes in relationship issues and self esteem, I am a focused, engaged and passionate helper. I work with my clients to explore self-defeating thoughts that contribute to their life challenges, with the intent of achieving a more balanced (and "fair") interpretation of themselves and their surroundings. As a classically trained cognitive behavioral therapist, I am a firm believer in the notion that past traumas play-out in our adult lives.
![Photo of Kacey Schnaitman, MA, NCC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f149a27-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes our child has needs that can effect the entire family system. I focus on providing the child direct care, and provide parents the support to keep going, to keep working toward the potential you know your child has. Specifically, if your child is having ongoing school problems, is showing oppositional behavior, or has difficulty maintaining friendships. Additionally, if your child has been diagnosed, or your questioning whether your child has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, AD/HD) and needs "coaching" to cope with this problem, or he/she is showing signs of anxiety or depression, or abusing alcohol or drugs.
Sometimes our child has needs that can effect the entire family system. I focus on providing the child direct care, and provide parents the support to keep going, to keep working toward the potential you know your child has. Specifically, if your child is having ongoing school problems, is showing oppositional behavior, or has difficulty maintaining friendships. Additionally, if your child has been diagnosed, or your questioning whether your child has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, AD/HD) and needs "coaching" to cope with this problem, or he/she is showing signs of anxiety or depression, or abusing alcohol or drugs.
![Photo of Laura Orsatti Weissflog, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-, BC, SEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d342c2-f94c-4f4a-acb4-db58e08c89c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Orsatti Weissflog
MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-, BC, SEP
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
As a family psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychotherapist, I have advanced clinical training in developmental & shock trauma.
If you have had an experience that seems traumatic to you despite what others may think or say, or any extremely stressful life challenge recently or in the past, I specialize in helping with these issues. If there is something you have never shared with anyone or are frightened by the prospect of disclosing what you've carried for a long time, I am here to listen. The impact of distressing experiences may result in extreme anxiety or fear, episodes of depression, repeated difficulties in personal or family relationships and even physical health issues. Emotional experiences during developmental years may result in complex PTSD.
As a family psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychotherapist, I have advanced clinical training in developmental & shock trauma.
If you have had an experience that seems traumatic to you despite what others may think or say, or any extremely stressful life challenge recently or in the past, I specialize in helping with these issues. If there is something you have never shared with anyone or are frightened by the prospect of disclosing what you've carried for a long time, I am here to listen. The impact of distressing experiences may result in extreme anxiety or fear, episodes of depression, repeated difficulties in personal or family relationships and even physical health issues. Emotional experiences during developmental years may result in complex PTSD.
![Photo of Joy L Wawrzyniak, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460c0d18-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joy L Wawrzyniak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
![Photo of Dustin N Kurtek, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40983dc9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dustin N Kurtek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
Waitlist for new clients
Individual and family services are offered to adults and adolescents, as well as families who have a loved one experiencing symptoms.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, it is my goal in partnering with clients in navigating through life's twists and turns, being a guide towards a middle path of acceptance and change. My focus is to empower clients to transform coping strategies into skills of daily living, identify and release themselves from self-destructive patterns that led them to treatment, doing so in an environment that encourages growth and development.
Individual and family services are offered to adults and adolescents, as well as families who have a loved one experiencing symptoms.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, it is my goal in partnering with clients in navigating through life's twists and turns, being a guide towards a middle path of acceptance and change. My focus is to empower clients to transform coping strategies into skills of daily living, identify and release themselves from self-destructive patterns that led them to treatment, doing so in an environment that encourages growth and development.
See more therapy options for Downingtown
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.