Family Therapy in Middletown, DE

Photo of Gregory M Wilson, MDiv, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gregory M Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
My practice includes elements drawn from CBT, IFS, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic models.
What are you looking for and what are you struggling to find? Sometimes that search centers around finding the right tools for a given situation. Other times, the search might be to uncover who we are or who we are becoming. Whatever the case is, something has brought you to this place, at this moment. I’m curious to hear more about where you are right now.
My practice includes elements drawn from CBT, IFS, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic models.
What are you looking for and what are you struggling to find? Sometimes that search centers around finding the right tools for a given situation. Other times, the search might be to uncover who we are or who we are becoming. Whatever the case is, something has brought you to this place, at this moment. I’m curious to hear more about where you are right now.
(302) 200-5457 View (302) 200-5457
Photo of Shelby Jackson, LPCMH, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shelby Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMH, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709
I currently work with ages 5+ as well as couples who are working through behavior challenges, mood changes, struggling with ADHD, LGBTQ+, autism, life-stage changes as well as family struggles. I offer in person therapy, Telehealth and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).
I currently work with ages 5+ as well as couples who are working through behavior challenges, mood changes, struggling with ADHD, LGBTQ+, autism, life-stage changes as well as family struggles. I offer in person therapy, Telehealth and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).
(302) 271-7792 View (302) 271-7792
Photo of Anneka Dockery, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anneka Dockery
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel stuck, alone or lost within yourself or in your situation? These feelings can occur within your relationships, friendships, work relationship, family, etc. Sometimes feeling boxed in, pressured to be something you are not or having to meet others expectations can be overwhelming and frustrating. Its important to understand what you need for betterment of self, mind and body so you can live and share the best versions of yourself.Your story matters! Whether you are struggling with debilitating self doubt, indecisiveness or negative self worth, therapy is a safe place for exploring those parts of you.
Do you feel stuck, alone or lost within yourself or in your situation? These feelings can occur within your relationships, friendships, work relationship, family, etc. Sometimes feeling boxed in, pressured to be something you are not or having to meet others expectations can be overwhelming and frustrating. Its important to understand what you need for betterment of self, mind and body so you can live and share the best versions of yourself.Your story matters! Whether you are struggling with debilitating self doubt, indecisiveness or negative self worth, therapy is a safe place for exploring those parts of you.
(302) 206-9258 View (302) 206-9258
Photo of Lisa Leidy - The Mind and Body Consortium , LMFT, CAADC, LCSW, LPCMH, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Mind and Body Consortium
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT, CAADC, LCSW, LPCMH, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709
The Mind and Body Consortium was established out of a passion to deliver premium professional mental health services to children and families in Delaware. Our goal is to improve social conditions by offering quality treatment and therapy to a broad based population seeking psycho-education, self fulfillment, self-actualization, life coaching, individualized counseling, couples/marriage and family counseling. We provide a range of psychiatric and psychological services to effectively meet the needs and enhance the quality of life of those within our communities who seek individual or family therapeutic intervention.
The Mind and Body Consortium was established out of a passion to deliver premium professional mental health services to children and families in Delaware. Our goal is to improve social conditions by offering quality treatment and therapy to a broad based population seeking psycho-education, self fulfillment, self-actualization, life coaching, individualized counseling, couples/marriage and family counseling. We provide a range of psychiatric and psychological services to effectively meet the needs and enhance the quality of life of those within our communities who seek individual or family therapeutic intervention.
(302) 279-2692 View (302) 279-2692
Photo of Marissa Lloyd - ResilientKids- Eco & Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, LPCMH, Counselor
ResilientKids- Eco & Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Counselor, LPCMH
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
Utilizing a strengths based approach, she provides treatment by joining the child and their family through both traditional office-based sessions, and equine assisted psychotherapy and eco therapy.
Marissa is a licensed professional counselor of mental health (LPCMH), certified trauma practitioner, and a nationally certified counselor (NCC) who is passionate about providing nurturing practices that best serve children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in trauma-focused care, offering equine assisted therapy designed to elicit profound insights and emotions. Through cultivating genuine connections with horses, our approach empowers clients to recognize their behavioral patterns and make conscious choices for transformation within a secure, compassionate, and accepting setting.
Utilizing a strengths based approach, she provides treatment by joining the child and their family through both traditional office-based sessions, and equine assisted psychotherapy and eco therapy.
Marissa is a licensed professional counselor of mental health (LPCMH), certified trauma practitioner, and a nationally certified counselor (NCC) who is passionate about providing nurturing practices that best serve children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in trauma-focused care, offering equine assisted therapy designed to elicit profound insights and emotions. Through cultivating genuine connections with horses, our approach empowers clients to recognize their behavioral patterns and make conscious choices for transformation within a secure, compassionate, and accepting setting.
(302) 504-6605 View (302) 504-6605
Chira Clinkscales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
Do you feel like your best just is not good enough? Often in life we go about doing what is best for others, family, spouse, partner, children, loved ones, friends, co-workers, our communities and organizations within it and so forth. But what about you? Do you feel like you cannot breathe at times, do you need space to think, or try and put it all together? Do you feel sad or worried? Do you see yourself lonely at times, or asking yourself how did I get here? Why me? Where is my help? How do I balance my life? How do I break free from this unhealthy relationship? How do I move forward? Acknowledging and acting is the start!
Do you feel like your best just is not good enough? Often in life we go about doing what is best for others, family, spouse, partner, children, loved ones, friends, co-workers, our communities and organizations within it and so forth. But what about you? Do you feel like you cannot breathe at times, do you need space to think, or try and put it all together? Do you feel sad or worried? Do you see yourself lonely at times, or asking yourself how did I get here? Why me? Where is my help? How do I balance my life? How do I break free from this unhealthy relationship? How do I move forward? Acknowledging and acting is the start!
(302) 271-6097 View (302) 271-6097
Photo of Helena Montaque, PhD,  LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Helena Montaque
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
Montaque is passionate about her family and spending quality time with them.
Dr. H. Danielle Montaque is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Delaware who has been practicing since 2009. She received her Doctoral Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Montaque prefers to work collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals. She works with individuals of all ages and welcomes family and couples sessions. Together, you and Dr. Montaque will examine the root causes of distress, prioritize areas where change is possible, and work towards developing skills and strategies for navigating ongoing challenges. Outside of work, Dr.
Montaque is passionate about her family and spending quality time with them.
Dr. H. Danielle Montaque is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Delaware who has been practicing since 2009. She received her Doctoral Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Montaque prefers to work collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals. She works with individuals of all ages and welcomes family and couples sessions. Together, you and Dr. Montaque will examine the root causes of distress, prioritize areas where change is possible, and work towards developing skills and strategies for navigating ongoing challenges. Outside of work, Dr.
(302) 599-6274 View (302) 599-6274
Photo of Cynthia Chestnut, PhD, LMFT, AAMFT, Approve, Sup, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Chestnut
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AAMFT, Approve, Sup
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
*Specialty Services for Children & Adolescents are: Behavioral Plans for School and Home (ADHD, ODD, LD, Depression and Trauma Related Needs); * Family Conflict / Communication; *Specialty Services for Adults are: Sexual Disorders / Sexual Concerns (Premature Ejaculation, Sexual Desire / Arousal, etc), Couple Romantic Attachment / Bonding /Intimacy Communication Concerns; Treatment Utilizes Semi- Structured Assessments.
Are you concerned about your relationship? Do you want to take a pro-active approach to working on your intimacy with your partner or strengthening your family relationships? Do you feel you are experiencing problems in your relationship that you want to avoid getting worse? Do you want change in your relationship before it's too late? If you answered yes to any of these questions, do the first step and get an assessment done to determine if relationship training, couple, family therapy or all of the above are needed.
*Specialty Services for Children & Adolescents are: Behavioral Plans for School and Home (ADHD, ODD, LD, Depression and Trauma Related Needs); * Family Conflict / Communication; *Specialty Services for Adults are: Sexual Disorders / Sexual Concerns (Premature Ejaculation, Sexual Desire / Arousal, etc), Couple Romantic Attachment / Bonding /Intimacy Communication Concerns; Treatment Utilizes Semi- Structured Assessments.
Are you concerned about your relationship? Do you want to take a pro-active approach to working on your intimacy with your partner or strengthening your family relationships? Do you feel you are experiencing problems in your relationship that you want to avoid getting worse? Do you want change in your relationship before it's too late? If you answered yes to any of these questions, do the first step and get an assessment done to determine if relationship training, couple, family therapy or all of the above are needed.
(302) 524-9968 View (302) 524-9968
Photo of Alysia Dixon, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alysia Dixon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
*OFFERING TELEHEALTH ONLY* Did you or someone you know experience or witness something traumatic that has weighed heavily on your mind, impacted your relationships, or kept you from reaching your full potential? Do you often find yourself thinking or saying "I don't want to burden anyone with this", "my friends/ family don't understand", or "I just want to get over it"? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, relationship problems, self-esteem, or self-image issues? Have you tried to "get over it", but still struggle with the same problems? If you can relate, then it's time to work through the trauma and heal.
*OFFERING TELEHEALTH ONLY* Did you or someone you know experience or witness something traumatic that has weighed heavily on your mind, impacted your relationships, or kept you from reaching your full potential? Do you often find yourself thinking or saying "I don't want to burden anyone with this", "my friends/ family don't understand", or "I just want to get over it"? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, relationship problems, self-esteem, or self-image issues? Have you tried to "get over it", but still struggle with the same problems? If you can relate, then it's time to work through the trauma and heal.
(302) 406-3329 View (302) 406-3329
Photo of Marjorie Velez, LPCMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marjorie Velez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMH
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
Family therapy can help to reconnect and strengthen your relationship with your children, process difficult feelings and life events, and find new ways of coping together.
Are you struggling to parent and support your child? Is your child having emotional and behavioral issues? Maybe you are the parent of an adopted child and are struggling in your relationship with them, even having feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. May be you or your family have been through a difficult event and everyone is struggling to get through. Therapy can help! Child/Adolescent, family, parenting, and individual therapy are offered as possible therapy options and are tailored to your child and family's needs.
Family therapy can help to reconnect and strengthen your relationship with your children, process difficult feelings and life events, and find new ways of coping together.
Are you struggling to parent and support your child? Is your child having emotional and behavioral issues? Maybe you are the parent of an adopted child and are struggling in your relationship with them, even having feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. May be you or your family have been through a difficult event and everyone is struggling to get through. Therapy can help! Child/Adolescent, family, parenting, and individual therapy are offered as possible therapy options and are tailored to your child and family's needs.
(302) 303-3953 View (302) 303-3953
Photo of Jessica Mercier, LPC, ACS, LPCMH, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Mercier
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS, LPCMH, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University.
I am a licensed psychotherapist welcoming individuals seeking therapy. I know it's not easy asking for help. I’m focused to listen, empower you, and guide you. A key part of my clinical practice is to build rapport with my clients and to assist them with feeling comfortable sharing what can be painful topics and issues. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most influential factors in assisting individuals to be successful in therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy that fits your needs and offer straightforward, empathetic Telehealth therapy services.
Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University.
I am a licensed psychotherapist welcoming individuals seeking therapy. I know it's not easy asking for help. I’m focused to listen, empower you, and guide you. A key part of my clinical practice is to build rapport with my clients and to assist them with feeling comfortable sharing what can be painful topics and issues. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most influential factors in assisting individuals to be successful in therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy that fits your needs and offer straightforward, empathetic Telehealth therapy services.
(302) 204-1856 View (302) 204-1856
Photo of Lori Pritchett, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Pritchett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
Lori has over 20 years of experience working extensively with children and families with a focus on resolving family conflict.
Lori understands we all experience emotional struggles at some stage in our life that are hard to manage alone. She is committed to helping you reach a level of emotional resolution by using cognitive-behavioral strategies and by teaching positive coping skills that help you regain a better sense of control in your life. She works to help you understand the importance of self-care and positive thinking to navigate the stressful waters of life. Realizing that we cannot always fix our problems, Lori feels learning to manage the associated stress can be life altering and lead to better outcomes for you.
Lori has over 20 years of experience working extensively with children and families with a focus on resolving family conflict.
Lori understands we all experience emotional struggles at some stage in our life that are hard to manage alone. She is committed to helping you reach a level of emotional resolution by using cognitive-behavioral strategies and by teaching positive coping skills that help you regain a better sense of control in your life. She works to help you understand the importance of self-care and positive thinking to navigate the stressful waters of life. Realizing that we cannot always fix our problems, Lori feels learning to manage the associated stress can be life altering and lead to better outcomes for you.
(302) 246-8644 View (302) 246-8644
Photo of Christina L Piche - Christina Piche Enlightened Hearts Psychotherapy, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Piche Enlightened Hearts Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
I am trauma specialist that works with some of the most utilized trauma treatments including EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR Intensives.
If you've stumbled across my page, you're looking for a change. Maybe you aren’t sure what that looks like just yet. Maybe you just want things to be different, but can’t find the motivation to make these changes. Well, I’m happy you’re here. I truly believe in the power of therapy and have dedicated my professional career to helping many people, like yourselves, start on the path to a more meaningful life. Don't quit now, we can continue to explore what this change can look like together. Think about you’re “why” and bring it to therapy.
I am trauma specialist that works with some of the most utilized trauma treatments including EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR Intensives.
If you've stumbled across my page, you're looking for a change. Maybe you aren’t sure what that looks like just yet. Maybe you just want things to be different, but can’t find the motivation to make these changes. Well, I’m happy you’re here. I truly believe in the power of therapy and have dedicated my professional career to helping many people, like yourselves, start on the path to a more meaningful life. Don't quit now, we can continue to explore what this change can look like together. Think about you’re “why” and bring it to therapy.
(716) 333-8975 View (716) 333-8975
Photo of Nicole Sult, LPCMH, NCC, MS, Counselor
Nicole Sult
Counselor, LPCMH, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
When she is not practicing she enjoys spending time with her family at the beautiful Delaware beaches as well as cooking, paddle boarding, and going to Blue Rocks baseball games.
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Delaware native who specializes in individual, couples, and family therapy. Nicole believes in a multi disciplinary approach to clinical counseling to optimize positive outcomes, guiding her clients to explore their mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Nicole is classically trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and combines this with a client centered approach. Nicole quickly identifies your goals and collaboratively works with you to figure out how to get you there. A key component to this is to build an authentic and compassionate relationship with her clients.
When she is not practicing she enjoys spending time with her family at the beautiful Delaware beaches as well as cooking, paddle boarding, and going to Blue Rocks baseball games.
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Delaware native who specializes in individual, couples, and family therapy. Nicole believes in a multi disciplinary approach to clinical counseling to optimize positive outcomes, guiding her clients to explore their mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Nicole is classically trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and combines this with a client centered approach. Nicole quickly identifies your goals and collaboratively works with you to figure out how to get you there. A key component to this is to build an authentic and compassionate relationship with her clients.
(302) 865-7285 View (302) 865-7285
Photo of Kami M Roberts - Kami Roberts, LCSW-R, SRT, LCSW-R, SRT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kami Roberts, LCSW-R, SRT
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, SRT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
These counseling modalities include: family, couples, individual and group counseling.
"I use principles from my life experiences and training to impart wisdom, insight and understanding; and to bring clarity to a variety of complex situations. When my clients leave I want them to be enriched, encouraged and enlightened by their counseling experience."
These counseling modalities include: family, couples, individual and group counseling.
"I use principles from my life experiences and training to impart wisdom, insight and understanding; and to bring clarity to a variety of complex situations. When my clients leave I want them to be enriched, encouraged and enlightened by their counseling experience."
(718) 717-8935 View (718) 717-8935
Photo of Monique Byers Schaffstall, LCSW, LCDP, CADC, CCDP-D, DE-CMHS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Monique Byers Schaffstall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDP, CADC, CCDP-D, DE-CMHS
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
At MBS Psychotherapy Services, we specialize in conducting individual and family psychotherapy sessions with clients who are experiencing varied mental health and substance use concerns. We also focus on those who experience trauma, persistent mental illness and chronic medical conditions in the adult and adolescent populations
At MBS Psychotherapy Services, we specialize in conducting individual and family psychotherapy sessions with clients who are experiencing varied mental health and substance use concerns. We also focus on those who experience trauma, persistent mental illness and chronic medical conditions in the adult and adolescent populations
(302) 343-6236 View (302) 343-6236
Photo of Alyssa Quenzel, PsyD, Psychologist
Alyssa Quenzel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709
I can also help if you are struggling with relationship concerns, school-related issues, life transitions, family issues, self-confidence, stress management, anxiety, or general feelings of unhappiness.
My name is Dr. Alyssa Quenzel (she/her) and I am a licensed psychologist in DE & NJ. Reaching out for support can be really difficult, but I hope to try and make it easier. Have you ever just wanted to talk with someone about how you feel, what you think, or what you worry about? Therapy is a place to do this, and a chance to do it at your own pace. I believe that in order for us to work through our struggles, we sometimes need another person to bear witness to our experiences. We are social beings and can't always do things alone! I want to help you feel better by supporting you through the tough times.
I can also help if you are struggling with relationship concerns, school-related issues, life transitions, family issues, self-confidence, stress management, anxiety, or general feelings of unhappiness.
My name is Dr. Alyssa Quenzel (she/her) and I am a licensed psychologist in DE & NJ. Reaching out for support can be really difficult, but I hope to try and make it easier. Have you ever just wanted to talk with someone about how you feel, what you think, or what you worry about? Therapy is a place to do this, and a chance to do it at your own pace. I believe that in order for us to work through our struggles, we sometimes need another person to bear witness to our experiences. We are social beings and can't always do things alone! I want to help you feel better by supporting you through the tough times.
(302) 396-9776 View (302) 396-9776
Photo of Jennifer Laporte, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Laporte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
Over 25 yrs. of professional experience. Extensive experience with veterans and their families to include PTSD and transition challenges. I focus on couples therapy, family conflict, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma and low self-esteem. Also, able to conduct sessions in Spanish. I believe in result oriented interventions and getting to the root of the issues. Choosing to take that first step toward a more fulfilling and joyful life requires courage.
Over 25 yrs. of professional experience. Extensive experience with veterans and their families to include PTSD and transition challenges. I focus on couples therapy, family conflict, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma and low self-esteem. Also, able to conduct sessions in Spanish. I believe in result oriented interventions and getting to the root of the issues. Choosing to take that first step toward a more fulfilling and joyful life requires courage.
(904) 650-6563 View (904) 650-6563
Photo of Shannon Tarolli, LPCMH, NCC
Shannon Tarolli
Mental Health Counselor, LPCMH, NCC
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
Sometimes experiencing anxiety feels worse than anything else. You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, irritable, worried about the uncertainty of life, and completely isolated from the world. Anxiety can lead to intrusive thoughts, avoidance of one or more situations, and reassurance-seeking from family and friends. Maybe anxiety causes you to obsess over things like- "Did I make the right choice? What if something bad happens?" Anxiety is uncomfortable, physically and mentally draining, and, at times, depressing. You might feel a complete lack of control and find it hard to cope on a day to day basis.
Sometimes experiencing anxiety feels worse than anything else. You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, irritable, worried about the uncertainty of life, and completely isolated from the world. Anxiety can lead to intrusive thoughts, avoidance of one or more situations, and reassurance-seeking from family and friends. Maybe anxiety causes you to obsess over things like- "Did I make the right choice? What if something bad happens?" Anxiety is uncomfortable, physically and mentally draining, and, at times, depressing. You might feel a complete lack of control and find it hard to cope on a day to day basis.
(302) 286-9124 View (302) 286-9124
Photo of Terri Miles, MHS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Terri Miles
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709  (Online Only)
You may be fed up with the ways that trauma, depression or anxiety, feeling that they rule your life. It can be a challenge to have hope when getting out of bed can be a task, or when family and friends don’t seem to understand. You might not even remember a time when things felt normal. And you’re ready for a change. You want to feel relief & start to enjoy life again. More than anything, you want to fall in love with yourself and to build better relationships with others. My goal is to help children, adults, couples & families to do just that.
You may be fed up with the ways that trauma, depression or anxiety, feeling that they rule your life. It can be a challenge to have hope when getting out of bed can be a task, or when family and friends don’t seem to understand. You might not even remember a time when things felt normal. And you’re ready for a change. You want to feel relief & start to enjoy life again. More than anything, you want to fall in love with yourself and to build better relationships with others. My goal is to help children, adults, couples & families to do just that.
(484) 559-6239 View (484) 559-6239
1
Family Therapy

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.