Family Therapy in Raleigh, NC

Photo of Jessica N Carter, LMFT, LCMHC, MS
Jessica N Carter
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LMFT, LCMHC, MS
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614
I often look at life as a roller coaster. It's filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Some of the things that life throws our way we are not prepared for and have felt as though we have no one to turn to. In the past therapy was frowned upon and what happens in the family was suppose to stay in the family, but if healing has never taken place and we have not learned new ways of handling the twist and turns of life we tend to repeat generational patterns. We were not meant to live alone so why should we have to go through difficult situations alone? We shouldn't! Professional help is available so let's start healing.
I often look at life as a roller coaster. It's filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Some of the things that life throws our way we are not prepared for and have felt as though we have no one to turn to. In the past therapy was frowned upon and what happens in the family was suppose to stay in the family, but if healing has never taken place and we have not learned new ways of handling the twist and turns of life we tend to repeat generational patterns. We were not meant to live alone so why should we have to go through difficult situations alone? We shouldn't! Professional help is available so let's start healing.
(919) 980-9334 View (919) 980-9334
Photo of Graciela Aires Rust, PhD, MS, LCMHC, CRC, IWLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Graciela Aires Rust
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, LCMHC, CRC, IWLC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
An individual's mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions are deeply intertwined. Consequently, and considering a person's multiple dimensions, I provide a holistic approach to mental health and well-being that enables me to see an individual as a complete being, which allows helping each client to achieve comprehensive results. I offer a warm, confidential and empathetic style of individual, family and group counseling providing modern and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy, as well as ancient healing modalities such as meditation and energy healing.
An individual's mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions are deeply intertwined. Consequently, and considering a person's multiple dimensions, I provide a holistic approach to mental health and well-being that enables me to see an individual as a complete being, which allows helping each client to achieve comprehensive results. I offer a warm, confidential and empathetic style of individual, family and group counseling providing modern and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy, as well as ancient healing modalities such as meditation and energy healing.
(808) 518-3741 View (808) 518-3741
Photo of Loretta Brown, LCSW, CAMS-1, CSTAS, CPI, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Loretta Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAMS-1, CSTAS, CPI, SAP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
Restorative Living Family Services, PLLC is a mental health base organization serving, adults, children, adolescents and families. Restorative Living Family Services, PLLC provides comprehensive clinical and court mandated assessments, psychotherapy, family therapy, bereavement counseling, Life coaching, Anger Management classes, Parenting Skills classes and Shoplifting and theft addiction classes. Loretta Brown, LCSW, CAMS-1,CPI, CSTAS is a skilled and seasoned clinician with over twenty-five years of practice. RLFS vision is to provide support, encouragement, and diversion services to aid in sustaining optimal living.
Restorative Living Family Services, PLLC is a mental health base organization serving, adults, children, adolescents and families. Restorative Living Family Services, PLLC provides comprehensive clinical and court mandated assessments, psychotherapy, family therapy, bereavement counseling, Life coaching, Anger Management classes, Parenting Skills classes and Shoplifting and theft addiction classes. Loretta Brown, LCSW, CAMS-1,CPI, CSTAS is a skilled and seasoned clinician with over twenty-five years of practice. RLFS vision is to provide support, encouragement, and diversion services to aid in sustaining optimal living.
(984) 203-7462 View (984) 203-7462
Photo of Kenia Martinez, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kenia Martinez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27617
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work degree from State University of New York at Albany and a Bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University. I have experience providing mental health services to those who are struggling emotionally due to domestic violence, traumatic experiences, family conflict, and other external hardships. I have experience working with adolescents, young adults and adults, who have experienced mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, adjustment issues, and stress management.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work degree from State University of New York at Albany and a Bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University. I have experience providing mental health services to those who are struggling emotionally due to domestic violence, traumatic experiences, family conflict, and other external hardships. I have experience working with adolescents, young adults and adults, who have experienced mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, adjustment issues, and stress management.
(984) 465-7478 x4 View (984) 465-7478 x4
Photo of Kia Weaver Byrd, MA, LCMHC
Kia Weaver Byrd
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27620  (Online Only)
Your treatment will incorporate interventions that are person / family centered, and customized to your needs and preferences.
I am so glad you are here. Getting the right professional support can be an important step towards the positive change you want in your life. Are you feeling overwhelmed or having problems managing emotions? Are you struggling to build and maintain supportive relationships or set boundaries? Have difficulty communicating with a partner or child? Experienced past trauma that is impacting your current relationships or your ability to function? Are strong feelings of sadness or worry keeping you stuck or living in fear? Do you have a challenging relationship with food and body image? I’m here to help.
Your treatment will incorporate interventions that are person / family centered, and customized to your needs and preferences.
I am so glad you are here. Getting the right professional support can be an important step towards the positive change you want in your life. Are you feeling overwhelmed or having problems managing emotions? Are you struggling to build and maintain supportive relationships or set boundaries? Have difficulty communicating with a partner or child? Experienced past trauma that is impacting your current relationships or your ability to function? Are strong feelings of sadness or worry keeping you stuck or living in fear? Do you have a challenging relationship with food and body image? I’m here to help.
(919) 849-8786 View (919) 849-8786
Photo of Becky Shaffer, MA, LCMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Becky Shaffer
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
Life is not always easy, but I believe we all have the strength within us to grow, adapt, and heal. My goal is to create a safe space for you to uncover your own resilience and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in this life. I primarily work with adults of all ages facing a variety of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, grief and loss, OCD, chronic and terminal physical illness, relational/family stressors, and difficulties related to addiction. I am able to integrate faith and spirituality into counseling if so desired.
Life is not always easy, but I believe we all have the strength within us to grow, adapt, and heal. My goal is to create a safe space for you to uncover your own resilience and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in this life. I primarily work with adults of all ages facing a variety of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, grief and loss, OCD, chronic and terminal physical illness, relational/family stressors, and difficulties related to addiction. I am able to integrate faith and spirituality into counseling if so desired.
(919) 679-9515 View (919) 679-9515
Photo of Luz Koser, MS, LCMHC
Luz Koser
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating adolescents and adults struggling with issues related to past trauma, anxiety/stress, depression, family or peer relationships, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
Do you find yourself feeling anxious, sad, confused, angry lately? When people ask, “How are you doing right now?” can you really say you are doing “well”? We are living through extremely difficult times in our country and the World. And yet, we have all been asked to somehow adapt to this new normal and carry on. Deciding to start therapy is often hard to do, but I am here to help! My role is to provide support, understanding, encouragement, and empathy. Together, we will work to identify strengths needed to achieve your goals by developing coping skills and self-awareness.
I specialize in treating adolescents and adults struggling with issues related to past trauma, anxiety/stress, depression, family or peer relationships, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
Do you find yourself feeling anxious, sad, confused, angry lately? When people ask, “How are you doing right now?” can you really say you are doing “well”? We are living through extremely difficult times in our country and the World. And yet, we have all been asked to somehow adapt to this new normal and carry on. Deciding to start therapy is often hard to do, but I am here to help! My role is to provide support, understanding, encouragement, and empathy. Together, we will work to identify strengths needed to achieve your goals by developing coping skills and self-awareness.
(919) 858-2177 View (919) 858-2177
Photo of Molly F Chaffee, MA, LCMHCS, NCC, RPTS
Molly F Chaffee
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervis, MA, LCMHCS, NCC, RPTS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27613
My passion is helping clients navigate difficult experiences, emotions, and transitions. My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and approachable. Together we will move towards a hopeful, more positive future. I enjoy working with pre-adolescents, adolescents, and adults. I also specialize in working with college-aged students and young adults, and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Many of my adult clients reflect on personal values, family-of-origin issues, and insights on self-esteem and self-identity. My specialty areas include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, serious illness, and life transitions.
My passion is helping clients navigate difficult experiences, emotions, and transitions. My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and approachable. Together we will move towards a hopeful, more positive future. I enjoy working with pre-adolescents, adolescents, and adults. I also specialize in working with college-aged students and young adults, and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Many of my adult clients reflect on personal values, family-of-origin issues, and insights on self-esteem and self-identity. My specialty areas include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, serious illness, and life transitions.
(919) 348-2394 View (919) 348-2394
Photo of Tamedra Biernacki, Pre-Licensed Professional
Tamedra Biernacki
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Marriage & Family Therapy Intern. My experience and clinical interest include working with teens, adults, couples, and families addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, marital and family issues, mood disorders, and various mental health disorders. In working with clients, I have experience using Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout the internship, I have worked with various populations and the opportunity to observe treatment modalities such as EMDR. I am currently accepting new client for in-person and online sessions.
I am a Marriage & Family Therapy Intern. My experience and clinical interest include working with teens, adults, couples, and families addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, marital and family issues, mood disorders, and various mental health disorders. In working with clients, I have experience using Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout the internship, I have worked with various populations and the opportunity to observe treatment modalities such as EMDR. I am currently accepting new client for in-person and online sessions.
(919) 804-1020 View (919) 804-1020
Photo of Sharon Scott - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Raleigh, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Raleigh
Counselor
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
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.
(919) 635-4979 View (919) 635-4979
Photo of Amanda Neff, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Neff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607  (Online Only)
Amanda is a Licensed Marriage Counselor and Family Therapist who uses her training in Family Systems Theory, Attachment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help her clients achieve their goals in therapy. Life is stressful and relationships are hard. Amanda is empathetic and passionate about helping people learn how to manage these tough life adjustments and they impact individual mental health and relational health. Amanda has experience with individual therapy, couples counseling, family counseling, and Christian counseling with a wide variety of concerns.
Amanda is a Licensed Marriage Counselor and Family Therapist who uses her training in Family Systems Theory, Attachment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help her clients achieve their goals in therapy. Life is stressful and relationships are hard. Amanda is empathetic and passionate about helping people learn how to manage these tough life adjustments and they impact individual mental health and relational health. Amanda has experience with individual therapy, couples counseling, family counseling, and Christian counseling with a wide variety of concerns.
(984) 205-9357 View (984) 205-9357
Photo of D. Melissa Huemmer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
D. Melissa Huemmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I work with issues with anxiety, depression, trauma, social isolation, social skills, relationship issues, identity, and life transitions. I have worked with a variety of ages to address current behavior or mood challenges and to navigate transitions both planned and unexpected. I provide individual therapy and family therapy and group therapy. I enjoy helping children learn emotion regulation, teenagers improve social skills and self-esteem, young adults establish independence, couples to improve their relationships and seniors to age with grace and families to renegotiate changing family roles.
I work with issues with anxiety, depression, trauma, social isolation, social skills, relationship issues, identity, and life transitions. I have worked with a variety of ages to address current behavior or mood challenges and to navigate transitions both planned and unexpected. I provide individual therapy and family therapy and group therapy. I enjoy helping children learn emotion regulation, teenagers improve social skills and self-esteem, young adults establish independence, couples to improve their relationships and seniors to age with grace and families to renegotiate changing family roles.
(919) 670-4651 View (919) 670-4651
Photo of Hayley Hughes, PhD, Psychologist
Hayley Hughes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
Seeking out a therapist can be one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions you can make. My goal is to provide a warm, compassionate, trauma informed, and nonjudgmental approach to treatment. I believe humor is an important part of the process! I have a special interest in working with folks experiencing anxiety, adjustment/transition issues, prenatal/postpartum concerns, perfectionism, family/relational issues (including history of relational trauma), body image concerns, and sport and performance issues. I work well with college students, athletes, early-career professionals, and pregnant folks/parents of young children.
Seeking out a therapist can be one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions you can make. My goal is to provide a warm, compassionate, trauma informed, and nonjudgmental approach to treatment. I believe humor is an important part of the process! I have a special interest in working with folks experiencing anxiety, adjustment/transition issues, prenatal/postpartum concerns, perfectionism, family/relational issues (including history of relational trauma), body image concerns, and sport and performance issues. I work well with college students, athletes, early-career professionals, and pregnant folks/parents of young children.
(984) 204-6272 View (984) 204-6272
Photo of Tommy Hibbs, LCMHCA, Counselor
Tommy Hibbs
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609  (Online Only)
I work with adults from varying background and experiences: including but not limited to topics such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity, sexuality, life transitions, LGBTQ+, communication, family dynamics, the enneagram, and acceptance of self.
Welcome! My name is Tommy Hibbs and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina. I believe therapy is for anyone and everyone. It is a chance for one to better explore their identity, wants and needs, goals, and so much more. My objective within sessions is to create a space for further self-discovery and self-acceptance. Clients deserve to be heard, validated, seen, and affirmed. My deepest desire in therapy is for my clients to feel at peace with who they are and who they are becoming.
I work with adults from varying background and experiences: including but not limited to topics such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity, sexuality, life transitions, LGBTQ+, communication, family dynamics, the enneagram, and acceptance of self.
Welcome! My name is Tommy Hibbs and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina. I believe therapy is for anyone and everyone. It is a chance for one to better explore their identity, wants and needs, goals, and so much more. My objective within sessions is to create a space for further self-discovery and self-acceptance. Clients deserve to be heard, validated, seen, and affirmed. My deepest desire in therapy is for my clients to feel at peace with who they are and who they are becoming.
(984) 305-3679 View (984) 305-3679
Photo of Cynthia Forsley, MA, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia Forsley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Are you experiencing pain, frustration, or feeling stuck? I deeply respect your bravery in seeking healing and growth. Whether you're grappling with trauma, facing family challenges, or wrestling with inner turmoil, know that positive change is within reach. I extend a warm invitation into a space of dignity, optimism, security, and empowerment to facilitate your journey of transformation. I extend a warm invitation into a space of dignity, optimism, security, and empowerment to facilitate your journey of transformation.
Are you experiencing pain, frustration, or feeling stuck? I deeply respect your bravery in seeking healing and growth. Whether you're grappling with trauma, facing family challenges, or wrestling with inner turmoil, know that positive change is within reach. I extend a warm invitation into a space of dignity, optimism, security, and empowerment to facilitate your journey of transformation. I extend a warm invitation into a space of dignity, optimism, security, and empowerment to facilitate your journey of transformation.
(984) 369-8950 View (984) 369-8950
Photo of Christen Cox - AvanceCare , MA, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
AvanceCare
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27617
Delivery of my services may include but are not limited to individual counseling, family and/or group counseling.
The goal of personal counseling is to assist you in resolving personal issues that may be preventing you from achieving your full potential. There are a variety of personal issues to discuss during counseling. Some of the more common concerns include: depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, stress and time management.
Delivery of my services may include but are not limited to individual counseling, family and/or group counseling.
The goal of personal counseling is to assist you in resolving personal issues that may be preventing you from achieving your full potential. There are a variety of personal issues to discuss during counseling. Some of the more common concerns include: depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, stress and time management.
(910) 463-9809 View (910) 463-9809
Photo of Julie A Hovrud, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie A Hovrud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
My passion is in working with individuals and couples in need of resolving relational issues, whether it be in a coupleship, looking to become involved in a coupleship, relational issues with family members, relationships at work, or social relationships.
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
My passion is in working with individuals and couples in need of resolving relational issues, whether it be in a coupleship, looking to become involved in a coupleship, relational issues with family members, relationships at work, or social relationships.
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
(919) 586-8236 View (919) 586-8236
Photo of Catherine (Katie) Dunlap, MA, LCMHC, ATR
Catherine (Katie) Dunlap
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
I am here to help you and your family take the first step toward healing and growth as you navigate through big challenges and transitions.
Hi! I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) and a registered art therapist (ATR) who has been helping children, adolescents, young adults, and their families for over 11 years. My clients' goals include building healthier relationships, decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving their focus, and finding healthier ways to communicate.
I am here to help you and your family take the first step toward healing and growth as you navigate through big challenges and transitions.
Hi! I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) and a registered art therapist (ATR) who has been helping children, adolescents, young adults, and their families for over 11 years. My clients' goals include building healthier relationships, decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving their focus, and finding healthier ways to communicate.
(919) 739-4464 View (919) 739-4464
Photo of Ashley Dunn - Pivot Power PLLC, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, CSI, Counselor
Pivot Power PLLC
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27601  (Online Only)
How would your life be different? How would your relationships, work life, family, and your overall life experience improve? Together, let’s ignite your pivot power!.
The unpredictability of our world requires the ability to pivot. A pivot can be defined as a fundamental change in your direction. It requires attention, persistence, and the ability to re-evaluate a new approach when factors change and shift. Although life’s pivotal moments can be painful, they also create an opportunity to do just that. Whether you're battling anxiety, depression, trauma, or other concerns, it is possible to pivot to a path that leads to happier times. This concept is what I believe plants the seeds for post traumatic growth. Imagine you could effectively manage your stress, anxiety, and depression.
How would your life be different? How would your relationships, work life, family, and your overall life experience improve? Together, let’s ignite your pivot power!.
The unpredictability of our world requires the ability to pivot. A pivot can be defined as a fundamental change in your direction. It requires attention, persistence, and the ability to re-evaluate a new approach when factors change and shift. Although life’s pivotal moments can be painful, they also create an opportunity to do just that. Whether you're battling anxiety, depression, trauma, or other concerns, it is possible to pivot to a path that leads to happier times. This concept is what I believe plants the seeds for post traumatic growth. Imagine you could effectively manage your stress, anxiety, and depression.
(919) 888-4151 View (919) 888-4151
Photo of Amanda Jones Stanforth, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Jones Stanforth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27604
Waitlist for new clients
I have a strong passion for supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families to healing. I have experience with a variety of populations, and I am dedicated to prioritizing the needs and goals of clients who work with me in their therapeutic work. I specialize in mindfulness, anxiety, mood, attention, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, life changes and relationship issues. Within a family context, I utilize the framework of the family system to support changing behaviors and identifying growth.
I have a strong passion for supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families to healing. I have experience with a variety of populations, and I am dedicated to prioritizing the needs and goals of clients who work with me in their therapeutic work. I specialize in mindfulness, anxiety, mood, attention, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, life changes and relationship issues. Within a family context, I utilize the framework of the family system to support changing behaviors and identifying growth.
(984) 459-7667 View (984) 459-7667
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.