Therapists in Utah County, UT

Photo of Dr. Min Xu, PhD, LMFT, EMDR, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Min Xu
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, EMDR, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Provo, UT 84604  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
In our work together, I dedicate to creating a secure space for my clients to touch their most vulnerable experiences and authentic emotions. At the same time, I empower and support them to build a new path for themselves, their family, and their future. Although I am not a member of the LDS Church, I genuinely appreciate my clients for their willingness and authenticity to teach me about their experience with the LDS church or other religious/faith backgrounds.
In our work together, I dedicate to creating a secure space for my clients to touch their most vulnerable experiences and authentic emotions. At the same time, I empower and support them to build a new path for themselves, their family, and their future. Although I am not a member of the LDS Church, I genuinely appreciate my clients for their willingness and authenticity to teach me about their experience with the LDS church or other religious/faith backgrounds.
(385) 316-6650 View (385) 316-6650
Photo of Whitney Hutchings, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Whitney Hutchings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orem, UT 84057  (Online Only)
Sometimes parts of our life can feel overwhelming and debilitating. It can be difficult to know who to turn to and what to do. I recognize how important it is to have someone to provide tools and techniques to reach a point of healing. My approach to therapeutic treatment is to work collaboratively with my clients. I have worked with adults, couples, college students, and teens with a range of experiences including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, marital or relationship issues, family relational concerns, grief support, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. No matter what you may be battling, there is hope for healing.
Sometimes parts of our life can feel overwhelming and debilitating. It can be difficult to know who to turn to and what to do. I recognize how important it is to have someone to provide tools and techniques to reach a point of healing. My approach to therapeutic treatment is to work collaboratively with my clients. I have worked with adults, couples, college students, and teens with a range of experiences including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, marital or relationship issues, family relational concerns, grief support, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. No matter what you may be battling, there is hope for healing.
(385) 316-7820 View (385) 316-7820
Photo of Daniela Cadmus - Utah Family Therapy, MFTI, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Utah Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MFTI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
American Fork, UT 84003
We ‌understand‌ ‌how it feels to feel like you don't‌ ‌belong, lets discuss factors outside the family unit that may be influencing you.
We ‌like‌ ‌to‌ ‌meet‌ ‌people‌ ‌where‌ ‌they‌ ‌are. ‌Trauma can sometimes leave us wondering‌ ‌“what‌ ‌is‌ ‌wrong‌ ‌with‌ me?“ We believe a better question is‌ ‌“what‌ ‌happened‌ ‌to‌ ‌you?” ‌In our practice, we view clients in that way. ‌Everyone‌ ‌has‌ ‌a‌ ‌story,‌ ‌a‌ ‌story‌ ‌that‌ ‌makes‌ ‌them‌ ‌unique. ‌Our interest is in understanding what the story is and how to use a‌ ‌story‌ ‌as‌ ‌a‌ ‌strength‌ ‌rather‌ ‌than‌ ‌a‌ ‌fault. ‌Even though it seems easier said than done, and it also takes time, we believe any client, from kids to adults, can get there with patience and understanding. Play therapy helps that healing process.
We ‌understand‌ ‌how it feels to feel like you don't‌ ‌belong, lets discuss factors outside the family unit that may be influencing you.
We ‌like‌ ‌to‌ ‌meet‌ ‌people‌ ‌where‌ ‌they‌ ‌are. ‌Trauma can sometimes leave us wondering‌ ‌“what‌ ‌is‌ ‌wrong‌ ‌with‌ me?“ We believe a better question is‌ ‌“what‌ ‌happened‌ ‌to‌ ‌you?” ‌In our practice, we view clients in that way. ‌Everyone‌ ‌has‌ ‌a‌ ‌story,‌ ‌a‌ ‌story‌ ‌that‌ ‌makes‌ ‌them‌ ‌unique. ‌Our interest is in understanding what the story is and how to use a‌ ‌story‌ ‌as‌ ‌a‌ ‌strength‌ ‌rather‌ ‌than‌ ‌a‌ ‌fault. ‌Even though it seems easier said than done, and it also takes time, we believe any client, from kids to adults, can get there with patience and understanding. Play therapy helps that healing process.
(385) 376-3678 View (385) 376-3678
Photo of Ash Johstoneaux, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ash Johstoneaux
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84604
I’m Ash and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist.
There is a pathway forward through the distress of disconnection, grief and loss, faith transitions, and anxiety. Transforming painful feelings and meeting unmet needs occurs through creating connections and emotional processing. Therapy is tailored to your specific goals and needs: deepening relational connection, working through anxiety, overcoming addictions, processing grief/loss, faith transitions, emotional challenges, or engaging in family therapy. Creating a validating and respectful therapeutic experience is central to inviting growth and change.
I’m Ash and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist.
There is a pathway forward through the distress of disconnection, grief and loss, faith transitions, and anxiety. Transforming painful feelings and meeting unmet needs occurs through creating connections and emotional processing. Therapy is tailored to your specific goals and needs: deepening relational connection, working through anxiety, overcoming addictions, processing grief/loss, faith transitions, emotional challenges, or engaging in family therapy. Creating a validating and respectful therapeutic experience is central to inviting growth and change.
(385) 257-9084 View (385) 257-9084
Photo of Richard J Beardall, LMFT, CFLE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Richard J Beardall
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CFLE
Verified Verified
Lehi, UT 84043
Teens: I didn’t start working with teens, it sort of happened organically. Now, several years later, I just had the mother of one of my clients tell me she waited several months to get her kid into “The Teen Whisperer”. I had to laugh as that was the first time I had heard that. My wife and I have a blended family with 8 kids. I LOVE working with teens and helping them achieve their ultimate potential. Teens are open to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and they are very curious. Let me help your teen get on the right track! I work with teens with depression, anxiety, struggling with grades and social challenges.
Teens: I didn’t start working with teens, it sort of happened organically. Now, several years later, I just had the mother of one of my clients tell me she waited several months to get her kid into “The Teen Whisperer”. I had to laugh as that was the first time I had heard that. My wife and I have a blended family with 8 kids. I LOVE working with teens and helping them achieve their ultimate potential. Teens are open to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and they are very curious. Let me help your teen get on the right track! I work with teens with depression, anxiety, struggling with grades and social challenges.
(801) 760-2314 View (801) 760-2314
Photo of Mary Seaquist, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Seaquist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
My trainings in Family Systems, EMDR, CBT, DBT, ERP, EFT, self-compassion and mindfulness promote effective lasting change and healing.
Are you desperate to find peace and relief? Are you stuck in negative patterns or unmotivated? Are you shutting down or having panic attacks? Do you feel distant from those you love? Has your personal or professional life been affected negatively? Addiction, betrayal, broken trust, loss of hope, grief, overwhelm and genetics can all trigger mental health issues. These can manifest as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger outbursts and shutdown disrupting personal functioning and family relationships. My compassionate approach combined with effective therapeutic skills and tools can help you heal and restore relationships.
My trainings in Family Systems, EMDR, CBT, DBT, ERP, EFT, self-compassion and mindfulness promote effective lasting change and healing.
Are you desperate to find peace and relief? Are you stuck in negative patterns or unmotivated? Are you shutting down or having panic attacks? Do you feel distant from those you love? Has your personal or professional life been affected negatively? Addiction, betrayal, broken trust, loss of hope, grief, overwhelm and genetics can all trigger mental health issues. These can manifest as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger outbursts and shutdown disrupting personal functioning and family relationships. My compassionate approach combined with effective therapeutic skills and tools can help you heal and restore relationships.
(385) 284-0153 View (385) 284-0153
Photo of Rachel Brown, MA, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rachel Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
Orem, UT 84097
Waitlist for new clients
As an MFT, I focus on the importance of relationships, including your relationships with your family, your romantic partner, and (most importantly!) with yourself.
I believe a huge factor for a healthy and meaningful life is connection: with others, with yourself, and with the values that matter most to you. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate atmosphere where you can foster and develop these connections. I particularly enjoy working with women’s issues, faith transitions, LGBTQIA+ wellness, body image issues, and depression and anxiety. I believe that "healing isn't about getting rid of the 'bad parts,' it's about learning to love and accept all of our parts" (Richard Schwartz).
As an MFT, I focus on the importance of relationships, including your relationships with your family, your romantic partner, and (most importantly!) with yourself.
I believe a huge factor for a healthy and meaningful life is connection: with others, with yourself, and with the values that matter most to you. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate atmosphere where you can foster and develop these connections. I particularly enjoy working with women’s issues, faith transitions, LGBTQIA+ wellness, body image issues, and depression and anxiety. I believe that "healing isn't about getting rid of the 'bad parts,' it's about learning to love and accept all of our parts" (Richard Schwartz).
View
Photo of Tyson Lovell, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Tyson Lovell
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lindon, UT 84042
When I am not working, you will find me exploring Utah’s national parks, spending time with friends and family, or jamming on the guitar.
Life includes unique and meaningful journeys for each of us. During that journey, we all face wounds that require healing and mending. As a therapist, I would be honored to be a part of the healing journey for you and your loved ones. My goal is to provide a collaborative, supportive, and understanding environment focused on your growth, development, and recovery. I approach therapy with a respect for the importance of care in multiple life areas: biological, psychological, relational, and spiritual. I seek to provide healing with respect to the many unique identities and experiences that we each hold in our lives.
When I am not working, you will find me exploring Utah’s national parks, spending time with friends and family, or jamming on the guitar.
Life includes unique and meaningful journeys for each of us. During that journey, we all face wounds that require healing and mending. As a therapist, I would be honored to be a part of the healing journey for you and your loved ones. My goal is to provide a collaborative, supportive, and understanding environment focused on your growth, development, and recovery. I approach therapy with a respect for the importance of care in multiple life areas: biological, psychological, relational, and spiritual. I seek to provide healing with respect to the many unique identities and experiences that we each hold in our lives.
(385) 412-9489 View (385) 412-9489
Photo of Malia McCulloch, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Malia McCulloch
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
Lindon, UT 84042
Outside of therapy, I enjoy playing basketball, running, and spending time with my family.
Life can be hard at times, but we do not have to experience it alone. If you are feeling down, on-edge, or in despair, our work together can help you find meaning and happiness. As a therapist, I see you as an expert on your life and will value our work together from a collaborative approach.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy playing basketball, running, and spending time with my family.
Life can be hard at times, but we do not have to experience it alone. If you are feeling down, on-edge, or in despair, our work together can help you find meaning and happiness. As a therapist, I see you as an expert on your life and will value our work together from a collaborative approach.
(385) 255-7813 View (385) 255-7813
Photo of Tina Kurrels, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Tina Kurrels
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Orem, UT 84097
ADHD and autism run in my family and I have studied these areas extensively.
Yo hablo Espanol. I am passionate about helping people heal from abusive relationships. Whether you are still in this relationship or not, my goal is to help you overcome the pain that you are in, and reclaim your life. I also help people that feel like they’ve lost everything (due to divorce, betrayal, financial ruin, etc.). It can be devastating, overwhelming, even frightening to see your world turn upside down. I can help you to grieve and to find your way in order to start over.
ADHD and autism run in my family and I have studied these areas extensively.
Yo hablo Espanol. I am passionate about helping people heal from abusive relationships. Whether you are still in this relationship or not, my goal is to help you overcome the pain that you are in, and reclaim your life. I also help people that feel like they’ve lost everything (due to divorce, betrayal, financial ruin, etc.). It can be devastating, overwhelming, even frightening to see your world turn upside down. I can help you to grieve and to find your way in order to start over.
(801) 877-1582 View (801) 877-1582
Photo of Eddie Shin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eddie Shin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84097
Whether the person coming in is you, your child, your teenager, or your family, let's work through whatever the struggle is together!.
Life is hard and no one is meant to go through it alone. Sometimes we need help gaining another perspective to get out of difficult situations, and that is okay. Whether you struggle with anxiety, trauma, anger, family relationships, or if life just throws you down, I'm here to walk through this together with you!
Whether the person coming in is you, your child, your teenager, or your family, let's work through whatever the struggle is together!.
Life is hard and no one is meant to go through it alone. Sometimes we need help gaining another perspective to get out of difficult situations, and that is okay. Whether you struggle with anxiety, trauma, anger, family relationships, or if life just throws you down, I'm here to walk through this together with you!
(385) 403-8950 View (385) 403-8950
Photo of Stephanie Shillig, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Shillig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to work with individuals, couples, and families.
As a therapist, I feel honored to join my clients on their journey of healing as they are reminded of their strengths and learn new skills to overcome their challenges. I understand the importance of building trust with my clients, respecting their stories without judgment, and creating a safe space for them to be open and vulnerable. I find joy in helping my clients better understand themselves and their past and present relationships, let go of negative core beliefs and patterns that are no longer serving them, and ultimately believe that they are enough.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to work with individuals, couples, and families.
As a therapist, I feel honored to join my clients on their journey of healing as they are reminded of their strengths and learn new skills to overcome their challenges. I understand the importance of building trust with my clients, respecting their stories without judgment, and creating a safe space for them to be open and vulnerable. I find joy in helping my clients better understand themselves and their past and present relationships, let go of negative core beliefs and patterns that are no longer serving them, and ultimately believe that they are enough.
(385) 279-5431 View (385) 279-5431
Photo of Rodger D Bischoff, CHMC, Counselor
Rodger D Bischoff
Counselor, CHMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84057
To deal with challenges, personal, interpersonal, family, social, and work related issues.
Rodger Bischoff, CMHC Rodger, clinical therapist Brings more than three decades of experience serving couples, families, individuals, youth, and diverse populations. His expertise in interventions encompasses a large range, with an emphasis on depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, pornography, life transitions, conflicts, emotional grief and loss, ADHD, work EAP problems, and LDS issues. When not engaged in counseling or helping others, his next love is spending time with his wife of 46 years, his five children, and thirteen grandchildren. His next passion is music, he is in two bands. He loves sports, hiking, & socializing
To deal with challenges, personal, interpersonal, family, social, and work related issues.
Rodger Bischoff, CMHC Rodger, clinical therapist Brings more than three decades of experience serving couples, families, individuals, youth, and diverse populations. His expertise in interventions encompasses a large range, with an emphasis on depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, pornography, life transitions, conflicts, emotional grief and loss, ADHD, work EAP problems, and LDS issues. When not engaged in counseling or helping others, his next love is spending time with his wife of 46 years, his five children, and thirteen grandchildren. His next passion is music, he is in two bands. He loves sports, hiking, & socializing
(801) 890-3814 View (801) 890-3814
Photo of Sydney Bean, MFTI, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Sydney Bean
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MFTI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
Congratulations on starting the amazing journey that is therapy! My name is Syd and I am a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapy Intern dedicated to fostering lasting bonds and promoting overall well-being within relationships. Under the guidance of experienced clinicians, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Specializing in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, my commitment lies in fostering a safe and collaborative space where clients can explore their feelings, improve communication, and navigate challenges together.
Congratulations on starting the amazing journey that is therapy! My name is Syd and I am a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapy Intern dedicated to fostering lasting bonds and promoting overall well-being within relationships. Under the guidance of experienced clinicians, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Specializing in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, my commitment lies in fostering a safe and collaborative space where clients can explore their feelings, improve communication, and navigate challenges together.
(385) 492-5791 View (385) 492-5791
Photo of Wendy Whitley Francis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Whitley Francis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lehi, UT 84043
I enjoy helping families to become stronger by working with all members of the family through doing play therapy with children, psychotherapy with older children, adolescents, and adults, individual parenting or co-parenting sessions, perinatal sessions, couples, and family therapy. I have worked with families with a variety of family concerns, including substance abuse, behavioral issues, trauma, mental health, preparation for adding a new child to the family, adoption/foster care, and many other relational issues. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings to assist individuals and families improve their functioning.
I enjoy helping families to become stronger by working with all members of the family through doing play therapy with children, psychotherapy with older children, adolescents, and adults, individual parenting or co-parenting sessions, perinatal sessions, couples, and family therapy. I have worked with families with a variety of family concerns, including substance abuse, behavioral issues, trauma, mental health, preparation for adding a new child to the family, adoption/foster care, and many other relational issues. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings to assist individuals and families improve their functioning.
(801) 997-1745 View (801) 997-1745
Photo of Elizabeth R Harding, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth R Harding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland, UT 84003  (Online Only)
I use multiple modalities including expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), play therapy, and family therapy.
I believe in the goodness and strengths of others and seek to empower clients as they work towards their goals. I view the healing process as a collaborative endeavor, and I regard you as the expert in your life. I use a strengths-based, solution focused approach to support healthy coping strategies for healing, personal success, and symptom relief.
I use multiple modalities including expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), play therapy, and family therapy.
I believe in the goodness and strengths of others and seek to empower clients as they work towards their goals. I view the healing process as a collaborative endeavor, and I regard you as the expert in your life. I use a strengths-based, solution focused approach to support healthy coping strategies for healing, personal success, and symptom relief.
(385) 462-1948 View (385) 462-1948
Photo of Allison Hansen, MA,  CMHC, Counselor
Allison Hansen
Counselor, MA, CMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
You have these specialties available: childhood, adolescent, family issues and parenting.
You are of great worth. Each person is of great worth. When any of us lose the recognition of our worth, despair and hopelessness can take over. Anyone facing these, or like challenges, may benefit from professional help. If you or a loved one seek improvement, you have resources right here. If you will share your world and your journey, the sense of great worth can be restored and sustained. Options include traditional therapy as well as equine therapy.
You have these specialties available: childhood, adolescent, family issues and parenting.
You are of great worth. Each person is of great worth. When any of us lose the recognition of our worth, despair and hopelessness can take over. Anyone facing these, or like challenges, may benefit from professional help. If you or a loved one seek improvement, you have resources right here. If you will share your world and your journey, the sense of great worth can be restored and sustained. Options include traditional therapy as well as equine therapy.
(801) 919-8226 View (801) 919-8226
Photo of Lauren Christensen, LCMHC, Counselor
Lauren Christensen
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Lindon, UT 84042
In the Disney Movie, The Lion King, Rafiki the wise monkey says, “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” Being an avid Harry Potter, Disney fan has taught me a lot of things in my life. I have been a therapist for over 10 + years. I specialize in all types of traumas (i.e. family or origins, bullying, chronic health, divorce, adjustment issues, life change, grief, to all types of abuse and harm), depression, addiction, and anxiety. I work with individuals, families, couples, the LGTBQIA+ community, first responders/military, and ages 6-96+.
In the Disney Movie, The Lion King, Rafiki the wise monkey says, “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” Being an avid Harry Potter, Disney fan has taught me a lot of things in my life. I have been a therapist for over 10 + years. I specialize in all types of traumas (i.e. family or origins, bullying, chronic health, divorce, adjustment issues, life change, grief, to all types of abuse and harm), depression, addiction, and anxiety. I work with individuals, families, couples, the LGTBQIA+ community, first responders/military, and ages 6-96+.
(385) 462-7454 View (385) 462-7454
Photo of Triston Morgan - Spanish Fork Center For Couples and Families, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Spanish Fork Center For Couples and Families
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Relationships are one of the most important things in life. Whether that be with a partner, spouse, parent, child or other family member. We understand that strengthening and maintaining those relationships is at the top or your list. It’s at the top of our list too! Change is possible if you have a desire to learn and apply the skills and knowledge you will acquire through participating in therapy.
Relationships are one of the most important things in life. Whether that be with a partner, spouse, parent, child or other family member. We understand that strengthening and maintaining those relationships is at the top or your list. It’s at the top of our list too! Change is possible if you have a desire to learn and apply the skills and knowledge you will acquire through participating in therapy.
(801) 810-2793 View (801) 810-2793
Photo of Alex Johnson - Cove Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cove Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orem, UT 84058
We all need support. We are ready to connect with you about the following issues and more: Depression, Anxiety, General Stress Family issues, Anger, Pornography, Sexual issues, Religious worries, Parenting challenges, School struggles, Relationship problems. We see you. We are comfortable working with all kinds of people: Adults Adolescents Children LGBTQIA+
We all need support. We are ready to connect with you about the following issues and more: Depression, Anxiety, General Stress Family issues, Anger, Pornography, Sexual issues, Religious worries, Parenting challenges, School struggles, Relationship problems. We see you. We are comfortable working with all kinds of people: Adults Adolescents Children LGBTQIA+
(385) 308-4789 View (385) 308-4789
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Family Therapy

What do family therapists do?

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

How long does therapy for families take to work?

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

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

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

Is therapy for families effective?

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