Family Therapy in Lynchburg, VA

Photo of Kimberly Plourde - Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24504
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.
(434) 443-6808 View (434) 443-6808
Photo of Suzanne E. Mikkelson, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzanne E. Mikkelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
As a Christian therapist, I have provided faith-integrated marriage and family therapy to individuals, couples, and families for nearly 30 years, but my current clinical focus is treating the impact of trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). You may be in a place of pain or emotional reactivity because of deep childhood injuries, exposure to combat, or the impact of secondary trauma from your work as a medical provider, a first responder, a pastor, or a missionary. I would be honored to hear your story and help you process through your experiences to a place of peacefulness and renewed hope.
As a Christian therapist, I have provided faith-integrated marriage and family therapy to individuals, couples, and families for nearly 30 years, but my current clinical focus is treating the impact of trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). You may be in a place of pain or emotional reactivity because of deep childhood injuries, exposure to combat, or the impact of secondary trauma from your work as a medical provider, a first responder, a pastor, or a missionary. I would be honored to hear your story and help you process through your experiences to a place of peacefulness and renewed hope.
(434) 661-2885 View (434) 661-2885
Sitting Well Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD, LPC-R
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Sitting Well Counseling has experience with a wide range of challenges encountered today so we look to match you with the therapist that best fits your needs. We specialize not only in trauma, but anxiety, addiction, depression, family conflict, and a variety of unique challenges you may be experiencing in this difficult season. We also provide assessment and testing services such as ADHD testing and psychological evaluations.
Sitting Well Counseling has experience with a wide range of challenges encountered today so we look to match you with the therapist that best fits your needs. We specialize not only in trauma, but anxiety, addiction, depression, family conflict, and a variety of unique challenges you may be experiencing in this difficult season. We also provide assessment and testing services such as ADHD testing and psychological evaluations.
(434) 436-2252 View (434) 436-2252
Photo of Joshua Kee, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joshua Kee
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Joshua Kee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 12 years of clinical mental health experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced various symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger management, parent/child difficulty, mood disorders, stress management, ADHD, impulse control issues, and family and relationship issues, among others. Joshua is highly skilled in building rapport and trust with his clients in order to create an effective therapeutic alliance. He received his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014.
Joshua Kee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 12 years of clinical mental health experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced various symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger management, parent/child difficulty, mood disorders, stress management, ADHD, impulse control issues, and family and relationship issues, among others. Joshua is highly skilled in building rapport and trust with his clients in order to create an effective therapeutic alliance. He received his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014.
(434) 201-7566 View (434) 201-7566
Photo of Stephanie Messerly, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Messerly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Waitlist for new clients
Stephanie's 10 years in the mental health field has given her the opportunity to serve and counsel individuals, couples, and families working through depression, anxiety, marital stress, trauma, family strain, self harm, and suicidal ideation. She has worked on hospital psychiatric units and outpatient offices. She is trained as a facilitator in the premarital/marital assessment tools and education from SYMBIS, PREPARE/ENRICH, and Level I Gottman Training. She is trained in EMDR and uses it with clients working through trauma. Stephanie is also an AAMFT supervisor candidate who supervises students and residents.
Stephanie's 10 years in the mental health field has given her the opportunity to serve and counsel individuals, couples, and families working through depression, anxiety, marital stress, trauma, family strain, self harm, and suicidal ideation. She has worked on hospital psychiatric units and outpatient offices. She is trained as a facilitator in the premarital/marital assessment tools and education from SYMBIS, PREPARE/ENRICH, and Level I Gottman Training. She is trained in EMDR and uses it with clients working through trauma. Stephanie is also an AAMFT supervisor candidate who supervises students and residents.
(434) 595-3734 View (434) 595-3734
Photo of Heidi Olson, MA
Heidi Olson
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502  (Online Only)
Are you seeking support and guidance through life's challenges? Are you looking for a safe space to work through life’s challenges? I specialize in providing compassionate and effective personal counseling to help individuals and couples navigate their unique journeys toward emotional well-being and personal growth. My name is Heidi Olson, and I hold a Master of Art in Counseling from Carolina University, and I am a resident in counseling licensed to practice in the state of Virginia. When I am not in the office you will find me hiking with my family or enjoying time with my grandchildren.
Are you seeking support and guidance through life's challenges? Are you looking for a safe space to work through life’s challenges? I specialize in providing compassionate and effective personal counseling to help individuals and couples navigate their unique journeys toward emotional well-being and personal growth. My name is Heidi Olson, and I hold a Master of Art in Counseling from Carolina University, and I am a resident in counseling licensed to practice in the state of Virginia. When I am not in the office you will find me hiking with my family or enjoying time with my grandchildren.
(434) 208-2511 View (434) 208-2511
Photo of Dr. Katherine Albach, PsyD, LCP, Psychologist
Dr. Katherine Albach
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24515  (Online Only)
I have been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2005 and use Cognitive-Behavioral and Solution-Focused treatments to help people navigate struggles with stress, mood, anxiety, family, relationships, and grief. I have specialized training in marriage and relationships, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and OCD. I pride myself on creating a relaxed and comfortable therapeutic environment as I know that this space is many people’s first experience with therapy. I believe in setting goals for growth and change and I love to give “homework”, nothing crazy just something to be thoughtful of or working on until the next session.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2005 and use Cognitive-Behavioral and Solution-Focused treatments to help people navigate struggles with stress, mood, anxiety, family, relationships, and grief. I have specialized training in marriage and relationships, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and OCD. I pride myself on creating a relaxed and comfortable therapeutic environment as I know that this space is many people’s first experience with therapy. I believe in setting goals for growth and change and I love to give “homework”, nothing crazy just something to be thoughtful of or working on until the next session.
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Photo of Bryan John Prinzivalli, MA, LPC, ACS, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bryan John Prinzivalli
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Having worked extensively with children, adolescents and their families, I would say my ideal client is pre-teen to adult working through behavioral struggles including impulse control, defiance, hyperactivity, etc. I work closely with and honor the family unit and also work with couples, relationship and marriage counseling for the betterment of that unit. I also have worked with and specialize in treatment of dual diagnosis, particularly when addictive behaviors are a primary concern. Being trained in ASAM criteria I also work with additive behaviors in both adolescent and adults.
Having worked extensively with children, adolescents and their families, I would say my ideal client is pre-teen to adult working through behavioral struggles including impulse control, defiance, hyperactivity, etc. I work closely with and honor the family unit and also work with couples, relationship and marriage counseling for the betterment of that unit. I also have worked with and specialize in treatment of dual diagnosis, particularly when addictive behaviors are a primary concern. Being trained in ASAM criteria I also work with additive behaviors in both adolescent and adults.
(434) 478-1721 View (434) 478-1721
Photo of Berkley Holston, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Berkley Holston
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Waitlist for new clients
I was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, but have had the amazing opportunity to live and work all over the country including: Washington, DC; New Orleans, LA; Miami, FL and Boulder, CO. Lynchburg is by far my favorite place and I was happy to return home in 2005. I enjoy cooking, gardening, reading and spending time with my family and friends. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2003 with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling.
I was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, but have had the amazing opportunity to live and work all over the country including: Washington, DC; New Orleans, LA; Miami, FL and Boulder, CO. Lynchburg is by far my favorite place and I was happy to return home in 2005. I enjoy cooking, gardening, reading and spending time with my family and friends. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2003 with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling.
(434) 277-2074 View (434) 277-2074
Photo of Jarel Brown, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jarel Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Everyone has a story. Our life experiences often become the stories that shape who we are, what we believe and how we behave. Whether it’s an experience from your past or a present situation I want to hear your story. I’d be honored to meet you where you are and walk with you to where you want to be. Along the way I’ll help you understand your struggle through a new lens and we will work together to identify and build a life worth living. I specialize in working with adolescents (ages 13-18) and adults dealing with issues of inter/intrapersonal conflict, family conflict, adjustment, anger, anxiety, and depression.
Everyone has a story. Our life experiences often become the stories that shape who we are, what we believe and how we behave. Whether it’s an experience from your past or a present situation I want to hear your story. I’d be honored to meet you where you are and walk with you to where you want to be. Along the way I’ll help you understand your struggle through a new lens and we will work together to identify and build a life worth living. I specialize in working with adolescents (ages 13-18) and adults dealing with issues of inter/intrapersonal conflict, family conflict, adjustment, anger, anxiety, and depression.
(434) 478-1644 View (434) 478-1644
Photo of Nicole Carson, MA, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Carson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
I am a Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy, Resident in Counseling, and am a registered facilitator for PREPARE/ENRICH™, SYMBIS™, and Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy™.
I have worked with many children, adolescents, adults, and families since 2017. Conflict in relationships, issues in communication, adverse patterns of behavior, and many more have been successfully addressed through counseling. Life is a journey that includes a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes all we need is for someone to walk along side us for a time as we face challenges that come along. I would like to equip you with the tools you need to address these. As we work together, my objective is that you gain insight and understanding about your personal struggles and feel confident enough to face them autonomously.
I am a Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy, Resident in Counseling, and am a registered facilitator for PREPARE/ENRICH™, SYMBIS™, and Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy™.
I have worked with many children, adolescents, adults, and families since 2017. Conflict in relationships, issues in communication, adverse patterns of behavior, and many more have been successfully addressed through counseling. Life is a journey that includes a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes all we need is for someone to walk along side us for a time as we face challenges that come along. I would like to equip you with the tools you need to address these. As we work together, my objective is that you gain insight and understanding about your personal struggles and feel confident enough to face them autonomously.
(434) 595-3538 View (434) 595-3538
Photo of Luke E. Hummel, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Luke E. Hummel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Whether in-person or virtually, appointments can be made with me at Family Insight.
Luke Hummel is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing outpatient counseling to individuals in Lynchburg, VA and the surrounding area. Luke has experience working with a diverse clientele of adolescents and adults, addressing various needs including depression, anxiety, trauma, relational problems, and grief.
Whether in-person or virtually, appointments can be made with me at Family Insight.
Luke Hummel is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing outpatient counseling to individuals in Lynchburg, VA and the surrounding area. Luke has experience working with a diverse clientele of adolescents and adults, addressing various needs including depression, anxiety, trauma, relational problems, and grief.
(434) 231-2352 View (434) 231-2352
Photo of Joshua Hartle - Light Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor
Light Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
At Light Counseling, our team of professionally trained and compassionate clinicians are here to help you overcome life’s challenges with evidence-based practices and a distinctly Christian approach. Our professionals specialize in helping with many of the following issues: ADD/ADHD, Adolescence Adjustments, Alcohol Abuse and Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Attachment Disorders, Child Abuse/Victim Support, Childhood Behavioral Problems, Compulsions, Depression, Drug Abuse and Addiction, Family Issues, Grief and Loss, Infidelity, Marital Stress, Men’s Issues, Obsession, Panic Attacks, Parenting and Step-Parenting Concerns, Phobias, Pornography, Post Traumatic Stress Issues, and more.
At Light Counseling, our team of professionally trained and compassionate clinicians are here to help you overcome life’s challenges with evidence-based practices and a distinctly Christian approach. Our professionals specialize in helping with many of the following issues: ADD/ADHD, Adolescence Adjustments, Alcohol Abuse and Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Attachment Disorders, Child Abuse/Victim Support, Childhood Behavioral Problems, Compulsions, Depression, Drug Abuse and Addiction, Family Issues, Grief and Loss, Infidelity, Marital Stress, Men’s Issues, Obsession, Panic Attacks, Parenting and Step-Parenting Concerns, Phobias, Pornography, Post Traumatic Stress Issues, and more.
(434) 425-7702 View (434) 425-7702
Photo of Darrius Omar Bethel, LMHP-R, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Darrius Omar Bethel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHP-R, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lynchburg, VA 24502
You work so hard to do what’s right. Always trying to live up to expectations from society, your family, and yourself for what a man is supposed to be. But no matter how tirelessly you toil or how much energy you expend, it never seems to make any difference. You’re still stuck in the same place – unfulfilled, disconnected, and increasingly frustrated at your inability to fix anything. It feels like you’re slowly being crushed under the weight of your responsibilities to everyone. You want so badly to break free of this terrible cycle, but that seems impossible. You need help, but you’re unsure where to turn. It feels hopeless.
You work so hard to do what’s right. Always trying to live up to expectations from society, your family, and yourself for what a man is supposed to be. But no matter how tirelessly you toil or how much energy you expend, it never seems to make any difference. You’re still stuck in the same place – unfulfilled, disconnected, and increasingly frustrated at your inability to fix anything. It feels like you’re slowly being crushed under the weight of your responsibilities to everyone. You want so badly to break free of this terrible cycle, but that seems impossible. You need help, but you’re unsure where to turn. It feels hopeless.
(434) 361-4744 View (434) 361-4744
Photo of Mary F. Boyette, MA
Mary F. Boyette
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy, MA
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Specialty areas include relationships, family counseling, college students, abandonment, self-image, depression, anxiety, church/religious harm, abuse, trauma, identity issues, and gender identity.
Relationships and life are difficult to navigate. I am passionate about coming alongside those who are weary in the difficult and commend you for taking the step of courage to pursue counseling. It is an honor to be answering the call from God to work as a therapist and provide a space to wrestle with big questions. My greatest desire is to provide a therapeutic space where you experience safety, are seen and heard, and know your value as you explore presenting concerns and set goals for the future. Thank you for choosing this step for yourself!
Specialty areas include relationships, family counseling, college students, abandonment, self-image, depression, anxiety, church/religious harm, abuse, trauma, identity issues, and gender identity.
Relationships and life are difficult to navigate. I am passionate about coming alongside those who are weary in the difficult and commend you for taking the step of courage to pursue counseling. It is an honor to be answering the call from God to work as a therapist and provide a space to wrestle with big questions. My greatest desire is to provide a therapeutic space where you experience safety, are seen and heard, and know your value as you explore presenting concerns and set goals for the future. Thank you for choosing this step for yourself!
(434) 722-3521 View (434) 722-3521
Photo of Patricia G Dugger, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patricia G Dugger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
I am Certified as a therapist in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach(ACRA) in helping teens and families with substance use problems. Dialectical Behavior therapy is a model useful for addictions, cutting, and mood disorders. Attachment based family therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior therapy.
I am Certified as a therapist in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach(ACRA) in helping teens and families with substance use problems. Dialectical Behavior therapy is a model useful for addictions, cutting, and mood disorders. Attachment based family therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior therapy.
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Photo of Lisa Taylor - Lisa Taylor ~ Life Design Network, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Taylor ~ Life Design Network
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Lisa Taylor’s Life Design Network, specializes in counseling individuals of various backgrounds, including children, adolescents, and adults. Services Provided: Individual Counseling Family Counseling Parent-Child Relationship Counseling Couples Counseling Parenting Anger Management Workshops Consulting and Clinical Supervision to LMHP-Residents Issues: Anger Management Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression Emotional Disturbance Family Conflict Grief Life Transitions Parent-Child Relationship Issues Peer Relationship Issues.
Lisa Taylor’s Life Design Network, specializes in counseling individuals of various backgrounds, including children, adolescents, and adults. Services Provided: Individual Counseling Family Counseling Parent-Child Relationship Counseling Couples Counseling Parenting Anger Management Workshops Consulting and Clinical Supervision to LMHP-Residents Issues: Anger Management Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression Emotional Disturbance Family Conflict Grief Life Transitions Parent-Child Relationship Issues Peer Relationship Issues.
(434) 885-0062 View (434) 885-0062
Photo of R. Mike Anderson, EdD, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
R. Mike Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
If you are in need of help during the most difficult times of a significant loss, feeling stuck in life, having trouble with a family member, work relationships or just need coaching and guidance through the stresses of daily living, allow me to help you navigate and chart a path to get your energy and zest in life back!.
Hello, As a clinical director, I understand the importance of understanding and honoring the needs of my clients. My Life experience and clinical understanding inspires me to co-create change with and for my clients. My faith and family have helped me stay balanced and energized for service. I love helping clients uncover facts that were hidden from view. I love seeing a person's eyes light up when they uncover unconscious truths that emerge during counseling. I love seeing the smile and life come back into a person who had begun to doubt whether solutions could be found. It’s exciting! I love my job!
If you are in need of help during the most difficult times of a significant loss, feeling stuck in life, having trouble with a family member, work relationships or just need coaching and guidance through the stresses of daily living, allow me to help you navigate and chart a path to get your energy and zest in life back!.
Hello, As a clinical director, I understand the importance of understanding and honoring the needs of my clients. My Life experience and clinical understanding inspires me to co-create change with and for my clients. My faith and family have helped me stay balanced and energized for service. I love helping clients uncover facts that were hidden from view. I love seeing a person's eyes light up when they uncover unconscious truths that emerge during counseling. I love seeing the smile and life come back into a person who had begun to doubt whether solutions could be found. It’s exciting! I love my job!
(434) 478-0743 x201 View (434) 478-0743 x201
Photo of Katie Albach, PsyD, Psychologist
Katie Albach
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24501  (Online Only)
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Grief + Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships/Family/Couples, Substance Abuse, and Other Specializations (OCD, Mood Disorders).
Hi, I'm Dr. Albach. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Doctor of Psychology in practice since 2001. I believe that Mental Health is not a destination but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you are going. That is why I am here to help create change through healthier minds, behaviors and thoughts.
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Grief + Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships/Family/Couples, Substance Abuse, and Other Specializations (OCD, Mood Disorders).
Hi, I'm Dr. Albach. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Doctor of Psychology in practice since 2001. I believe that Mental Health is not a destination but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you are going. That is why I am here to help create change through healthier minds, behaviors and thoughts.
(434) 732-2728 View (434) 732-2728
Photo of Pamela Pierce, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Pierce
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24504  (Online Only)
Pamela completed her bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University.
Pamela Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, anger, and behavioral issues in youth and adults. She has 9 years of experience working with at-risk adolescents and adults with severe mental illness in a behavioral health setting. Pamela has worked with individuals and couples in a private practice setting for 2 years. She has a passion for collaboratively assisting individuals working through their anxiety, depression, and anger. It is Pamela's experience that behavioral issues tend to stem from an underlying issue.
Pamela completed her bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University.
Pamela Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, anger, and behavioral issues in youth and adults. She has 9 years of experience working with at-risk adolescents and adults with severe mental illness in a behavioral health setting. Pamela has worked with individuals and couples in a private practice setting for 2 years. She has a passion for collaboratively assisting individuals working through their anxiety, depression, and anger. It is Pamela's experience that behavioral issues tend to stem from an underlying issue.
(434) 505-4907 View (434) 505-4907
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.