Family Therapy in Seattle, WA

Photo of Valerie Krutt, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Valerie Krutt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood offering individual, couples and family therapy. I’ve worked as a therapist since 2000 in a variety of settings, including private practice, outpatient clinics, group homes, detention centers and intensive outpatient programs. The foundation of my practice is rooted in building a rapport—based on individual connection, trust and mutual respect—with each of my clients. I use an integrative, biopsychosocial approach to develop an understanding of who you are as whole person.
I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood offering individual, couples and family therapy. I’ve worked as a therapist since 2000 in a variety of settings, including private practice, outpatient clinics, group homes, detention centers and intensive outpatient programs. The foundation of my practice is rooted in building a rapport—based on individual connection, trust and mutual respect—with each of my clients. I use an integrative, biopsychosocial approach to develop an understanding of who you are as whole person.
(206) 279-6520 View (206) 279-6520
Photo of Alexandria Deas, MA, LMHC, MHP, Counselor
Alexandria Deas
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
After a recent sabbatical, I have several openings - perfect for those who are hoping to begin therapy soon. - You are a high achieving, professional woman, in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, and something is holding you back. You find yourself struggling to handle everything on your plate and your unresolved internal issues (and family issues) are taking a toll. Perhaps you are struggling in your relationships. You may be searching for a clear path to follow. Or maybe you're trying to understand why you are the way you are and FINALLY break some cycles. You’re looking for a therapist who just gets it and can help you work through your sh!t.
After a recent sabbatical, I have several openings - perfect for those who are hoping to begin therapy soon. - You are a high achieving, professional woman, in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, and something is holding you back. You find yourself struggling to handle everything on your plate and your unresolved internal issues (and family issues) are taking a toll. Perhaps you are struggling in your relationships. You may be searching for a clear path to follow. Or maybe you're trying to understand why you are the way you are and FINALLY break some cycles. You’re looking for a therapist who just gets it and can help you work through your sh!t.
(206) 316-8034 View (206) 316-8034
Photo of Sarah Anne Sutton - Sarah Sutton Counseling PLLC, MSW, LSWAIC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sarah Sutton Counseling PLLC
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
” My hobbies include playing old-people softball and traveling with my family.
Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate (LSWAIC). I had the privilege of completing both my Bachelors in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work at the University of Washington in Tacoma. Go DAWGS! For the last 7 years, I have assisted folks in navigating various barriers surrounding their mental and physical health needs. I have been called a “resource guru” due to my ability to find a resource for everything. Once I completed my masters degree, I worked in community mental health, where I was able to adapt my skills to best support the needs of my clients through navigating mental health tools.
” My hobbies include playing old-people softball and traveling with my family.
Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate (LSWAIC). I had the privilege of completing both my Bachelors in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work at the University of Washington in Tacoma. Go DAWGS! For the last 7 years, I have assisted folks in navigating various barriers surrounding their mental and physical health needs. I have been called a “resource guru” due to my ability to find a resource for everything. Once I completed my masters degree, I worked in community mental health, where I was able to adapt my skills to best support the needs of my clients through navigating mental health tools.
(206) 222-5881 View (206) 222-5881
Photo of Lindsay McCue, MS, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lindsay McCue
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LMFTA
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
We’ll explore common patterns & use established interventions that include the individualized, client centered context of culture, family, and relationships.
Immediate availability Wednesday and Thursday before 1pm! I believe the most successful outcomes require a good fit between the client and the therapist, and I strive to work collaboratively with clients to help them live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. I understand that every problem is unique, and I enjoy working with complex feelings and situations, making sense of them, and working through them alongside my clients. I approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model, and make it a point to check in regarding the progress of treatment.
We’ll explore common patterns & use established interventions that include the individualized, client centered context of culture, family, and relationships.
Immediate availability Wednesday and Thursday before 1pm! I believe the most successful outcomes require a good fit between the client and the therapist, and I strive to work collaboratively with clients to help them live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. I understand that every problem is unique, and I enjoy working with complex feelings and situations, making sense of them, and working through them alongside my clients. I approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model, and make it a point to check in regarding the progress of treatment.
(425) 217-1680 View (425) 217-1680
Photo of Jules M. Young, LSWAIC, MSW/MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jules M. Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC, MSW/MPH
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! I specialize in LGBTQIA2S+ and women's health. Understanding how our brains function and why we behave a certain way can empower us to make informed choices about our lives, health, and relationships. I am an open and out queer therapist. I support clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, family of origin challenges, gender and sexual identity, disability and chronic illness, grief, and life transitions. I am also a young adult breast cancer survivor and provide services to those who are or have been affected by cancer.
Accepting new clients! I specialize in LGBTQIA2S+ and women's health. Understanding how our brains function and why we behave a certain way can empower us to make informed choices about our lives, health, and relationships. I am an open and out queer therapist. I support clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, family of origin challenges, gender and sexual identity, disability and chronic illness, grief, and life transitions. I am also a young adult breast cancer survivor and provide services to those who are or have been affected by cancer.
(509) 253-3973 View (509) 253-3973
Photo of Caitlyn Gilmore, MA, LMHCA, R-DMT
Caitlyn Gilmore
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LMHCA, R-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118
I will then sit with you (and/or your family) and help you sift through where you can shift unconscious reactions into conscious responses to increase feelings of a strong sense of self, interdependence, and connection to both self and others.
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF THINKING... "I wish I hadn't reacted that way. ​I feel like I am giving too much of myself to others. I feel burnt out. I wish I had a stronger sense of self. I've heard about intergenerational trauma, but I'm not sure what that might look like." If any of those statements sounded familiar, then you're in the right place. I'm here to help you explore those thoughts and behaviors in a trauma-informed, creative, and individualized way. Let's get curious together.
I will then sit with you (and/or your family) and help you sift through where you can shift unconscious reactions into conscious responses to increase feelings of a strong sense of self, interdependence, and connection to both self and others.
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF THINKING... "I wish I hadn't reacted that way. ​I feel like I am giving too much of myself to others. I feel burnt out. I wish I had a stronger sense of self. I've heard about intergenerational trauma, but I'm not sure what that might look like." If any of those statements sounded familiar, then you're in the right place. I'm here to help you explore those thoughts and behaviors in a trauma-informed, creative, and individualized way. Let's get curious together.
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Photo of Helen Jackson - Vision Seekers of America PLLC, MS, LPC-A, LMHC-A
Vision Seekers of America PLLC
LPC Associate, MS, LPC-A, LMHC-A
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98122  (Online Only)
Going through rough transitions in life such as dealing with a disability, loss of someone, family conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, or identity issues can take a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. It is extremely challenging to have to deal with all these emotions with nobody to vent to and explore positive ways to deal with these issues. My ideal client is someone who understands and desires a better outlook on life and a better perspective of themselves. Even though you may be going through adjustment to new challenges that create stress, anxiety, or depression, there is always hope.
Going through rough transitions in life such as dealing with a disability, loss of someone, family conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, or identity issues can take a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. It is extremely challenging to have to deal with all these emotions with nobody to vent to and explore positive ways to deal with these issues. My ideal client is someone who understands and desires a better outlook on life and a better perspective of themselves. Even though you may be going through adjustment to new challenges that create stress, anxiety, or depression, there is always hope.
(206) 809-7611 View (206) 809-7611
Photo of Daniel Menely, LMHC, Counselor
Daniel Menely
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
As your therapist, I provide a warm and supportive space where you can talk freely without being judged. I won't just sit there – instead, I'll ask questions, offer suggestions, and reflect on what you share. Together, we'll work on dealing with the things that are bothering you in your everyday life, be it challenges with relationships, work, or family. Whether our work is one-on-one, with you two as a couple, my clients gain valuable insights and practical tools to get unstuck and move forward. Imagine leaving each session feeling understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life with confidence.
As your therapist, I provide a warm and supportive space where you can talk freely without being judged. I won't just sit there – instead, I'll ask questions, offer suggestions, and reflect on what you share. Together, we'll work on dealing with the things that are bothering you in your everyday life, be it challenges with relationships, work, or family. Whether our work is one-on-one, with you two as a couple, my clients gain valuable insights and practical tools to get unstuck and move forward. Imagine leaving each session feeling understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life with confidence.
(425) 842-0727 View (425) 842-0727
Photo of Catherine Wetzel Larkin, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Catherine Wetzel Larkin
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
Issues I work with include: Addiction and harm reduction; Managing stress, depression, anxiety; Mid-life issues and transitions; Couples, marriage and family counseling; Chronic illness; Professional development; Early marriage, pregnancy; Post-partum, early parenting; Adolescence and parenting of adolescents; Mindfulness practice and spiritual development.
I am a licensed Mental Health therapist ( WA license number: 00010994) with twenty five years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have a special interest in neuroscience and attachment theory in the context of helping individuals cope and heal from stress, trauma, and grief. I am also passionate about assisting people in developing healthy, authentic relationships, and in carving out their own unique life course. I believe that the relationship that is built between client and therapist is an important part of therapeutic growth and change.
Issues I work with include: Addiction and harm reduction; Managing stress, depression, anxiety; Mid-life issues and transitions; Couples, marriage and family counseling; Chronic illness; Professional development; Early marriage, pregnancy; Post-partum, early parenting; Adolescence and parenting of adolescents; Mindfulness practice and spiritual development.
I am a licensed Mental Health therapist ( WA license number: 00010994) with twenty five years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have a special interest in neuroscience and attachment theory in the context of helping individuals cope and heal from stress, trauma, and grief. I am also passionate about assisting people in developing healthy, authentic relationships, and in carving out their own unique life course. I believe that the relationship that is built between client and therapist is an important part of therapeutic growth and change.
(206) 347-8425 View (206) 347-8425
Photo of Jessa White, LMCHA, MA, RYT, Counselor
Jessa White
Counselor, LMCHA, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
Monday at 4:00pm available in person or online- Thursday at 3:00 in person or online ———-I’ve found that therapy is most powerful when there is a combination of traditional western methodology and eastern philosophy practices. Together, we’ll discuss who you are. I’ll form questions that provide insight into your systems, and patterns. We’ll discuss family of origin. Time and time again. We’ll talk about diet; we’ll talk about love. We’ll discuss death. Together we’ll uncover aspects of your human experience and award you the opportunity to look further inward.
Monday at 4:00pm available in person or online- Thursday at 3:00 in person or online ———-I’ve found that therapy is most powerful when there is a combination of traditional western methodology and eastern philosophy practices. Together, we’ll discuss who you are. I’ll form questions that provide insight into your systems, and patterns. We’ll discuss family of origin. Time and time again. We’ll talk about diet; we’ll talk about love. We’ll discuss death. Together we’ll uncover aspects of your human experience and award you the opportunity to look further inward.
(206) 761-0670 View (206) 761-0670
Photo of Julia N. Bonnheim, MA, LMHC
Julia N. Bonnheim
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
I have experience working with people struggling to navigate complicated family, romantic, peer, and work relationships; manage anxiety and depression; cope with fertility issues, pregnancy, and the postpartum period; examine identity and sense of self; and navigate life transitions like marriage, parenthood, career changes and more.
Our lives are complicated. They’re full of complicated relationships, conflicts over what we want, struggles in how we see ourselves and others, and questions about satisfaction and meaning in life. In therapy, we have the opportunity to understand these painful dilemmas and better know our own minds. We can discover new ways of looking at our experiences, relationships, and internal world, and create a freer, more flexible, and more authentic life. I work with a wide variety of people and particularly enjoy working with those who are curious about themselves and interested in working collaboratively towards self-understanding.
I have experience working with people struggling to navigate complicated family, romantic, peer, and work relationships; manage anxiety and depression; cope with fertility issues, pregnancy, and the postpartum period; examine identity and sense of self; and navigate life transitions like marriage, parenthood, career changes and more.
Our lives are complicated. They’re full of complicated relationships, conflicts over what we want, struggles in how we see ourselves and others, and questions about satisfaction and meaning in life. In therapy, we have the opportunity to understand these painful dilemmas and better know our own minds. We can discover new ways of looking at our experiences, relationships, and internal world, and create a freer, more flexible, and more authentic life. I work with a wide variety of people and particularly enjoy working with those who are curious about themselves and interested in working collaboratively towards self-understanding.
(206) 202-9792 View (206) 202-9792
Photo of China Bolden Jarvis, PhD, LMHCA, Counselor
China Bolden Jarvis
Counselor, PhD, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
If you, a loved one or your family are struggling with managing emotions, behavior, and/or struggling with symptoms related to interpersonal trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidality, I am here to help.
I work with teens, young adults and families struggling with a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges. I believe that each individual is doing the best they can in this moment. I use a collaborative, authentic approach to engage clients in evidence-informed interventions that help increase functioning and build lives that are meaningful and worth living.
If you, a loved one or your family are struggling with managing emotions, behavior, and/or struggling with symptoms related to interpersonal trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidality, I am here to help.
I work with teens, young adults and families struggling with a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges. I believe that each individual is doing the best they can in this moment. I use a collaborative, authentic approach to engage clients in evidence-informed interventions that help increase functioning and build lives that are meaningful and worth living.
(206) 887-0903 View (206) 887-0903
Photo of Emily Preston - Emily Preston, MA, LMHC, PLLC, MA, LMHC, PLLC, Counselor
Emily Preston, MA, LMHC, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, PLLC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136  (Online Only)
Your uncomfortable symptoms may be what send you to therapy, but they can also serve you. You may feel overwhelmed or confused, and yet this is also an invitation for hope, curiosity, insight, and self-compassion. It is an opportunity to be able to access some of the deepest realms of yourself, to heal, and to move forward with greater confidence in your life. I work with individuals of all ages, and provide support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adoption, trauma, body image and eating disorders, life transitions, individuation, co-dependence, overall work and family stress, and multicultural issues.
Your uncomfortable symptoms may be what send you to therapy, but they can also serve you. You may feel overwhelmed or confused, and yet this is also an invitation for hope, curiosity, insight, and self-compassion. It is an opportunity to be able to access some of the deepest realms of yourself, to heal, and to move forward with greater confidence in your life. I work with individuals of all ages, and provide support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adoption, trauma, body image and eating disorders, life transitions, individuation, co-dependence, overall work and family stress, and multicultural issues.
(425) 276-7073 View (425) 276-7073
Photo of Horizon Therapy Seattle - Jen Davis, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Horizon Therapy Seattle - Jen Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98133
My approach is rooted in systemic couple and family therapy treatment orientations and experiential treatment modalities.
As a couple, family, & individual therapist, I honor the importance of our inherent human need to be in fulfilling connection with others and ourselves. And I recognize how difficult this can sometimes be. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your partner, overwhelmed by the level of conflict in your day-to-day family interactions, going through a major life transition, or seeking individual therapy to explore how past hurt and current challenges are constraining you from more fully inhabiting your life, therapy can be a powerful tool for growth. I offer a free consultation to explore our possible work together.
My approach is rooted in systemic couple and family therapy treatment orientations and experiential treatment modalities.
As a couple, family, & individual therapist, I honor the importance of our inherent human need to be in fulfilling connection with others and ourselves. And I recognize how difficult this can sometimes be. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your partner, overwhelmed by the level of conflict in your day-to-day family interactions, going through a major life transition, or seeking individual therapy to explore how past hurt and current challenges are constraining you from more fully inhabiting your life, therapy can be a powerful tool for growth. I offer a free consultation to explore our possible work together.
(206) 752-5538 View (206) 752-5538
Photo of Angie Marie Milano, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Angie Marie Milano
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98126  (Online Only)
Hey there- I hope you and your family are remaining safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am an adolescent and adult therapist specializing in ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment issues. Please take a look at my website and reach out if/when you are ready. https://www.milanotherapy.com/
Hey there- I hope you and your family are remaining safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am an adolescent and adult therapist specializing in ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment issues. Please take a look at my website and reach out if/when you are ready. https://www.milanotherapy.com/
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Pamela Krueger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, LMFT, REAT, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104
As a therapist, Pamela meets people where they are, honors each individual’s expertise in themselves, avoids making assumptions, practices cultural humility, listens deeply, offers creative experiments in support of client goals, provides resources to promote nervous system calm functioning, moves at the speed of trust, and generally offers experiences toward awakened wholeness and eudaemonic (the intersection of meaning, growth, expressiveness, and self-actualization in life) well-being. Pamela is dual licensed as a marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor, and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist.
As a therapist, Pamela meets people where they are, honors each individual’s expertise in themselves, avoids making assumptions, practices cultural humility, listens deeply, offers creative experiments in support of client goals, provides resources to promote nervous system calm functioning, moves at the speed of trust, and generally offers experiences toward awakened wholeness and eudaemonic (the intersection of meaning, growth, expressiveness, and self-actualization in life) well-being. Pamela is dual licensed as a marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor, and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist.
(253) 528-5621 View (253) 528-5621
Photo of Eric Deeter, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Eric Deeter
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119
Using a variety of modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I hope to create a holistic approach that addresses the context and complexity of life, and the relationships around us.
By understanding yourself in a deeper way, I strive for clients to have better intimacy, communication, and satisfaction from their relationships and internal world. I believe change happens when we leverage your curiosity to co-create an environment where awareness, honesty, and freedom can occur. I am especially passionate partnering with client’s who have a drive for their own transformation through curiously engaging their story, journey, and style of relating.
Using a variety of modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I hope to create a holistic approach that addresses the context and complexity of life, and the relationships around us.
By understanding yourself in a deeper way, I strive for clients to have better intimacy, communication, and satisfaction from their relationships and internal world. I believe change happens when we leverage your curiosity to co-create an environment where awareness, honesty, and freedom can occur. I am especially passionate partnering with client’s who have a drive for their own transformation through curiously engaging their story, journey, and style of relating.
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Photo of Marshan Moultry, MA, LMFT, MHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marshan Moultry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98178  (Online Only)
I have a Master's degree from Seattle University and am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and MHP.
For the past 24 years, I have journeyed with individuals, couples and families through conflict and trauma. Many of our current problematic behaviors, thoughts, and worldviews have their root in past relationships or experiences that were emotionally or psychologically damaging. In our work together, I'll help you to explore and overcome some of these emotional and psychological blocks. My passion is to hold each person's complexities, identify contributing factors, and provide the best treatment to help them accomplish their goals.
I have a Master's degree from Seattle University and am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and MHP.
For the past 24 years, I have journeyed with individuals, couples and families through conflict and trauma. Many of our current problematic behaviors, thoughts, and worldviews have their root in past relationships or experiences that were emotionally or psychologically damaging. In our work together, I'll help you to explore and overcome some of these emotional and psychological blocks. My passion is to hold each person's complexities, identify contributing factors, and provide the best treatment to help them accomplish their goals.
(425) 546-0704 View (425) 546-0704
Photo of Melanie Ortiz, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melanie Ortiz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98122  (Online Only)
I offer compassionate and collaborative therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are in need of support while navigating challenges. I work with clients who have experienced trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, negative self-image and self-talk. I address complexities within peer / intimate relationships, family dynamics in the home, school, and community setting, and develop tools to establish healthy communication. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to heal. Drawing from a client-centered approach, I hope to guide clients towards empowerment, ability to identify triggers, and develop healthy boundaries.
I offer compassionate and collaborative therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are in need of support while navigating challenges. I work with clients who have experienced trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, negative self-image and self-talk. I address complexities within peer / intimate relationships, family dynamics in the home, school, and community setting, and develop tools to establish healthy communication. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to heal. Drawing from a client-centered approach, I hope to guide clients towards empowerment, ability to identify triggers, and develop healthy boundaries.
(360) 657-9654 View (360) 657-9654
Photo of Theresa Nuccio, LICSW, LMT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Nuccio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98136
Humanistic psychology and family systems are the foundation of much of the psychotherapy that I offer.
I offer an integrative approach to individuals and couples seeking solutions and insight into their life challenges. Client-centered psychotherapy is the basis of my work for concerns such as anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress, family stressors, relationship issues, difficulties with self-esteem, grief and loss, or life transition. I work with couples, individual adults, and young adults (18+) and provide both short-term and long-term psychotherapy approaches. I have experience with clients who are either in recovery from an addiction themselves or have a family member struggling with these concerns.
Humanistic psychology and family systems are the foundation of much of the psychotherapy that I offer.
I offer an integrative approach to individuals and couples seeking solutions and insight into their life challenges. Client-centered psychotherapy is the basis of my work for concerns such as anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress, family stressors, relationship issues, difficulties with self-esteem, grief and loss, or life transition. I work with couples, individual adults, and young adults (18+) and provide both short-term and long-term psychotherapy approaches. I have experience with clients who are either in recovery from an addiction themselves or have a family member struggling with these concerns.
(206) 965-8019 View (206) 965-8019
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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.