Therapists in Toronto, ON
Kiarmin Lari
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
I have an integrative approach to psychotherapy mainly focused on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and also integrate DBT, CBT, and ACT when appropriate.
I work from a warm and strength-based approach to get to know you and explore what works best for you. I primarily work with adults and young adults with issues related to relationships, queer, trans and 2SLGBQ experiences, immigration and adjustment, and disordered eating and body image. I identify as a Middle Eastern/Iranian immigrant, I can provide psychotherapy in English and Farsi, and I welcome working with you to integrate your spirituality into your care should you want this.
I have an integrative approach to psychotherapy mainly focused on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and also integrate DBT, CBT, and ACT when appropriate.
I work from a warm and strength-based approach to get to know you and explore what works best for you. I primarily work with adults and young adults with issues related to relationships, queer, trans and 2SLGBQ experiences, immigration and adjustment, and disordered eating and body image. I identify as a Middle Eastern/Iranian immigrant, I can provide psychotherapy in English and Farsi, and I welcome working with you to integrate your spirituality into your care should you want this.
Amy O'Leary
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
Taking new clients for evenings and weekends! As a therapist, I treat adults seeking support with their sexual orientation or gender identity, along with the challenges of coming out. I also treat symptoms such as anxiety, and depression, or are seeking assistance in family conflicts. As a member of the WPATH, I can offer letters for adults seeking gender-affirming care services that require a therapist's letter. Lastly, those who come to see me want to look deep into themselves, and set goals to parse through their internal judgments to see how our negative experiences with others and society have impacted our own self-esteem.
Taking new clients for evenings and weekends! As a therapist, I treat adults seeking support with their sexual orientation or gender identity, along with the challenges of coming out. I also treat symptoms such as anxiety, and depression, or are seeking assistance in family conflicts. As a member of the WPATH, I can offer letters for adults seeking gender-affirming care services that require a therapist's letter. Lastly, those who come to see me want to look deep into themselves, and set goals to parse through their internal judgments to see how our negative experiences with others and society have impacted our own self-esteem.
Nicole Penak
Registered Social Worker, PhD, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
Hi I’m Nicole, Ive been a psychotherapist for over 15 years. It’s an honour to wade with people into the love & fear, pain & beauty, messy & magic of life. As a therapist with extensive experience within diverse communities & practice settings, I’ve supported folks like you, through life’s incredible joys & hardships. From self discovery, grief & loss, trauma, relationships, family conflict, social inequities, gender & sexuality, life transitions, depression, anxiety, illness. As well as supporting other therapists & community workers to care for themselves & others through their own therapy, or clinical supervision & consultation.
Hi I’m Nicole, Ive been a psychotherapist for over 15 years. It’s an honour to wade with people into the love & fear, pain & beauty, messy & magic of life. As a therapist with extensive experience within diverse communities & practice settings, I’ve supported folks like you, through life’s incredible joys & hardships. From self discovery, grief & loss, trauma, relationships, family conflict, social inequities, gender & sexuality, life transitions, depression, anxiety, illness. As well as supporting other therapists & community workers to care for themselves & others through their own therapy, or clinical supervision & consultation.
Sarah Elisabeth Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4K (Online Only)
I am Level 3 Certified in IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist and my skillset lies in healing acute complex and relational trauma.
Congratulations for finding the strength to start the process of healing and transformation. Are you seeking a kind guide and compassionate support to find your way through some difficult or challenging territory? Or perhaps you are carrying something that you need to set down? Sometimes emotions can be profoundly powerful and maybe you would like to feel a sense of mastery over your system again. Maybe you know something is just not right but it is hard to define in a way that releases it.
I am Level 3 Certified in IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist and my skillset lies in healing acute complex and relational trauma.
Congratulations for finding the strength to start the process of healing and transformation. Are you seeking a kind guide and compassionate support to find your way through some difficult or challenging territory? Or perhaps you are carrying something that you need to set down? Sometimes emotions can be profoundly powerful and maybe you would like to feel a sense of mastery over your system again. Maybe you know something is just not right but it is hard to define in a way that releases it.
ThriveWell Counselling Inc.
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RPQ, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5S
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or down? Do negative beliefs, experiences or pain feel like daily events? Does hurt from the past seem to replay itself? Are you navigating rough waters with school, work or relationships? ThriveWell Counselling is here to help. We provide individual, couple and family counselling and psychotherapy related to trauma, attachment, LGBTQ identities and hoarding/clutter support. ThriveWell Counselling helps you confidently live a more peaceful life, both inside & out! ThriveWell has skilled counsellors taking new clients, as well as counsellors-in-training that offer high-quality support at reduced rates.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or down? Do negative beliefs, experiences or pain feel like daily events? Does hurt from the past seem to replay itself? Are you navigating rough waters with school, work or relationships? ThriveWell Counselling is here to help. We provide individual, couple and family counselling and psychotherapy related to trauma, attachment, LGBTQ identities and hoarding/clutter support. ThriveWell Counselling helps you confidently live a more peaceful life, both inside & out! ThriveWell has skilled counsellors taking new clients, as well as counsellors-in-training that offer high-quality support at reduced rates.
X T Belcastro
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
I'm queer & neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a queer &/or trans person? Are you looking to untangle your understanding of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism & BPD? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
I'm queer & neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a queer &/or trans person? Are you looking to untangle your understanding of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism & BPD? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
Luc Lincoln Grey
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA (S), RP (Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G
I do so by facilitating a person-centred integrated approach informed by values of narrative and interpersonal therapy and internal family systems.
Is someone who has a sense of curiosity and brings intention and willingness to explore the areas that are important to them. This person is aware of or beginning their journey of understanding their social location, and values and can contribute to a respectful therapeutic dynamic. This person is open to a therapeutic space where collaboration and feedback are mutually appreciated. An ideal perspective would be someone who is open to exploring an integrative approach to their treatment experience while able to communicate the approach/approaches that align with their values/needs.
I do so by facilitating a person-centred integrated approach informed by values of narrative and interpersonal therapy and internal family systems.
Is someone who has a sense of curiosity and brings intention and willingness to explore the areas that are important to them. This person is aware of or beginning their journey of understanding their social location, and values and can contribute to a respectful therapeutic dynamic. This person is open to a therapeutic space where collaboration and feedback are mutually appreciated. An ideal perspective would be someone who is open to exploring an integrative approach to their treatment experience while able to communicate the approach/approaches that align with their values/needs.
Victor Costa
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4P (Online Only)
I was lucky to find my passion for social work early in life, coming from a family of social workers who specialized in marginalized youth. I decided early on that I too wanted to pursue a career that made a positive impact on the world and helped people to overcome their struggles and create a meaningful and empowered future. Overcoming my own personal struggles solidified my desire and passion for social work. I consider it a privilege to work with others coping with similar difficulties in their lives, and guiding them in their journey of overcoming their own struggles.
I was lucky to find my passion for social work early in life, coming from a family of social workers who specialized in marginalized youth. I decided early on that I too wanted to pursue a career that made a positive impact on the world and helped people to overcome their struggles and create a meaningful and empowered future. Overcoming my own personal struggles solidified my desire and passion for social work. I consider it a privilege to work with others coping with similar difficulties in their lives, and guiding them in their journey of overcoming their own struggles.
Chris Spiess
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4C (Online Only)
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S Queer and Trans youth and adults
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S Queer and Trans youth and adults
Ping San Chi
Registered Social Worker, MSocSc, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R
With a decade of experience, I specialize in helping overcome challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, and self-exploration.
I believe that everyone has the potential to heal, grow, and change. I believe that we all have our own unique story. Just like a locked door, our struggles can seem insurmountable at times. But with the right support and guidance, we can find the key to unlock these barriers and live more freely. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your challenges, tap into your inner strengths, and achieve your goals. Using a strengths-based approach, I provide a supportive and collaborative partnership to help you develop new skills and insights for a more fulfilling life.
With a decade of experience, I specialize in helping overcome challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, and self-exploration.
I believe that everyone has the potential to heal, grow, and change. I believe that we all have our own unique story. Just like a locked door, our struggles can seem insurmountable at times. But with the right support and guidance, we can find the key to unlock these barriers and live more freely. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your challenges, tap into your inner strengths, and achieve your goals. Using a strengths-based approach, I provide a supportive and collaborative partnership to help you develop new skills and insights for a more fulfilling life.
LGBTQ+ therapy online, Rainbowcounselling
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
Are you, your relationship or family looking for a therapist with experience & knowledge of 2SLGBTQ+ identities? Rainbowcounselling is a completely virtual 2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling practice which supports folks all over Ontario, Canada. We value anti-oppressive and trauma informed approaches to counselling. Our therapists understand the importance of bridging the gap in accessible mental health care for queer and transgender folks & those in close relationships to the community. Our therapists specialize in topics including: Neurodivergent Identities, Relationships, Trauma, Infidelity, Betrayal, Exploring Sexuality & Gender.
Are you, your relationship or family looking for a therapist with experience & knowledge of 2SLGBTQ+ identities? Rainbowcounselling is a completely virtual 2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling practice which supports folks all over Ontario, Canada. We value anti-oppressive and trauma informed approaches to counselling. Our therapists understand the importance of bridging the gap in accessible mental health care for queer and transgender folks & those in close relationships to the community. Our therapists specialize in topics including: Neurodivergent Identities, Relationships, Trauma, Infidelity, Betrayal, Exploring Sexuality & Gender.
15 Second Videos
ThriveWell Counselling Inc.
X T Belcastro
Ping San Chi
Charlotte Shipley
David Moulton
The Heart of Healing Counselling Services
Tara Jane Wodelet
The Heart of Healing
EmotionMatters Psychology
NKS Therapy
Hatch-Me Therapy & Counselling Services
Jon Lewis
Desiree Brown
Devon Church RN, Psychotherapy - Sex Therapy
Francy Fang Wang
Shiva Safari
Rachel Bingham
Melanie Katz
Karlie Chalmers
Shannon Moroney
Tara McMahon
Melissa Mulongoy
Mat Dean
Lynne Protain
Anna Riddell
Blue Rabbit Psychotherapy
Mental Health Support
Shift Collab | We'll find your perfect fit!
Andrei Reznikov
Brent Mulrooney
Lynda Ceresne
Samantha Paterson
Kathy Vance
Glimmer Health | Your Therapy Team
Chantelle Maubert-Stewart
Amma Gyamfowa
Meagan Szwed
Max Tkachenko
Heyday Therapy Inc
North Star Therapy
Sara Marlowe
Sajedeh Zahraei
Sari Shaicovitch
Heather McPherson & Associates
Upstairs Counselling Services
Emily Taylor
Sandra Godoy
Jessica Bouma
Benjamin Rubinoff
Neuroinclusive
Samer Lazkani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, HBSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
I combine deep care and empathy while drawing from different clinical orientations that include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto Scarborough in 2017 and a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in 2023. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I volunteered in several organization that supported various populations including Toronto Distress Centres and YMCA’s Newcomer Information Centre. I also worked at the HIV Prevention Lab supporting sexual health of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.
I combine deep care and empathy while drawing from different clinical orientations that include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto Scarborough in 2017 and a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in 2023. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I volunteered in several organization that supported various populations including Toronto Distress Centres and YMCA’s Newcomer Information Centre. I also worked at the HIV Prevention Lab supporting sexual health of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.
Charlotte Shipley
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
I'm a queer, disabled, neurodivergent, self-identified weirdo who knows how important it is to have a therapist who 'gets it' and who you 'click' with! Are you having a hard time finding a therapist who has lived experience similar to yours? Do you want to explore your queer identity, find your voice or break an unhelpful pattern? Are you navigating complex relationships with family as you break those intergenerational trauma cycles? Were you recently diagnosed with ADHD or ASD or just feel like an outlier? I got you! Together let's shed those layers of unworthiness and get you feeling confident about who you are and what you want!
I'm a queer, disabled, neurodivergent, self-identified weirdo who knows how important it is to have a therapist who 'gets it' and who you 'click' with! Are you having a hard time finding a therapist who has lived experience similar to yours? Do you want to explore your queer identity, find your voice or break an unhelpful pattern? Are you navigating complex relationships with family as you break those intergenerational trauma cycles? Were you recently diagnosed with ADHD or ASD or just feel like an outlier? I got you! Together let's shed those layers of unworthiness and get you feeling confident about who you are and what you want!
David Moulton
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5T
I address all aspects of my clients' lives including friendships, family, culture and spirituality.
I work with adults who are feeling stressed: they may worry, panic or feel shy in social situations, may try to be perfect, may feel badly about themselves, or wish to express themselves more effectively, or to set clearer boundaries with others, or to be more assertive. I also work with people from the straight and LGBTQ communities who are experiencing challenges in their relationships, with sexuality, sexual orientation, alternative relationships, alternative sexualities, and gender. Many experience these challenges, but some may lose a sense of balance in their lives or the ability to enjoy life and relationships while trying to sort out their concerns.
I address all aspects of my clients' lives including friendships, family, culture and spirituality.
I work with adults who are feeling stressed: they may worry, panic or feel shy in social situations, may try to be perfect, may feel badly about themselves, or wish to express themselves more effectively, or to set clearer boundaries with others, or to be more assertive. I also work with people from the straight and LGBTQ communities who are experiencing challenges in their relationships, with sexuality, sexual orientation, alternative relationships, alternative sexualities, and gender. Many experience these challenges, but some may lose a sense of balance in their lives or the ability to enjoy life and relationships while trying to sort out their concerns.
The Heart of Healing Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
Anxiety, loneliness, burnout, stress, family, ADHD, trauma, or life transitions (to name a few) … if you need help with any of these, you've come to the right place. We have extensive training to help you find solutions or provide a listening ear. We've worked with people from diverse backgrounds and ages and what’s most important to know is that at the heart of healing… is connection. Whether it's connecting with loved ones or seeking guidance from a counselor, creating a safe space is key to inspiring change. Let us support you in making positive changes and living your best life.
Anxiety, loneliness, burnout, stress, family, ADHD, trauma, or life transitions (to name a few) … if you need help with any of these, you've come to the right place. We have extensive training to help you find solutions or provide a listening ear. We've worked with people from diverse backgrounds and ages and what’s most important to know is that at the heart of healing… is connection. Whether it's connecting with loved ones or seeking guidance from a counselor, creating a safe space is key to inspiring change. Let us support you in making positive changes and living your best life.
Ruti Ingerman
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4E
I've been a therapist for over 15 years, working with adults, caregivers, youth and children. The themes I work with include relational difficulties, family conflict, parenting, life transitions, loss, trauma, immigration, sexual orientation, anxiety and depression. I believe culture, gender, race and other identities play a role in our lives, as do safety, connection and trust. I aim to honour and create space for these qualities and my style is collaborative and conversational. I believe in lived experiences and try to bring mine, being a queer immigrant parent, to practice. I also offer therapy in English and Hebrew.
I've been a therapist for over 15 years, working with adults, caregivers, youth and children. The themes I work with include relational difficulties, family conflict, parenting, life transitions, loss, trauma, immigration, sexual orientation, anxiety and depression. I believe culture, gender, race and other identities play a role in our lives, as do safety, connection and trust. I aim to honour and create space for these qualities and my style is collaborative and conversational. I believe in lived experiences and try to bring mine, being a queer immigrant parent, to practice. I also offer therapy in English and Hebrew.
Tara Jane Wodelet
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5C (Online Only)
I am skilled in working with clients across a broad range of concerns, including overall mental health, life transition, grief/loss, complex and family trauma, gender and sexuality, and attachment related struggles.
Welcome! I am a queer and gender expansive therapist, offering individual online therapy across most Canadian jurisdictions. I offer a contextualizing, self-compassionate, and strengths based approach. While life's hardships will never disappear, I can help you come to more peace and aliveness within yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to be seen, heard, and grow within. Therapy is kind of like detangling a big ball of yarn; it can be both hard yet relieving (you're not broken, just tangled!), and ultimately allows room for more consciousness/choice to flow in: now that your threads are free, what would you like to weave?
I am skilled in working with clients across a broad range of concerns, including overall mental health, life transition, grief/loss, complex and family trauma, gender and sexuality, and attachment related struggles.
Welcome! I am a queer and gender expansive therapist, offering individual online therapy across most Canadian jurisdictions. I offer a contextualizing, self-compassionate, and strengths based approach. While life's hardships will never disappear, I can help you come to more peace and aliveness within yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to be seen, heard, and grow within. Therapy is kind of like detangling a big ball of yarn; it can be both hard yet relieving (you're not broken, just tangled!), and ultimately allows room for more consciousness/choice to flow in: now that your threads are free, what would you like to weave?
Elisa Gores
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4K
Waitlist for new clients
I am a registered social worker focusing on helping people address relationship concerns, sex and sexuality, infertility and family building, as well as general mental health concerns. I strive to empower clients to forge their own path toward healing with kindness, empathy, humour, and creativity. I welcome members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, all relationship structures, including non-monogamy and polyamory, and am committed to fostering an anti-oppressive, sex/kink-positive, trauma-informed practice.
I am a registered social worker focusing on helping people address relationship concerns, sex and sexuality, infertility and family building, as well as general mental health concerns. I strive to empower clients to forge their own path toward healing with kindness, empathy, humour, and creativity. I welcome members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, all relationship structures, including non-monogamy and polyamory, and am committed to fostering an anti-oppressive, sex/kink-positive, trauma-informed practice.
Building Bridges Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
For more information on how we do individual, couple, or family therapy, feel free to view our website.
We are a diverse team of over 40 licensed and experienced therapists! We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We help individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their heads that need to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
For more information on how we do individual, couple, or family therapy, feel free to view our website.
We are a diverse team of over 40 licensed and experienced therapists! We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We help individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their heads that need to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
Esther Persaud
RN, BScN, CMT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4L
family, work, and social.
Whether we identify as male, female, transgendered, non-binary, mother, father, or other. I know one thing for sure; we are humans playing a part in this game of life. We all practice being human, unconsciously and/or consciously. We all experience life's most difficult trials and troubles and yes, we also experience joy. This is immutable. Given this reality, how can we live our life optimally, rich with purpose and fulfillment while balancing the curve balls, the numbness, the stress, the cravings, or the hurt? The truth is, you can do it. We can do it together. Sometimes all you need is a patient helping hand.
family, work, and social.
Whether we identify as male, female, transgendered, non-binary, mother, father, or other. I know one thing for sure; we are humans playing a part in this game of life. We all practice being human, unconsciously and/or consciously. We all experience life's most difficult trials and troubles and yes, we also experience joy. This is immutable. Given this reality, how can we live our life optimally, rich with purpose and fulfillment while balancing the curve balls, the numbness, the stress, the cravings, or the hurt? The truth is, you can do it. We can do it together. Sometimes all you need is a patient helping hand.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Family Therapy Counsellors
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.