Photo of Negar Afshar, PsyD, Psychologist
Negar Afshar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My therapeutic approach is personalized to meet each client’s needs while focusing on principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems.
I've always been passionate about working with children and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in an individual's life from an early age. I hope to provide the space, comfort, and time for children to foster their resilience and thrive to their full potential. I pride myself on being relatable, while also offering the guidance and expertise that parents hope for. I provide child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and conduct assessments focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
My therapeutic approach is personalized to meet each client’s needs while focusing on principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems.
I've always been passionate about working with children and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in an individual's life from an early age. I hope to provide the space, comfort, and time for children to foster their resilience and thrive to their full potential. I pride myself on being relatable, while also offering the guidance and expertise that parents hope for. I provide child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and conduct assessments focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
(310) 861-4636 View (310) 861-4636
Photo of Tracy A. Pollack, PsyD, MSEd, Psychologist
Tracy A. Pollack
Psychologist, PsyD, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. I offer a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your life. My specialties include eating disorders and body image issues, also self-injurious behaviors. My practice also focuses on women's issues such as those related to beginning a family, fertility challenges and perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I am EMDR trained and incorporate as needed
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. I offer a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your life. My specialties include eating disorders and body image issues, also self-injurious behaviors. My practice also focuses on women's issues such as those related to beginning a family, fertility challenges and perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I am EMDR trained and incorporate as needed
(424) 322-6709 View (424) 322-6709
Photo of Dr. Arlice Cleveland, PsyD, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Arlice Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I can assist and support you with problem-solving skills, traumas, and collaboratively work with you in obtaining new coping strategies for issues such as: Depression, anxiety, relational disruptions, unresolved childhood issues, stress management, and more. Many of my clients have shared that attending therapy with myself has helped them learn new techniques in self-management and personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and some of life daily stressors. I can work with you in achieving a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help you identify your true authentic self.
I can assist and support you with problem-solving skills, traumas, and collaboratively work with you in obtaining new coping strategies for issues such as: Depression, anxiety, relational disruptions, unresolved childhood issues, stress management, and more. Many of my clients have shared that attending therapy with myself has helped them learn new techniques in self-management and personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and some of life daily stressors. I can work with you in achieving a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help you identify your true authentic self.
(424) 373-8129 View (424) 373-8129
Photo of Maija E Vance, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Maija E Vance
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
I offer supportive counseling and strategizing in order to create a more peaceful environment for your neurodivergent family.
If you are feeling exhausted and hopeless about your situation, you are not alone. I will join with you to explore where you've gotten stuck and how you might move forward. My style is warm and caring, and I hope to create a space where you feel more and more at home week after week. I care deeply for my clients, and will truly come alongside you in your journey. I also have faith in the therapeutic process, and that you will uncover profound truths about yourself as we work together.
I offer supportive counseling and strategizing in order to create a more peaceful environment for your neurodivergent family.
If you are feeling exhausted and hopeless about your situation, you are not alone. I will join with you to explore where you've gotten stuck and how you might move forward. My style is warm and caring, and I hope to create a space where you feel more and more at home week after week. I care deeply for my clients, and will truly come alongside you in your journey. I also have faith in the therapeutic process, and that you will uncover profound truths about yourself as we work together.
(626) 268-0240 x435 View (626) 268-0240 x435
Photo of Itzel Molina-Kern, LMFT, MPH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Itzel Molina-Kern
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hi, I’m Itzel. I am a licensed psychotherapist in California and my native Costa Rica. I have completed Intensive Plus DBT training in addition to working at Clearview, a full DBT fidelity program. I obtained my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) and have spent 20 years in health and safety leadership roles in corporate and academic environments. In addition to my training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I have extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Solution-Driven Therapy,
Hi, I’m Itzel. I am a licensed psychotherapist in California and my native Costa Rica. I have completed Intensive Plus DBT training in addition to working at Clearview, a full DBT fidelity program. I obtained my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) and have spent 20 years in health and safety leadership roles in corporate and academic environments. In addition to my training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I have extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Solution-Driven Therapy,
(424) 484-4524 View (424) 484-4524
Photo of Dr. Margie Mirell, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Margie Mirell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Through my somatic therapy training, I can teach you the capacity to heal from complex traumas, family historical behavioral patterns, sexual trauma or PTSD.
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? To help you recover and gain a sense of healthy self-esteem, I have specialized techniques for dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, sexual issues, addiction, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. Sometimes we need to talk it out. Not for sympathy, but to find truth that guides us to our purpose and peace within ourselves. Discover satisfaction in every aspect of your life. I can teach you to avoid pain, change behavior patterns, and dialogue for more creative, productive, and healing solutions.
Through my somatic therapy training, I can teach you the capacity to heal from complex traumas, family historical behavioral patterns, sexual trauma or PTSD.
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? To help you recover and gain a sense of healthy self-esteem, I have specialized techniques for dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, sexual issues, addiction, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. Sometimes we need to talk it out. Not for sympathy, but to find truth that guides us to our purpose and peace within ourselves. Discover satisfaction in every aspect of your life. I can teach you to avoid pain, change behavior patterns, and dialogue for more creative, productive, and healing solutions.
(310) 773-0391 View (310) 773-0391
Photo of undefined - Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
(424) 246-2494 View (424) 246-2494
Photo of Sanam Shamtobi, PhD, Psychologist
Sanam Shamtobi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
We collaborate to identify areas of “stuck-ness” to create actionable steps towards change, and process the emotions that come up along the way. We are not often taught how to tolerate discomfort, but I want to help you reshape those feelings into pathways towards growth, self-esteem and fulfillment. Using evidenced based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Therapy, I hope to create a safe and goal-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on the client’s wellbeing and context.
We collaborate to identify areas of “stuck-ness” to create actionable steps towards change, and process the emotions that come up along the way. We are not often taught how to tolerate discomfort, but I want to help you reshape those feelings into pathways towards growth, self-esteem and fulfillment. Using evidenced based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Therapy, I hope to create a safe and goal-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on the client’s wellbeing and context.
(424) 788-2830 View (424) 788-2830
Photo of Julia Feil-Warren, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Feil-Warren
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am a licensed clinical social worker that uses a strength based and trauma informed approach to caring for my clients. My goal is to help you manage your anxiety, depression, anger and relationship issues. I have worked in community and public school-based settings providing individual and family therapy to children, teens and adults. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, solution-focused, problem-solving, mindfulness and grief and loss to help clients decrease and manage depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and relationship issues.
I am a licensed clinical social worker that uses a strength based and trauma informed approach to caring for my clients. My goal is to help you manage your anxiety, depression, anger and relationship issues. I have worked in community and public school-based settings providing individual and family therapy to children, teens and adults. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, solution-focused, problem-solving, mindfulness and grief and loss to help clients decrease and manage depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and relationship issues.
(310) 421-0784 View (310) 421-0784
Photo of Hayden Hunter, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Hayden Hunter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am happy you are here! Lotus flowers bloom after traversing through thick layers of mud. My goal is to help you understand blockages in your life holding you back from living an authentic and full life, help you make sense and create meaning from your experiences that propel you forward with purpose! My clients face anxiety/depression, life/career transitions, complex family/relationship dynamics, trauma related to dysfunctional dynamics present across family/professional/social/intimate relationships, families navigating divorce, individuals healing from narcissistic abuse, and parents looking to improve their parenting skills.
I am happy you are here! Lotus flowers bloom after traversing through thick layers of mud. My goal is to help you understand blockages in your life holding you back from living an authentic and full life, help you make sense and create meaning from your experiences that propel you forward with purpose! My clients face anxiety/depression, life/career transitions, complex family/relationship dynamics, trauma related to dysfunctional dynamics present across family/professional/social/intimate relationships, families navigating divorce, individuals healing from narcissistic abuse, and parents looking to improve their parenting skills.
(310) 362-4760 View (310) 362-4760
Photo of Elaine R. Gordon, PhD, Psychologist
Elaine R. Gordon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Having the specialized knowledge base involved in reproductive medicine and contemporary family building gives me a unique edge in helping families live healthy lives.
I take pride as a psychologist in the area of personal growth when dealing with life's challenges. This involves meeting your needs and starting where you are now and going from there. I work collaboratively in order for you to get to a 'better' place. I have accumulated a wealth of experience helping others combat challenges of not being able to have children by traditional means. I worked with patients exploring 'good' solutions to this heart-rending process. My goal involves helping individuals deal with the normal and not so normal life challenges of depression, self-esteem, anxiety, relationships, children, parents, and more.
Having the specialized knowledge base involved in reproductive medicine and contemporary family building gives me a unique edge in helping families live healthy lives.
I take pride as a psychologist in the area of personal growth when dealing with life's challenges. This involves meeting your needs and starting where you are now and going from there. I work collaboratively in order for you to get to a 'better' place. I have accumulated a wealth of experience helping others combat challenges of not being able to have children by traditional means. I worked with patients exploring 'good' solutions to this heart-rending process. My goal involves helping individuals deal with the normal and not so normal life challenges of depression, self-esteem, anxiety, relationships, children, parents, and more.
(310) 736-4729 View (310) 736-4729
Photo of Charles Scott Dewell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Charles Scott Dewell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Charles Dewell, M.A., LMFT I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals and couples, helping them navigate their relationship, career and personal issues. My mission is to provide a safe refuge where my clients feel understood and encouraged to persevere through the ebb and flow of life's challenges.
Charles Dewell, M.A., LMFT I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals and couples, helping them navigate their relationship, career and personal issues. My mission is to provide a safe refuge where my clients feel understood and encouraged to persevere through the ebb and flow of life's challenges.
(310) 773-3504 View (310) 773-3504
Photo of Jackson Varady, PsyD, Psychologist
Jackson Varady
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Building Emotional Resilience is key towards achieving a balanced life. You may be a parent dealing with the challenge of a defiant child, or a spouse suffering with a critical or distant partner. Perhaps you're a high-powered professional grappling with the demands of career and family, or a sensitive teenager navigating the precarious path towards young adulthood. In either case, whether it's relationship issues, difficult feelings, worrying thoughts, unwanted behaviors, or even just searching for answers to some of life's biggest questions, I can provide guidance, support, and wisdom towards realizing obtainable solutions.
Building Emotional Resilience is key towards achieving a balanced life. You may be a parent dealing with the challenge of a defiant child, or a spouse suffering with a critical or distant partner. Perhaps you're a high-powered professional grappling with the demands of career and family, or a sensitive teenager navigating the precarious path towards young adulthood. In either case, whether it's relationship issues, difficult feelings, worrying thoughts, unwanted behaviors, or even just searching for answers to some of life's biggest questions, I can provide guidance, support, and wisdom towards realizing obtainable solutions.
(424) 365-1106 View (424) 365-1106
Photo of Darcy Lubbers, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Darcy Lubbers
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
(310) 896-8889 View (310) 896-8889
Photo of Jon Sorensen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jon Sorensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
As a teacher, author, education researcher, and therapist I have seen how small changes in family dynamics, a marriage or a single person's sense of well-being can make a huge difference.
I work with clients struggling with severe trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety and a variety of life challenges. I have seen many learn to sleep deeply, break free of repetitive worrying thoughts, get excited about life and increase their health and energy. I feel honored that people share their stories with me and have found that no situation is ever without hope. Life can be so much better. If you choose to share with me, we will find a way together.
As a teacher, author, education researcher, and therapist I have seen how small changes in family dynamics, a marriage or a single person's sense of well-being can make a huge difference.
I work with clients struggling with severe trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety and a variety of life challenges. I have seen many learn to sleep deeply, break free of repetitive worrying thoughts, get excited about life and increase their health and energy. I feel honored that people share their stories with me and have found that no situation is ever without hope. Life can be so much better. If you choose to share with me, we will find a way together.
(310) 905-8859 View (310) 905-8859
Photo of Sherry Martyn, PhD, Psychologist
Sherry Martyn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Are you struggling emotionally from a divorce or other challenging life transitions? Are you feeling like life just isn’t working for you? Whether you are experiencing deep loss, sadness, or other intrusive feelings, please know that therapy can help. It is my passion to assist people in working through the difficult times in their lives. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I worked for 16 years in Family Law & Mediation assisting clients through the divorce process. I offer individual psychotherapy, divorce support & recovery counseling, couples counseling, and divorce support groups. I would be honored to work with you.
Are you struggling emotionally from a divorce or other challenging life transitions? Are you feeling like life just isn’t working for you? Whether you are experiencing deep loss, sadness, or other intrusive feelings, please know that therapy can help. It is my passion to assist people in working through the difficult times in their lives. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I worked for 16 years in Family Law & Mediation assisting clients through the divorce process. I offer individual psychotherapy, divorce support & recovery counseling, couples counseling, and divorce support groups. I would be honored to work with you.
(424) 581-0848 View (424) 581-0848
Photo of Nicole Bermensolo, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Bermensolo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
I see children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, strains in romantic and family relationships, low self-esteem and body image, unhealthy coping habits, and grief and loss.
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love.
I see children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, strains in romantic and family relationships, low self-esteem and body image, unhealthy coping habits, and grief and loss.
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love.
(323) 963-6977 View (323) 963-6977
Photo of Joe Davis, PhD, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joe Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Whether you are seeking individual, couple, adolescent, or family therapy, you can expect to find a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can work together to understand your difficulties and help you achieve emotional well being.
We try to make sense of our lives through telling our stories, but when we are unable to find the words, we express ourselves in other ways, such as in symptoms, dreams, and behaviors that we don't understand. My previous training in fine arts and filmmaking (MFA, USC School of Cinema) make an excellent fit with the type of in-depth therapy I provide. I have a wide range of professional experiences from my private practice, in residential and outpatient clinics, as an adjunct professor of psychology at Antioch University, and as a supervisor training other therapists.
Whether you are seeking individual, couple, adolescent, or family therapy, you can expect to find a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can work together to understand your difficulties and help you achieve emotional well being.
We try to make sense of our lives through telling our stories, but when we are unable to find the words, we express ourselves in other ways, such as in symptoms, dreams, and behaviors that we don't understand. My previous training in fine arts and filmmaking (MFA, USC School of Cinema) make an excellent fit with the type of in-depth therapy I provide. I have a wide range of professional experiences from my private practice, in residential and outpatient clinics, as an adjunct professor of psychology at Antioch University, and as a supervisor training other therapists.
(310) 879-5964 View (310) 879-5964
Photo of Ellyn Singer, PsyD, MFT, RN, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellyn Singer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Dr. Ellyn Singer has been working in mental health for nearly 29 years. Throughout the course of her career, Dr. Singer has treated adults/adolescents, couples and families experiencing depression, suicidality, anxiety, personality disorders and addictive behaviors. She currently works in an intensive psychiatric facility as an individual/ family therapist. Dr. Singer also trains/supervises associates in Maternal Mental Health, Family/Child Therapy.
Dr. Ellyn Singer has been working in mental health for nearly 29 years. Throughout the course of her career, Dr. Singer has treated adults/adolescents, couples and families experiencing depression, suicidality, anxiety, personality disorders and addictive behaviors. She currently works in an intensive psychiatric facility as an individual/ family therapist. Dr. Singer also trains/supervises associates in Maternal Mental Health, Family/Child Therapy.
(310) 956-4034 View (310) 956-4034
Photo of Cibele Sousa - Anxiety - Trauma - Somatic, MA, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cibele Sousa - Anxiety - Trauma - Somatic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
21 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My passion is in body psychotherapy. Clients enjoy our work connecting their body/inner strengths and their mind/rational strengths to achieve growth. My clients value the kindness, compassion, and safety I create, so they feel comfortable and heard. I have success working with clients that experience trauma and PTSD, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, conflict with others, life transitions, and parenting issues. Caregivers and family members of cancer patients find working with me helpful, healing, and nurturing. Clients that are not comfortable just talking really appreciate the tools I give them.
My passion is in body psychotherapy. Clients enjoy our work connecting their body/inner strengths and their mind/rational strengths to achieve growth. My clients value the kindness, compassion, and safety I create, so they feel comfortable and heard. I have success working with clients that experience trauma and PTSD, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, conflict with others, life transitions, and parenting issues. Caregivers and family members of cancer patients find working with me helpful, healing, and nurturing. Clients that are not comfortable just talking really appreciate the tools I give them.
(818) 699-9877 View (818) 699-9877

See more therapy options for Santa Monica

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.