Photo of Christina Kim, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Christina Kim
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are feeling frustrated, feeling misunderstood and not yourself lately. Maybe you are a first-time parent (or fourth!) navigating how to juggle all your other identities with your new parent role. Maybe you are trying to work out some generational differences with your parents. Maybe you just want to be able to talk to your partner, sibling, in-laws, or metamour and feel seen, heard, and understood. If you are struggling to be on the same page with your loved ones and are interested in creating a more harmonious relationship, I am here for you. Whatever it may be, I am here to listen.
Perhaps you are feeling frustrated, feeling misunderstood and not yourself lately. Maybe you are a first-time parent (or fourth!) navigating how to juggle all your other identities with your new parent role. Maybe you are trying to work out some generational differences with your parents. Maybe you just want to be able to talk to your partner, sibling, in-laws, or metamour and feel seen, heard, and understood. If you are struggling to be on the same page with your loved ones and are interested in creating a more harmonious relationship, I am here for you. Whatever it may be, I am here to listen.
(858) 567-1540 View (858) 567-1540
Photo of Sara Martineau, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94025, CA
Sara Martineau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Wellbeing is our birthright, though it may not always feel like it. Like cement over the earth, years of social conditioning and trauma can cloud our innate vitality. We may notice habits of stressing against life's challenges, or feel caught in patterns of thought or behavior that we know deep down don't serve us. Moving into harmony with life as it unfolds and awakening inner resources of wellbeing is possible for all of us is, regardless of identity or condition.
Wellbeing is our birthright, though it may not always feel like it. Like cement over the earth, years of social conditioning and trauma can cloud our innate vitality. We may notice habits of stressing against life's challenges, or feel caught in patterns of thought or behavior that we know deep down don't serve us. Moving into harmony with life as it unfolds and awakening inner resources of wellbeing is possible for all of us is, regardless of identity or condition.
(530) 412-5820 View (530) 412-5820
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.