Photo of Traci Freeman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94115, CA
Traci Freeman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
You don't have to be in crisis for therapy, it's good just to have someone to talk with. I believe Psychotherapy can be a “point in the right direction” to bring change, healing, and a new sense of hope into your life. This is a place you can talk about anything, where you can explore fears, frustrations, hopes and all the parts of yourself. I am a deep and attentive listener, as well as interactive. One of my goals is to give you my "toolbox" so you can manage life outside the office. My niche is couples therapy, relationship issues, family systems, communication and individuals who want to reach their potential.
You don't have to be in crisis for therapy, it's good just to have someone to talk with. I believe Psychotherapy can be a “point in the right direction” to bring change, healing, and a new sense of hope into your life. This is a place you can talk about anything, where you can explore fears, frustrations, hopes and all the parts of yourself. I am a deep and attentive listener, as well as interactive. One of my goals is to give you my "toolbox" so you can manage life outside the office. My niche is couples therapy, relationship issues, family systems, communication and individuals who want to reach their potential.
(415) 906-3264 View (415) 906-3264
Photo of Kimia Mansoor, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Kimia Mansoor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you feeling disappointed and dissatisfied with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family/relationship dynamics, grief, and chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
Are you feeling disappointed and dissatisfied with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family/relationship dynamics, grief, and chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
(415) 423-0335 View (415) 423-0335
Photo of India B. Gomez, Psychologist in 94115, CA
India B. Gomez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My approach to working with clients is integrative and tailored to meet your needs and preferences including influences from the following: Humanistic/Client-Centered, Psychodynamic/Object Relations/Relational, CBT/DBT, Family Systems, Recovery Oriented Care, Mindfulness, and Cultural Competency.
I am accepting clients for therapy, coaching, and testing. E-mail is the best way to reach me for a consultation. As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy and coaching for personal/professional growth. I work with clients to enhance coping with stress, bolster resiliency, and overcome obstacles to living more fully. I also specialize in psychological/personality and intellectual/academic testing and assessment. I have worked with clients of all ages from numerous intersecting ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as a wide range of sexual and gender orientations and various abilities/disabilities.
My approach to working with clients is integrative and tailored to meet your needs and preferences including influences from the following: Humanistic/Client-Centered, Psychodynamic/Object Relations/Relational, CBT/DBT, Family Systems, Recovery Oriented Care, Mindfulness, and Cultural Competency.
I am accepting clients for therapy, coaching, and testing. E-mail is the best way to reach me for a consultation. As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy and coaching for personal/professional growth. I work with clients to enhance coping with stress, bolster resiliency, and overcome obstacles to living more fully. I also specialize in psychological/personality and intellectual/academic testing and assessment. I have worked with clients of all ages from numerous intersecting ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as a wide range of sexual and gender orientations and various abilities/disabilities.
(925) 392-3428 View (925) 392-3428
Photo of Ashley Ah Hyun Lee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94115, CA
Ashley Ah Hyun Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
We specialize in Trauma and PTSD. We work with individual adults who have a long history of childhood trauma, sexual violence and abuse, difficult family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural differences with their parents, family members with substance use issues, social anxiety, phobia, and depression. We help you process what happened, attend to and be with your emotions without dissociating, and rather find relief from sharing the stories. We also work with people whose doctors have recommended seeking trauma therapy like EMDR therapy.
We specialize in Trauma and PTSD. We work with individual adults who have a long history of childhood trauma, sexual violence and abuse, difficult family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural differences with their parents, family members with substance use issues, social anxiety, phobia, and depression. We help you process what happened, attend to and be with your emotions without dissociating, and rather find relief from sharing the stories. We also work with people whose doctors have recommended seeking trauma therapy like EMDR therapy.
(650) 955-4312 View (650) 955-4312
Photo of Tim Kim, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Tim Kim
Psychologist, PsyD, MFA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I offer short and long term treatment of distressing psychological symptoms. Common symptoms include attentional difficulties, debilitating anxiety, lack of energy/motivation, overwhelming sadness and anger, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and psychosomatic symptoms. These symptoms often emerge in response to life transitions, intergenerational family dynamics, identity crisis, difficult or traumatic past events, racial trauma, or the loss of a relationship. An additional focus of my practice centers around issues of racial and ethnic identity, navigating interracial relationships, and immigration related issues.
I offer short and long term treatment of distressing psychological symptoms. Common symptoms include attentional difficulties, debilitating anxiety, lack of energy/motivation, overwhelming sadness and anger, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and psychosomatic symptoms. These symptoms often emerge in response to life transitions, intergenerational family dynamics, identity crisis, difficult or traumatic past events, racial trauma, or the loss of a relationship. An additional focus of my practice centers around issues of racial and ethnic identity, navigating interracial relationships, and immigration related issues.
(415) 853-9829 View (415) 853-9829
Photo of Ashli Bastiao, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94115, CA
Ashli Bastiao
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Let’s work together if you’re an adult suffering from depression, anxiety, difficult family dynamics, unhealthy relationships, experiencing cross-cultural challenges, transitions in life/school/career stages, gender/sexuality identity, anger, or just need overall support in working through interpersonal struggles and finding motivation.
As a therapist, I enjoy cultivating authentic relationships with clients and learning about the communities in which you both thrive in and have endured pain in. I’m curious about how you connect with others and how your past experiences impact your relationships and the energy you carry every day. Cross-cultural differences, family systems, and past trauma can make navigating our interpersonal relationships messy and cloud our thoughts. We’ll explore your narrative and the lens through which you see yourself to better understand and rebuild your relationship with yourself and others.
Let’s work together if you’re an adult suffering from depression, anxiety, difficult family dynamics, unhealthy relationships, experiencing cross-cultural challenges, transitions in life/school/career stages, gender/sexuality identity, anger, or just need overall support in working through interpersonal struggles and finding motivation.
As a therapist, I enjoy cultivating authentic relationships with clients and learning about the communities in which you both thrive in and have endured pain in. I’m curious about how you connect with others and how your past experiences impact your relationships and the energy you carry every day. Cross-cultural differences, family systems, and past trauma can make navigating our interpersonal relationships messy and cloud our thoughts. We’ll explore your narrative and the lens through which you see yourself to better understand and rebuild your relationship with yourself and others.
(415) 202-6960 View (415) 202-6960
Photo of German Cheung, Psychologist in 94115, CA
German Cheung
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Everyone is unique. Your thoughts, feelings and needs are shaped by your own background, family history, past interpersonal encounters and other significant events, including early child trauma. Psychotherapy is an emotional process. As we discuss your concerns, it will surface unexamined parts of your life of which you may not be aware or want to experience. My central role as your therapist is to help you talk about and understand more fully these unexamined thoughts, feelings, and needs in the context of your past, develop greater understanding, tolerance and acceptance, and to bring changes to your current situation.
Everyone is unique. Your thoughts, feelings and needs are shaped by your own background, family history, past interpersonal encounters and other significant events, including early child trauma. Psychotherapy is an emotional process. As we discuss your concerns, it will surface unexamined parts of your life of which you may not be aware or want to experience. My central role as your therapist is to help you talk about and understand more fully these unexamined thoughts, feelings, and needs in the context of your past, develop greater understanding, tolerance and acceptance, and to bring changes to your current situation.
(415) 649-1916 View (415) 649-1916
Photo of Erin Mullin, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Erin Mullin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Something is getting in the way of living the life you want to live. You want to be professionally successful, have good relationships with friends and family, contribute meaningfully to the world and even have some fun. Instead you may be suffering a barrage of negative thoughts about yourself, sabotaging work or relationships or feeling unbearably anxious. I can provide a supportive, respectful relationship where you can face these difficult issues. I have helped many people to curb self/other destructiveness, improve relationships and have a more successful work-life while learning to be more kind to themselves and others.
Something is getting in the way of living the life you want to live. You want to be professionally successful, have good relationships with friends and family, contribute meaningfully to the world and even have some fun. Instead you may be suffering a barrage of negative thoughts about yourself, sabotaging work or relationships or feeling unbearably anxious. I can provide a supportive, respectful relationship where you can face these difficult issues. I have helped many people to curb self/other destructiveness, improve relationships and have a more successful work-life while learning to be more kind to themselves and others.
(415) 800-4721 View (415) 800-4721
Photo of Radical Roots Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94115, CA
Radical Roots Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Ruby draws upon multiple therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based science, family systems, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), mindfulness practices, harm reduction principles, non-violent communication, and Gottman methodology.
Ruby (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 101630) who brings a decade of experience supporting youth, young adults, caregivers, families, and individuals navigate loss and attachment ruptures, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflict, life stressors, and the life cycle. Ruby approaches her sessions with warmth, humility, and a strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, authenticity, and creativity.
Ruby draws upon multiple therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based science, family systems, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), mindfulness practices, harm reduction principles, non-violent communication, and Gottman methodology.
Ruby (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 101630) who brings a decade of experience supporting youth, young adults, caregivers, families, and individuals navigate loss and attachment ruptures, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflict, life stressors, and the life cycle. Ruby approaches her sessions with warmth, humility, and a strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, authenticity, and creativity.
(510) 491-0155 View (510) 491-0155
Photo of Tessa Reynosa, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94115, CA
Tessa Reynosa
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Hello, I’m Tessa! I believe that everyone's stories should be heard, their experiences valued, and their strengths recognized. My hope is to create an environment where you feel a deep sense of safety, understanding, and trust. My therapy approach is informed by my personal identities as a biracial Latinx cisgender female with a large blended family. My practice has been deeply enriched by working alongside youth and adults from diverse backgrounds navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, loss, and parenthood.
Hello, I’m Tessa! I believe that everyone's stories should be heard, their experiences valued, and their strengths recognized. My hope is to create an environment where you feel a deep sense of safety, understanding, and trust. My therapy approach is informed by my personal identities as a biracial Latinx cisgender female with a large blended family. My practice has been deeply enriched by working alongside youth and adults from diverse backgrounds navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, loss, and parenthood.
(415) 965-6539 View (415) 965-6539
Photo of Dr. Juliana Yam, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Dr. Juliana Yam
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Issues couples often seek help with: •Interracial/intercultural relationships •Trauma •Infidelity •Feeling disconnected •Parenting •Birth of a new baby •Conflicts with extended family •Work stress •Financial issues •Addictions.
Couples Therapy: Stress can take a toll on our relationships. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Techniques, I can help you recognize the negative cycle that you get caught up in. We’ll work together to begin to change that cycle, improve your communication, and strengthen your bond.
Issues couples often seek help with: •Interracial/intercultural relationships •Trauma •Infidelity •Feeling disconnected •Parenting •Birth of a new baby •Conflicts with extended family •Work stress •Financial issues •Addictions.
Couples Therapy: Stress can take a toll on our relationships. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Techniques, I can help you recognize the negative cycle that you get caught up in. We’ll work together to begin to change that cycle, improve your communication, and strengthen your bond.
(408) 409-8384 View (408) 409-8384
Photo of Tammy Que Phan Vuong, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94115, CA
Tammy Que Phan Vuong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hello. I work with adults, families and couples. My training and expertise are treating anxiety, depression, relationship/family/in-law issues, psychosis, personality disorders, life transition, immigrations and identity exploration. My therapy styles are warm, client centered, emotional focused. I share with my clients a lot that "You want to make sure you feel comfortable talking to me." It is true because therapy is personal.
Hello. I work with adults, families and couples. My training and expertise are treating anxiety, depression, relationship/family/in-law issues, psychosis, personality disorders, life transition, immigrations and identity exploration. My therapy styles are warm, client centered, emotional focused. I share with my clients a lot that "You want to make sure you feel comfortable talking to me." It is true because therapy is personal.
(415) 936-0585 View (415) 936-0585
Photo of Amelia Jayanty, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Amelia Jayanty
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
If you’re like many of my clients, you may be struggling with burnout and self-doubt as you navigate challenging dynamics at work or with your family.
Our mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. That means we need to look at the context of our past, our relationships, and the world around us to be able to understand ourselves and the challenges we face. As a therapist, I’m here to help you put those pieces together so you can step into a more empowered, authentic, and connected version of yourself. I work with clients who are looking for a combination of improved insight and practical tools to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
If you’re like many of my clients, you may be struggling with burnout and self-doubt as you navigate challenging dynamics at work or with your family.
Our mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. That means we need to look at the context of our past, our relationships, and the world around us to be able to understand ourselves and the challenges we face. As a therapist, I’m here to help you put those pieces together so you can step into a more empowered, authentic, and connected version of yourself. I work with clients who are looking for a combination of improved insight and practical tools to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
(415) 741-5533 View (415) 741-5533
Photo of Lindsey Brooks, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Lindsey Brooks
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you a person of color, LGBTQ, or woman-identified professional in a high demand field? Have you been wearing that superhero cape for far too long? Ready to feel more peace in your life? You’ve come to the right place. I’m Dr. Lindsey Brooks and I work with underrepresented achievers. I’ll help you feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient. You might be thinking to yourself: "I need to keep it all together”, “If I just work harder and push myself more, then everything will be okay”, or “I have to stay strong for my family”. Everyone around you sees you as a success, yet something still feels like it’s missing.
Are you a person of color, LGBTQ, or woman-identified professional in a high demand field? Have you been wearing that superhero cape for far too long? Ready to feel more peace in your life? You’ve come to the right place. I’m Dr. Lindsey Brooks and I work with underrepresented achievers. I’ll help you feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient. You might be thinking to yourself: "I need to keep it all together”, “If I just work harder and push myself more, then everything will be okay”, or “I have to stay strong for my family”. Everyone around you sees you as a success, yet something still feels like it’s missing.
(415) 592-6568 View (415) 592-6568
Photo of Kadence Mitchell, Pre-Licensed Professional in 94115, CA
Kadence Mitchell
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
As a Black, queer femme with mixed ancestry, I carry with me both a personal and professional understanding of the systems of oppression and domination that entangle with identity and wreak havoc in our lives. I have specific interest and experience working with those struggling with racial identity, sexual identity and gender identity; those healing from and finding their independence from/within dysfunctional family dynamics; folks who have been affected by intimate partner violence and dating violence; and those seeking to uncover patterns of intergenerational trauma within themselves and their family systems.
As a Black, queer femme with mixed ancestry, I carry with me both a personal and professional understanding of the systems of oppression and domination that entangle with identity and wreak havoc in our lives. I have specific interest and experience working with those struggling with racial identity, sexual identity and gender identity; those healing from and finding their independence from/within dysfunctional family dynamics; folks who have been affected by intimate partner violence and dating violence; and those seeking to uncover patterns of intergenerational trauma within themselves and their family systems.
(415) 360-3764 View (415) 360-3764
Photo of Batya Ross, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94115, CA
Batya Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
(415) 275-6820 View (415) 275-6820
Photo of Michiko Tamate, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94115, CA
Michiko Tamate
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
When we get stuck in any of these areas, that's when emotional difficulties can arise like depression, anxiety, addictions, fragile self-esteem, and family conflict.
Sometimes it can be very difficult to get relief from emotional problems on your own. It's hard to dedicate the time and space to figure it out. Often the situation feels too confusing and hopeless to confront alone. In my practice, I work together with people grappling with universal struggles such as how to connect with others more freely and build healthy relationships, how to identify work that is meaningful to you and feel successful doing it, how to be more accepting of yourself, and how to move on from past trauma and disappointments.
When we get stuck in any of these areas, that's when emotional difficulties can arise like depression, anxiety, addictions, fragile self-esteem, and family conflict.
Sometimes it can be very difficult to get relief from emotional problems on your own. It's hard to dedicate the time and space to figure it out. Often the situation feels too confusing and hopeless to confront alone. In my practice, I work together with people grappling with universal struggles such as how to connect with others more freely and build healthy relationships, how to identify work that is meaningful to you and feel successful doing it, how to be more accepting of yourself, and how to move on from past trauma and disappointments.
(415) 787-3913 View (415) 787-3913
Photo of Dr. Elizabeth C. Johnson, Psychologist in 94115, CA
Dr. Elizabeth C. Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hi, I’m Elizabeth—thank you for your interest in my private practice. If you're reading this right now things are probably pretty tough. I can help. As a licensed psychologist, my number one goal is to help you feel better—full stop. The way we’ll do this is by moving at your pace to find out what is keeping you stuck, and then use a concrete treatment plan backed by research to get you feeling better. In my practice I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, family challenges, as well as adults with ADHD. Previous clients have described my style as warm, disarming, down-to-earth, and affirming.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth—thank you for your interest in my private practice. If you're reading this right now things are probably pretty tough. I can help. As a licensed psychologist, my number one goal is to help you feel better—full stop. The way we’ll do this is by moving at your pace to find out what is keeping you stuck, and then use a concrete treatment plan backed by research to get you feeling better. In my practice I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, family challenges, as well as adults with ADHD. Previous clients have described my style as warm, disarming, down-to-earth, and affirming.
(415) 968-8681 View (415) 968-8681
Photo of Kenneth Leong, Psychological Associate in 94115, CA
Kenneth Leong
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I offer services for adults struggling with difficult family dynamics, mental health distress, and emotional burdens. The emotional experiences you encounter can be shaped by your upbringing and family history. My role as your therapist is to help you uncover important parts of yourself, gain more emotional flexibility, and facilitate change to your current circumstances. I specialize in working with adults dealing with depression, grief, loneliness, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, anger management, and history of trauma and abuse. I connect with my patients in a warm and steady manner, establishing trust for our work together.
I offer services for adults struggling with difficult family dynamics, mental health distress, and emotional burdens. The emotional experiences you encounter can be shaped by your upbringing and family history. My role as your therapist is to help you uncover important parts of yourself, gain more emotional flexibility, and facilitate change to your current circumstances. I specialize in working with adults dealing with depression, grief, loneliness, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, anger management, and history of trauma and abuse. I connect with my patients in a warm and steady manner, establishing trust for our work together.
(415) 366-3573 View (415) 366-3573
Photo of Jayeon Kim, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94115, CA
Jayeon Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hello. I'm Jayeon Kim. I help people overcome unwanted emotional, relational, or behavioral patterns. I expertise in depression, anxiety, perfectionism, multicultural or interpersonal issues—with family of origin or an intimate partner—and complex developmental trauma (CPTSD). CPTSD means that you have experienced prolonged difficulties especially in your childhood or adolescence, such as emotionally neglectful parents or a culture that didn’t accept or foster who you really were. I integrate psychodynamics (depth work), existential, humanistic, client-centered, gestalt, somatic experiencing, and internal family system (parts work).
Hello. I'm Jayeon Kim. I help people overcome unwanted emotional, relational, or behavioral patterns. I expertise in depression, anxiety, perfectionism, multicultural or interpersonal issues—with family of origin or an intimate partner—and complex developmental trauma (CPTSD). CPTSD means that you have experienced prolonged difficulties especially in your childhood or adolescence, such as emotionally neglectful parents or a culture that didn’t accept or foster who you really were. I integrate psychodynamics (depth work), existential, humanistic, client-centered, gestalt, somatic experiencing, and internal family system (parts work).
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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.