Photo of Mike Chapman, Licensed Professional Counselor in 97239, OR
Mike Chapman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
I AM NOT PRESENTLY TAKING NEW CLIENTS. In therapy, I work to develop a relationship where you can both specifically explore the issues that have brought you to therapy- depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, lack of purpose, trauma, drug and alcohol issues-- and your life, in general. This atmosphere allows you to gain more self-knowledge and self-acceptance as well as to see fresh perspectives on your troubles and desires. You can then begin to find a way through some necessary changes. An important aspect of my therapy approach is encouraging clients to take steps to live life in more alignment with who they are.
I AM NOT PRESENTLY TAKING NEW CLIENTS. In therapy, I work to develop a relationship where you can both specifically explore the issues that have brought you to therapy- depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, lack of purpose, trauma, drug and alcohol issues-- and your life, in general. This atmosphere allows you to gain more self-knowledge and self-acceptance as well as to see fresh perspectives on your troubles and desires. You can then begin to find a way through some necessary changes. An important aspect of my therapy approach is encouraging clients to take steps to live life in more alignment with who they are.
(503) 902-4974 View (503) 902-4974
Photo of Sheryl Dunn Watson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 97239, OR
Sheryl Dunn Watson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Not accepting new clients
In my practice, I work with adolescents and adults, providing individual, family therapy and parenting support.
I believe all people have within themselves the ability to move towards positive change. By creating a safe and trusting relationship and environment, I begin to facilitate my clients' abilities to accept personal responsibility for their behavior, develop autonomy, and make positive and constructive choices in their lives. I hope to empower my clients to successfully overcome traumatic and/or stressful life events and to find positive solutions to problems they may face currently or in the future.
In my practice, I work with adolescents and adults, providing individual, family therapy and parenting support.
I believe all people have within themselves the ability to move towards positive change. By creating a safe and trusting relationship and environment, I begin to facilitate my clients' abilities to accept personal responsibility for their behavior, develop autonomy, and make positive and constructive choices in their lives. I hope to empower my clients to successfully overcome traumatic and/or stressful life events and to find positive solutions to problems they may face currently or in the future.
(503) 388-5552 x1 View (503) 388-5552 x1
Photo of Randi Weber Thoma, Licensed Professional Counselor in 97239, OR
Randi Weber Thoma
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I provide individual and family therapy.
I believe people have within themselves the ability to make positive changes in their lives. I provide a comfortable, supportive atmosphere and build a trusting relationship that allows people to explore personal struggles, honestly address issues, build a new sense of autonomy and encourages constructive life choices. The skills and knowledge learned in therapy empower my clients to manage stressful life events, improve their relationships, and foster self- esteem. Some of the treatment modalities may include cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy, family-systems theory, psychosocial education, skills training, parent training and client-centered approaches.
I provide individual and family therapy.
I believe people have within themselves the ability to make positive changes in their lives. I provide a comfortable, supportive atmosphere and build a trusting relationship that allows people to explore personal struggles, honestly address issues, build a new sense of autonomy and encourages constructive life choices. The skills and knowledge learned in therapy empower my clients to manage stressful life events, improve their relationships, and foster self- esteem. Some of the treatment modalities may include cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy, family-systems theory, psychosocial education, skills training, parent training and client-centered approaches.
(503) 489-4065 x2 View (503) 489-4065 x2
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.