Family Therapy in Saint Louis, MO

Photo of Understanding Minds Psychological Services, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Understanding Minds Psychological Services
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63123
We offer individual therapy across the lifespan in addition to offering mental health physicals, play therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, brief and long-term therapy, psychological evals for diagnostic clarification, testing for learning disabilities, sleep consultations, and more.
Understanding Minds provides trusted, confidential, and comprehensive mental health services. Our supportive team of providers take a proactive approach with assessment, collaborative treatment planning, progress review, and validated approaches to make progress achievable. Your needs are important to us, and we strive to offer the best possible experience in mental healthcare. This is why we have administrative staff available to assist you 5 days a week and we request feedback from you about your experience and fit with your provider.
We offer individual therapy across the lifespan in addition to offering mental health physicals, play therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, brief and long-term therapy, psychological evals for diagnostic clarification, testing for learning disabilities, sleep consultations, and more.
Understanding Minds provides trusted, confidential, and comprehensive mental health services. Our supportive team of providers take a proactive approach with assessment, collaborative treatment planning, progress review, and validated approaches to make progress achievable. Your needs are important to us, and we strive to offer the best possible experience in mental healthcare. This is why we have administrative staff available to assist you 5 days a week and we request feedback from you about your experience and fit with your provider.
(314) 897-7736 View (314) 897-7736
Photo of Valentina Penalba, Marriage & Family Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Valentina Penalba
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117  (Online Only)
Sometimes, even when we know that something is wrong, we still need guidance in order to disentangle the problems that cause us suffering. Every problem has a solution and every difficult period can have a peaceful resolution. My therapeutic approach primarily stems from Family Systems Theory. I focus on emotional independence through individuation and help individuals, couples and families gain additional growth, strengths, and insights into their lives. I work on reducing negative communication patterns and installing love as an attachment bond.
Sometimes, even when we know that something is wrong, we still need guidance in order to disentangle the problems that cause us suffering. Every problem has a solution and every difficult period can have a peaceful resolution. My therapeutic approach primarily stems from Family Systems Theory. I focus on emotional independence through individuation and help individuals, couples and families gain additional growth, strengths, and insights into their lives. I work on reducing negative communication patterns and installing love as an attachment bond.
(314) 310-6923 View (314) 310-6923
Photo of Julie Maples, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Julie Maples
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63131
Waitlist for new clients
), substance use disorders, painful childhood memories, anger, low self-esteem, relationship (family or partner) issues, loss, loneliness, and more.
Hi! I’m Julie. Can we first take a moment to celebrate the fact that you are on this website right now? Seriously, congratulations! Searching for a therapist is no easy feat, my friend. It’s awesome that you are here taking the first step to work through some of life’s challenges. Life is hard enough; you don’t have to do it alone. So, let’s see if we’d be a good fit for each other! Some of my greatest joys in life include puppies, coffee, and, most importantly, seeing my clients have the breakthroughs they are looking for and freedom from the things that hold them back or hurt them.
), substance use disorders, painful childhood memories, anger, low self-esteem, relationship (family or partner) issues, loss, loneliness, and more.
Hi! I’m Julie. Can we first take a moment to celebrate the fact that you are on this website right now? Seriously, congratulations! Searching for a therapist is no easy feat, my friend. It’s awesome that you are here taking the first step to work through some of life’s challenges. Life is hard enough; you don’t have to do it alone. So, let’s see if we’d be a good fit for each other! Some of my greatest joys in life include puppies, coffee, and, most importantly, seeing my clients have the breakthroughs they are looking for and freedom from the things that hold them back or hurt them.
(636) 206-7860 View (636) 206-7860
Jean Caine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117
Jean Stanton Caine, LCSW, LMFT, a Menninger trained family therapist, specializes in many issues affecting individuals and families i.e.: grief, illness, sexual and physical abuse, marital stress, child and adolescent problems. She has an eclectic researched approach in her family practice using both short term and long-term therapy. Jean has been in practice for 25 years. She has been past president on St. Louis MAMFT board and the Missouri board of Family Therapy. She has taught for 20 years at Washington University. Jean does accept most insurance plans.
Jean Stanton Caine, LCSW, LMFT, a Menninger trained family therapist, specializes in many issues affecting individuals and families i.e.: grief, illness, sexual and physical abuse, marital stress, child and adolescent problems. She has an eclectic researched approach in her family practice using both short term and long-term therapy. Jean has been in practice for 25 years. She has been past president on St. Louis MAMFT board and the Missouri board of Family Therapy. She has taught for 20 years at Washington University. Jean does accept most insurance plans.
(314) 828-2601 View (314) 828-2601
Photo of William Arrington, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
William Arrington
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63101
Perhaps you're in a relationship, family, or job where everything is always your fault. You're made to feel not good enough, that you have to try harder despite the other never taking accountability. You have difficulty expressing yourself in fear of the other person throwing it back in your face. Perhaps this mounting pressure from those relationships have made you give up, anxious, or just feel stuck. You don't know who you are anymore—you’ve been told how to think and feel. You may feel like you’re in a fog or just don’t know how to get back on track to the way things used to be.
Perhaps you're in a relationship, family, or job where everything is always your fault. You're made to feel not good enough, that you have to try harder despite the other never taking accountability. You have difficulty expressing yourself in fear of the other person throwing it back in your face. Perhaps this mounting pressure from those relationships have made you give up, anxious, or just feel stuck. You don't know who you are anymore—you’ve been told how to think and feel. You may feel like you’re in a fog or just don’t know how to get back on track to the way things used to be.
(314) 907-0747 View (314) 907-0747
Photo of Emily Hartman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Emily Hartman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63119
I serve clients struggling with unhealthy relationships or family dynamics, life transitions, eating disorders, mood disorders, or trauma, among others.
I treat individuals, couples and families with a variety of struggles. Whether you are in need of help navigating present relationships, life transitions, or are struggling with lifelong issues, my education and experience can help you achieve your goals. I use a variety of approaches throughout the therapeutic process to meet the needs of the clients I see as they progress and work towards leading a happier, healthier life. My experience and training can help you grow and create the change for which you are looking.
I serve clients struggling with unhealthy relationships or family dynamics, life transitions, eating disorders, mood disorders, or trauma, among others.
I treat individuals, couples and families with a variety of struggles. Whether you are in need of help navigating present relationships, life transitions, or are struggling with lifelong issues, my education and experience can help you achieve your goals. I use a variety of approaches throughout the therapeutic process to meet the needs of the clients I see as they progress and work towards leading a happier, healthier life. My experience and training can help you grow and create the change for which you are looking.
(314) 403-1866 View (314) 403-1866
Photo of Linda S Pevnick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Linda S Pevnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63146  (Online Only)
Are you feeling like your best self? Baffled about what the problem is? Are you sleeping ok? Are you having a troubled relationhips with a spouse or a family member? Do feelings of depression and anxiety keep you from being as happy as you would like to be. Do you need guidance to find a way to feel satisfied with your life? You don't have to struggle alone. I help individuals and couples to overcome the roadblocks that keep them stuck so that they can go on to live happier and more productive lives. I can help you learn what stands in your way of feeling better about your life and give you the tools you need to keep it that way!
Are you feeling like your best self? Baffled about what the problem is? Are you sleeping ok? Are you having a troubled relationhips with a spouse or a family member? Do feelings of depression and anxiety keep you from being as happy as you would like to be. Do you need guidance to find a way to feel satisfied with your life? You don't have to struggle alone. I help individuals and couples to overcome the roadblocks that keep them stuck so that they can go on to live happier and more productive lives. I can help you learn what stands in your way of feeling better about your life and give you the tools you need to keep it that way!
(314) 828-5325 View (314) 828-5325
Photo of Carrie Hequembourg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Carrie Hequembourg
Licensed Professional Counselor, JD, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63119
I use many different therapies including Cognitive-Behavioral, Narrative, and Internal Family Systems.
Many of us have unknowingly rejected or silenced parts of ourselves that don’t fit with our idea of who we are supposed to be. As a result, life can feel out of balance or even inauthentic. My hope is to create a safe and accepting space for you to feel empowered to implement positive changes in your life. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety and worry, substance use, stress, trauma, abuse, anger, fear, grief and loss, guilt and shame, and other challenges. I also work with couples who are having difficulty connecting and experiencing issues related to trust, intimacy, and affection.
I use many different therapies including Cognitive-Behavioral, Narrative, and Internal Family Systems.
Many of us have unknowingly rejected or silenced parts of ourselves that don’t fit with our idea of who we are supposed to be. As a result, life can feel out of balance or even inauthentic. My hope is to create a safe and accepting space for you to feel empowered to implement positive changes in your life. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety and worry, substance use, stress, trauma, abuse, anger, fear, grief and loss, guilt and shame, and other challenges. I also work with couples who are having difficulty connecting and experiencing issues related to trust, intimacy, and affection.
(314) 582-4682 View (314) 582-4682
Photo of Helen R Friedman, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Helen R Friedman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63130  (Online Only)
Dr. Helen Friedman is a compassionate and interactive clinical psychologist with 10 years of additional formal training after her Ph.D. and 41 years in practice. She works with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, divorce, sexual and relationship issues. Specialty areas are child sexual abuse (children, adults, victims and perpetrators), compulsive sexual behavior (including porn addiction and partners), dissociative identity disorder, and gender identity. Trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities (family systems, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, etc.), she tailors her approach to the individual, couple, or family.
Dr. Helen Friedman is a compassionate and interactive clinical psychologist with 10 years of additional formal training after her Ph.D. and 41 years in practice. She works with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, divorce, sexual and relationship issues. Specialty areas are child sexual abuse (children, adults, victims and perpetrators), compulsive sexual behavior (including porn addiction and partners), dissociative identity disorder, and gender identity. Trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities (family systems, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, etc.), she tailors her approach to the individual, couple, or family.
(314) 781-4500 View (314) 781-4500
Photo of Robyn Gunn, Pre-Licensed Professional in Saint Louis, MO
Robyn Gunn
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC , MA
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63118
The past few years have undoubtedly taken a toll on people, and families' emotional and mental health. The effects are evident, but not irreversible. Circumstances have changed our mood, how we react, interact and cope with the world and those around us. Family, intimate, personal, and work relationships have been affected. Coping skills that have worked in the past, may no longer serve us well, and could be hindering our overall health, happiness, contentment and wellbeing.
The past few years have undoubtedly taken a toll on people, and families' emotional and mental health. The effects are evident, but not irreversible. Circumstances have changed our mood, how we react, interact and cope with the world and those around us. Family, intimate, personal, and work relationships have been affected. Coping skills that have worked in the past, may no longer serve us well, and could be hindering our overall health, happiness, contentment and wellbeing.
(314) 897-4829 View (314) 897-4829
Photo of Dr. Deanna Granger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Dr. Deanna Granger
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
Typically, we wear many hats and life “tries” to deter us from making time for self-care. However, YOU are important so, give yourself permission to put YOU at the top of your to-do list. Self-care is not selfish, it is essential….YOU are essential. My goal is to support my clients holistically…..mentally, spiritually, socially, and physically. My clients are actively involved in their treatment plan that is tailored to their unique selves. I see clients for individual, couples, and family therapy. I support my clients with concerns around depression, anxiety, stress, and health management.
Typically, we wear many hats and life “tries” to deter us from making time for self-care. However, YOU are important so, give yourself permission to put YOU at the top of your to-do list. Self-care is not selfish, it is essential….YOU are essential. My goal is to support my clients holistically…..mentally, spiritually, socially, and physically. My clients are actively involved in their treatment plan that is tailored to their unique selves. I see clients for individual, couples, and family therapy. I support my clients with concerns around depression, anxiety, stress, and health management.
(314) 470-9498 View (314) 470-9498
Photo of J. Douglas Pettinelli, Ph.D., Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
J. Douglas Pettinelli, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108
I am trained in child psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from a relational, trauma informed, attachment informed, developmental perspective. Trained in child psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy, I work to understand clients within the context of their primary and family relationships. I especially enjoy working with couples and families. I work to identify the emotional and interpersonal obstacles to further growth, and build on the strength and resilience of the individual, couple and family. .I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing the full range of emotional, social and developmental difficulties.
I am trained in child psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from a relational, trauma informed, attachment informed, developmental perspective. Trained in child psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy, I work to understand clients within the context of their primary and family relationships. I especially enjoy working with couples and families. I work to identify the emotional and interpersonal obstacles to further growth, and build on the strength and resilience of the individual, couple and family. .I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing the full range of emotional, social and developmental difficulties.
(314) 858-5040 View (314) 858-5040
Photo of SFC Cares, LLC - Renee McLaurine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
SFC Cares, LLC - Renee McLaurine, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63118  (Online Only)
I hold a Master's degree in Social Work and a Bachelor's degree in Family Life Education.
Embarking on the path to healing from trauma is a courageous and deeply personal journey. It requires individualized and compassionate support in a safe and confidential space that allows you to openly explore your emotions, thoughts, and concerns. Your journey is distinct, and together, we delve into the roots of trauma empowering you to process and integrate these experiences in a way that fosters lasting healing. Through our collaborative work, you will be awakened to your unique gifts and strengths so that you may face and overcome your fears and begin pursuing the life you want.
I hold a Master's degree in Social Work and a Bachelor's degree in Family Life Education.
Embarking on the path to healing from trauma is a courageous and deeply personal journey. It requires individualized and compassionate support in a safe and confidential space that allows you to openly explore your emotions, thoughts, and concerns. Your journey is distinct, and together, we delve into the roots of trauma empowering you to process and integrate these experiences in a way that fosters lasting healing. Through our collaborative work, you will be awakened to your unique gifts and strengths so that you may face and overcome your fears and begin pursuing the life you want.
(314) 886-8748 View (314) 886-8748
Photo of Danielle High, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Danielle High
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63112
Waitlist for new clients
No matter how you define yourself or your family, my objective is to help you grow and be well.
I know reaching out for help can be daunting and overwhelming. I am here to make this process easier for you. I have worked with individuals and families from differing backgrounds, experiences, and concerns. My counseling style is strength-based, meaning I like to focus on the many positive traits you already possess and work collaboratively to reach the goals you would like to achieve. We are all searching for acceptance and understanding. I am here to help. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, and non-monogamous relationships.
No matter how you define yourself or your family, my objective is to help you grow and be well.
I know reaching out for help can be daunting and overwhelming. I am here to make this process easier for you. I have worked with individuals and families from differing backgrounds, experiences, and concerns. My counseling style is strength-based, meaning I like to focus on the many positive traits you already possess and work collaboratively to reach the goals you would like to achieve. We are all searching for acceptance and understanding. I am here to help. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, and non-monogamous relationships.
(314) 270-1294 View (314) 270-1294
Photo of Melissa V Taylor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Melissa V Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63108  (Online Only)
As a Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I serve as a guide to help clients to compassionately look at all of the parts that have developed within themself throughout life with a non-pathologizing lens.
We all need help sometimes. Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma, life changes, issues around gender and/or sexual orientation, or relationships with unhealthy dynamics? I help people to work through things that may be getting in the way of what they want for their life. My hope for everyone is that they find more peace, strength, and joy in life. I specialize in working with lesbian, gay, queer, and transgender populations.
As a Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I serve as a guide to help clients to compassionately look at all of the parts that have developed within themself throughout life with a non-pathologizing lens.
We all need help sometimes. Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma, life changes, issues around gender and/or sexual orientation, or relationships with unhealthy dynamics? I help people to work through things that may be getting in the way of what they want for their life. My hope for everyone is that they find more peace, strength, and joy in life. I specialize in working with lesbian, gay, queer, and transgender populations.
(314) 485-4767 View (314) 485-4767
Photo of Emily Mitchell-Harris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Emily Mitchell-Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63127  (Online Only)
Growing up is HARD. You get home after a tiring day at school where you felt invisible. You sat with friends at lunch, but left feeling like they don’t really get you. You open your backpack to loads of homework, when your mom reminds you to work on your college applications. The overwhelm takes over. You grab your phone and start to scroll, which leaves you feeling numb, empty and alone. After a tense family dinner, you go back to your room, feeling unheard and misunderstood. Figuring out who you are and what you want is hard while navigating school, work, friends, family, and relationships. You just wish things were easier.
Growing up is HARD. You get home after a tiring day at school where you felt invisible. You sat with friends at lunch, but left feeling like they don’t really get you. You open your backpack to loads of homework, when your mom reminds you to work on your college applications. The overwhelm takes over. You grab your phone and start to scroll, which leaves you feeling numb, empty and alone. After a tense family dinner, you go back to your room, feeling unheard and misunderstood. Figuring out who you are and what you want is hard while navigating school, work, friends, family, and relationships. You just wish things were easier.
(314) 690-5049 View (314) 690-5049
Photo of Eric Lindhorst M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Eric Lindhorst M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141
I have specialized training in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Therapy Institute, a two year intensive training program which included training in drug and alcohol treatment for families.
I offer appointments from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm to work with your schedule. I work to find the strengths people have within themselves. Individuals, couples, and families who are struggling with a variety of issues, including Anger, Depression, and Anxiety. Clients who benefit from my services appreciate my delicate sense of humor while confronting complex issues. The use of humor can be an uplifting experience in treatment.
I have specialized training in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Therapy Institute, a two year intensive training program which included training in drug and alcohol treatment for families.
I offer appointments from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm to work with your schedule. I work to find the strengths people have within themselves. Individuals, couples, and families who are struggling with a variety of issues, including Anger, Depression, and Anxiety. Clients who benefit from my services appreciate my delicate sense of humor while confronting complex issues. The use of humor can be an uplifting experience in treatment.
(314) 394-8630 View (314) 394-8630
Photo of Halston Hutchison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Halston Hutchison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63119
Waitlist for new clients
I may incorporate the following therapeutic styles into our sessions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems & Motivational Interviewing.
First, I would like to say welcome and congratulate you on taking the necessary steps to getting the care, attention and support you deserve! I personally know from previous experience that these first steps can sometimes feel the most difficult; but with encouragement, determination and perseverance, you will be revealed as the conqueror you already are!
I may incorporate the following therapeutic styles into our sessions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems & Motivational Interviewing.
First, I would like to say welcome and congratulate you on taking the necessary steps to getting the care, attention and support you deserve! I personally know from previous experience that these first steps can sometimes feel the most difficult; but with encouragement, determination and perseverance, you will be revealed as the conqueror you already are!
(314) 274-6438 x6 View (314) 274-6438 x6
Photo of John A Ware, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
John A Ware
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63131
I see my role as one who can help clarify and encourage strategies to strengthen one's ability to navigate through stresses and pain. Together, we can develop plans to deal with challenging issues and life transitions in marriage, family, and professional or work situations. My career and life experiences have provided me with unique real world insights into the issues facing men and women today. I understand people who are coping with the difficult balancing of inter-personal relationships, family relationships, and work-related issues including, with increasing frequency, the stress, anxiety and uncertainty created by job loss or career transition.
I see my role as one who can help clarify and encourage strategies to strengthen one's ability to navigate through stresses and pain. Together, we can develop plans to deal with challenging issues and life transitions in marriage, family, and professional or work situations. My career and life experiences have provided me with unique real world insights into the issues facing men and women today. I understand people who are coping with the difficult balancing of inter-personal relationships, family relationships, and work-related issues including, with increasing frequency, the stress, anxiety and uncertainty created by job loss or career transition.
(314) 596-2940 View (314) 596-2940
Photo of Midwest Institute for Addiction, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Midwest Institute for Addiction
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSW, LMSW, PhD, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Clients are provided medical, psychiatric, and behavioral services that include visits with our medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, individual therapists, family and couple therapists, group therapists, dietitian, health and wellness experts, and more.
Any St. Louis rehabilitation center can provide treatment; MIA provides the difference. There are many drug rehab centers, but few of these rehab centers compare to Midwest Institute for Addiction's programs. This differentiation goes beyond our comprehensive, individualized, and evidence based treatment model and focuses on the quality of services that we offer. There is a lack of separation in the minds of professional service providers when considering the difference between a product offered and the service that coincides with that product. The MIA difference is the ability to offer quality services that coincide with our quality treatment.
Clients are provided medical, psychiatric, and behavioral services that include visits with our medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, individual therapists, family and couple therapists, group therapists, dietitian, health and wellness experts, and more.
Any St. Louis rehabilitation center can provide treatment; MIA provides the difference. There are many drug rehab centers, but few of these rehab centers compare to Midwest Institute for Addiction's programs. This differentiation goes beyond our comprehensive, individualized, and evidence based treatment model and focuses on the quality of services that we offer. There is a lack of separation in the minds of professional service providers when considering the difference between a product offered and the service that coincides with that product. The MIA difference is the ability to offer quality services that coincide with our quality treatment.
(314) 834-7035 View (314) 834-7035

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.