Photo of Sarah Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 06851, CT
Sarah Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Norwalk, CT 06851  (Online Only)
Young adults who struggle with self-worth, anxiety, and a sense of self due to conflict with family of origin or adverse childhood experiences.
Are you experiencing a time of transition? Are you facing difficulty with a particular challenge that is impacting your mental health? Are you a person of faith seeking to incorporate your beliefs/spiritual practices in your mental health care plan? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, I want you to know that you do not have to manage your problems alone. As a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years in ministry, I look forward to creating a welcoming virtual space where you can address barriers and create goals for your mental health and well-being.
Young adults who struggle with self-worth, anxiety, and a sense of self due to conflict with family of origin or adverse childhood experiences.
Are you experiencing a time of transition? Are you facing difficulty with a particular challenge that is impacting your mental health? Are you a person of faith seeking to incorporate your beliefs/spiritual practices in your mental health care plan? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, I want you to know that you do not have to manage your problems alone. As a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years in ministry, I look forward to creating a welcoming virtual space where you can address barriers and create goals for your mental health and well-being.
(203) 916-4325 View (203) 916-4325
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.