Photo of Sharla Mize, Licensed Professional Counselor in 40511, KY
Sharla Mize
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40511  (Online Only)
I offer expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Neuro-Affective Relational therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
People seek me out because they find their current situation intolerable - they are sick and tired of experiencing shame, intense anger, depression and anxiety. Perhaps they want to work on their addiction - the thing they use to numb the painful experiences. Their relationships are suffering as a result of their behaviors, being closed off, or "too much" for others. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism and a deep sense of futility, which prevents them from taking charge of their lives and confidently pursuing their heart's desire.
I offer expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Neuro-Affective Relational therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
People seek me out because they find their current situation intolerable - they are sick and tired of experiencing shame, intense anger, depression and anxiety. Perhaps they want to work on their addiction - the thing they use to numb the painful experiences. Their relationships are suffering as a result of their behaviors, being closed off, or "too much" for others. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism and a deep sense of futility, which prevents them from taking charge of their lives and confidently pursuing their heart's desire.
(502) 443-9272 View (502) 443-9272
Photo of Bonnie Patrick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 40511, KY
Bonnie Patrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40511
I use a part/self therapy for trauma (Internal Family Systems), allowing clients to heal wounded internal parts.
I provide a safe environment for clients to process their issues. I believe that psychotherapy is more than talk therapy. I am excited about the new research and treatments that focus on mind and body (somatic memories). I have an integrative approach to therapy. I work best with complex trauma (emotional and physical, including childhood neglect) and resulting anxiety and depression. I work well with grief related issues (complicated grief) and problems that arise from chronic illnesses.
I use a part/self therapy for trauma (Internal Family Systems), allowing clients to heal wounded internal parts.
I provide a safe environment for clients to process their issues. I believe that psychotherapy is more than talk therapy. I am excited about the new research and treatments that focus on mind and body (somatic memories). I have an integrative approach to therapy. I work best with complex trauma (emotional and physical, including childhood neglect) and resulting anxiety and depression. I work well with grief related issues (complicated grief) and problems that arise from chronic illnesses.
(859) 654-0576 View (859) 654-0576
Photo of Melanie Rivard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 40511, KY
Melanie Rivard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40511  (Online Only)
Let's talk about trauma. How common is it? The National Center on PTSD estimates 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one trauma in their lifetime. Experiencing trauma isn't a rare event, it can happen to anyone. Common reactions to traumatic experiences include feeling detached or numb, feeling on guard, experiencing nightmares or unwanted thoughts about the trauma, and going out of your way to avoid reminders of the event. If you’ve been through something in your past, and you can’t seem to escape it in the present, you have the power to stop it from disrupting your future.
Let's talk about trauma. How common is it? The National Center on PTSD estimates 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one trauma in their lifetime. Experiencing trauma isn't a rare event, it can happen to anyone. Common reactions to traumatic experiences include feeling detached or numb, feeling on guard, experiencing nightmares or unwanted thoughts about the trauma, and going out of your way to avoid reminders of the event. If you’ve been through something in your past, and you can’t seem to escape it in the present, you have the power to stop it from disrupting your future.
(859) 251-2773 View (859) 251-2773
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.