Photo of Leigh Lyndon, Psychologist in 94106, CA
Leigh Lyndon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94106
Life moves so quickly these days, it's hard to take the time to really think about who we are and how we are living. Often, it takes years of patterns that are hurtful or self-destructive to wonder why we aren't feeling happy or fulfilled. Psychotherapy can provide the time and space to really understand and experience ourselves in a new way. I will listen with curiosity and warmth and will collaborate with you to help effect positive change in your life and relationships.
Life moves so quickly these days, it's hard to take the time to really think about who we are and how we are living. Often, it takes years of patterns that are hurtful or self-destructive to wonder why we aren't feeling happy or fulfilled. Psychotherapy can provide the time and space to really understand and experience ourselves in a new way. I will listen with curiosity and warmth and will collaborate with you to help effect positive change in your life and relationships.
(510) 254-3504 View (510) 254-3504

See more therapy options for 94106

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.