Photo of Brian K Kay, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Brian K Kay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PhD, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Most of us hit seasons where we feel stuck, empty, or deeply anxious. My job is to help clients get unstuck and to find a ground of meaning, motivation, and a new vision for healthy relationships. For some clients, therapy is brief and very solution-focused (5-12 sessions), though my preference is to work with clients interested in deeper change, which often requires more time. For many, we explore more deeply their personality structure, the early roots of their relational styles, and the spiritual habits of the heart that often make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Let's get to work!
Most of us hit seasons where we feel stuck, empty, or deeply anxious. My job is to help clients get unstuck and to find a ground of meaning, motivation, and a new vision for healthy relationships. For some clients, therapy is brief and very solution-focused (5-12 sessions), though my preference is to work with clients interested in deeper change, which often requires more time. For many, we explore more deeply their personality structure, the early roots of their relational styles, and the spiritual habits of the heart that often make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Let's get to work!
(925) 202-2974 View (925) 202-2974
Photo of Alissa Scanlin, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Alissa Scanlin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
(925) 308-5607 View (925) 308-5607
Photo of Alves Psychotherapy , Psychologist in 94563, CA
Alves Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I have dedicated over 30 years to provide an avenue for healing to survivors of trauma. As an integrative therapist I am not restricted to a particular methodology or school of thought. Instead, I can draw on different methodologies and treatment modalities. I am a therapist who gets to the heart of the matter quickly. I can assist you in finding a higher level of inner peace. In this therapeutic relationship, you are nurtured while dealing with challenges, and together, we will explore practical solutions and strategies for your journey.
I have dedicated over 30 years to provide an avenue for healing to survivors of trauma. As an integrative therapist I am not restricted to a particular methodology or school of thought. Instead, I can draw on different methodologies and treatment modalities. I am a therapist who gets to the heart of the matter quickly. I can assist you in finding a higher level of inner peace. In this therapeutic relationship, you are nurtured while dealing with challenges, and together, we will explore practical solutions and strategies for your journey.
(925) 243-7061 View (925) 243-7061
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.