Tracey Herman Broome
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience, I provide psychotherapy for children, teens, adults, and families in Marin and San Francisco. My professional focus is helping my clients find the right theapeutic tools so that they can move beyond destructive thinking and feeling patterns, have new insight and healing regarding past traumas, and face their life challenges with confidence.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience, I provide psychotherapy for children, teens, adults, and families in Marin and San Francisco. My professional focus is helping my clients find the right theapeutic tools so that they can move beyond destructive thinking and feeling patterns, have new insight and healing regarding past traumas, and face their life challenges with confidence.
(415) 488-8278 View (415) 488-8278
Photo of Laura Bulchis, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Laura Bulchis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
Using empathy, talk therapy, experiential practice, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & a strong therapeutic bond, we enhance your self-knowing & guide you towards insight about how current choices & behaviors can be transformed proactively.
Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.
Using empathy, talk therapy, experiential practice, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & a strong therapeutic bond, we enhance your self-knowing & guide you towards insight about how current choices & behaviors can be transformed proactively.
Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.
(415) 268-2970 View (415) 268-2970
Photo of Family Matters Of Marin, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Family Matters Of Marin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PPS
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Family Matters Of Marin is a trauma informed group practice focused on supporting children and families. We help clients create more joy, love, and harmony in their lives. We are deeply interested in learning how our clients would like to change and grow, and supporting them in this process. We work collaboratively with clients to improve their relationships and resolve any trauma from their past that maybe holding them back from living the life they yearn for. We are experienced therapists who use a variety of therapeutic modalities to resolve issues that are hindering our client's ability to be their best selves.
Family Matters Of Marin is a trauma informed group practice focused on supporting children and families. We help clients create more joy, love, and harmony in their lives. We are deeply interested in learning how our clients would like to change and grow, and supporting them in this process. We work collaboratively with clients to improve their relationships and resolve any trauma from their past that maybe holding them back from living the life they yearn for. We are experienced therapists who use a variety of therapeutic modalities to resolve issues that are hindering our client's ability to be their best selves.
(415) 639-9164 View (415) 639-9164
Photo of Kiri Maura, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in 94901, CA
Kiri Maura
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I offer transpersonal alternatives to talk therapy. I specialize in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, Inner Child work, Brainspotting Trauma Therapy, and other somatic, mindfulness-based and energy modalities. My expertise spans complex trauma, addiction, relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, professional transitions, empowerment/self-worth, grief/loss, and spiritual/existential challenges. I love to work with people from diverse backgrounds, live alternative lifestyles, are spiritually inclined, and/or face marginalization. I honor and value your authentic true nature.
I offer transpersonal alternatives to talk therapy. I specialize in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, Inner Child work, Brainspotting Trauma Therapy, and other somatic, mindfulness-based and energy modalities. My expertise spans complex trauma, addiction, relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, professional transitions, empowerment/self-worth, grief/loss, and spiritual/existential challenges. I love to work with people from diverse backgrounds, live alternative lifestyles, are spiritually inclined, and/or face marginalization. I honor and value your authentic true nature.
(415) 727-3045 View (415) 727-3045
Photo of Kelly Grimes in 94901, CA
Kelly Grimes
BCBA, MEd
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Would you benefit from the support of a behavior analyst who will customize a plan based on your individual needs, preferences, and skills? Would you benefit from stronger relationships with family, friends and your community? If so, I can be that support.
Specializing in supporting adults with mental health and behavioral challenges that impact their quality of life. Person centered whole person approach. Trauma informed care. Low demand/PDA specialist. Experience with eating disorders and nutritional psychology. Well versed in community integration and vocational development. Experience with social-sexual behavior and dating.
Would you benefit from the support of a behavior analyst who will customize a plan based on your individual needs, preferences, and skills? Would you benefit from stronger relationships with family, friends and your community? If so, I can be that support.
Specializing in supporting adults with mental health and behavioral challenges that impact their quality of life. Person centered whole person approach. Trauma informed care. Low demand/PDA specialist. Experience with eating disorders and nutritional psychology. Well versed in community integration and vocational development. Experience with social-sexual behavior and dating.
(661) 475-6046 View (661) 475-6046
Photo of Gretchen Kishbaugh, Psychologist in 94901, CA
Gretchen Kishbaugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
My approach is influenced by a number of schools of thought: humanistic, psychoanalytic, Jungian, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, Buddhist psychology/mindfulness, somatic awareness.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
My approach is influenced by a number of schools of thought: humanistic, psychoanalytic, Jungian, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, Buddhist psychology/mindfulness, somatic awareness.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
(707) 518-6142 View (707) 518-6142
Photo of Teressa Armstrong, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Teressa Armstrong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Everyone runs into trouble at some point in their life. When they do, they often benefit from talking to someone who isn't primarily their friend or member of their family, someone who is empathic, curious, non-judgmental, and relentlessly focused on helping you feel better. Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all enterprise, but has to tailored to what you need. Whether it's about simply feeling less anxious or depressed, or mastering an inhibition or block you've had all your life, therapy can get you back on the track you once were on or want to be on.
Everyone runs into trouble at some point in their life. When they do, they often benefit from talking to someone who isn't primarily their friend or member of their family, someone who is empathic, curious, non-judgmental, and relentlessly focused on helping you feel better. Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all enterprise, but has to tailored to what you need. Whether it's about simply feeling less anxious or depressed, or mastering an inhibition or block you've had all your life, therapy can get you back on the track you once were on or want to be on.
(415) 630-4514 View (415) 630-4514
Photo of Jean Hayes, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Jean Hayes
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Working as a couples and family, therapist for my entire professional career since 1973, I have successfully treated a multitude of individuals with relationship, substance abuse, eating, and depression issues.
I successfully treat relationship breakdowns, alcohol, drug, eating problems, depression, dual-diagnosis, anxiety, trauma, bariatric surgery patients. Individuals and couples address how the misuse of substances impacts their lives in negative and unproductive ways. We seek solutions together to more satisfying lifestyles and relationships. I work with couples and individuals having difficulties in relationships, wanting to resolve problems rather than separating or divorcing as their only solution. I work to separate past hurts from present reality. As an Equine Therapist, I use horses and exotic farm animals as requested.
Working as a couples and family, therapist for my entire professional career since 1973, I have successfully treated a multitude of individuals with relationship, substance abuse, eating, and depression issues.
I successfully treat relationship breakdowns, alcohol, drug, eating problems, depression, dual-diagnosis, anxiety, trauma, bariatric surgery patients. Individuals and couples address how the misuse of substances impacts their lives in negative and unproductive ways. We seek solutions together to more satisfying lifestyles and relationships. I work with couples and individuals having difficulties in relationships, wanting to resolve problems rather than separating or divorcing as their only solution. I work to separate past hurts from present reality. As an Equine Therapist, I use horses and exotic farm animals as requested.
(415) 574-0967 View (415) 574-0967
Photo of Thom Kessler, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Thom Kessler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Addiction Specialist.
Whether your decision to make changes involves freedom from painful limiting beliefs, release from repetitive relationship patterns, or transformation through sincere self-examination, I help people to fully realize the person they are destined to become. I work with adults, couples, teens, and families, helping them to successfully attain short-term goals and craft long-range solutions by utilizing a variety of approaches matched to their specific needs or expressed desires as they learn new ways to address life's challenges. As a level 3 Gottman couples therapist, I work with couples utilizing John Gottman's evidence-based theory.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Addiction Specialist.
Whether your decision to make changes involves freedom from painful limiting beliefs, release from repetitive relationship patterns, or transformation through sincere self-examination, I help people to fully realize the person they are destined to become. I work with adults, couples, teens, and families, helping them to successfully attain short-term goals and craft long-range solutions by utilizing a variety of approaches matched to their specific needs or expressed desires as they learn new ways to address life's challenges. As a level 3 Gottman couples therapist, I work with couples utilizing John Gottman's evidence-based theory.
(415) 454-8931 View (415) 454-8931
Photo of Mark Hirschfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Mark Hirschfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I have worked in the fields of individual, couple, family and group counseling, crisis prevention, child advocacy and shyness research since 1993.
Hello! I work with individuals who wish to create lasting, positive changes in their lives and relationships. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My personal style is interactive, empathic, non-judgmental and respectful of individual values and choices.
I have worked in the fields of individual, couple, family and group counseling, crisis prevention, child advocacy and shyness research since 1993.
Hello! I work with individuals who wish to create lasting, positive changes in their lives and relationships. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My personal style is interactive, empathic, non-judgmental and respectful of individual values and choices.
(415) 326-1276 View (415) 326-1276
Photo of India B. Gomez, Psychologist in 94901, CA
India B. Gomez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
My approach to working with clients is integrative and tailored to meet your needs and preferences including influences from the following: Humanistic/Client-Centered, Psychodynamic/Object Relations/Relational, CBT/DBT, Family Systems, Recovery Oriented Care, Mindfulness, and Cultural Competency.
I am accepting clients for therapy, coaching, and testing. E-mail is the best way to reach me for a consultation. As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy and coaching for personal/professional growth. I work with clients to enhance coping with stress, bolster resiliency, and overcome obstacles to living more fully. I also specialize in psychological/personality and intellectual/academic testing and assessment. I have worked with clients of all ages from numerous intersecting ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as a wide range of sexual and gender orientations and various abilities/disabilities.
My approach to working with clients is integrative and tailored to meet your needs and preferences including influences from the following: Humanistic/Client-Centered, Psychodynamic/Object Relations/Relational, CBT/DBT, Family Systems, Recovery Oriented Care, Mindfulness, and Cultural Competency.
I am accepting clients for therapy, coaching, and testing. E-mail is the best way to reach me for a consultation. As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy and coaching for personal/professional growth. I work with clients to enhance coping with stress, bolster resiliency, and overcome obstacles to living more fully. I also specialize in psychological/personality and intellectual/academic testing and assessment. I have worked with clients of all ages from numerous intersecting ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as a wide range of sexual and gender orientations and various abilities/disabilities.
(925) 392-3428 View (925) 392-3428
Photo of Graham Leggett, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in 94901, CA
Graham Leggett
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MBA
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Careers in music and business, raising a family, relationships, marriages and divorces have enriched my life and given me insight I would have appreciated a few decades ago.
Working with couples is fascinating and heartfelt for me. Connection is in our nature, and couples are connected in a way that awakens our deepest dreams and fears. Caring and sharing is the foundation of happiness and thriving. You probably already tried some things to improve your relationship or get clarity and it has not worked so well. Therapy can help you reduce fighting, understand your strengths and differences, and clarify your path forward. From a foundation of respect and communication, we can do a lot to increase passion, connection, and confidence.
Careers in music and business, raising a family, relationships, marriages and divorces have enriched my life and given me insight I would have appreciated a few decades ago.
Working with couples is fascinating and heartfelt for me. Connection is in our nature, and couples are connected in a way that awakens our deepest dreams and fears. Caring and sharing is the foundation of happiness and thriving. You probably already tried some things to improve your relationship or get clarity and it has not worked so well. Therapy can help you reduce fighting, understand your strengths and differences, and clarify your path forward. From a foundation of respect and communication, we can do a lot to increase passion, connection, and confidence.
(510) 698-8573 View (510) 698-8573
Photo of Jennifer Greene, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Jennifer Greene
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I employ methods such as Brainspotting techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused approaches, to foster connection, unearth emotional barriers, and facilitate healing.
If you're navigating life challenges that affect your well-being and seeking effective coping strategies, longing to feel understood, supported, and guided toward a more positive perspective, I'm here to assist! My approach centers on you, prioritizing your needs to bring clarity and tranquility through clinical support tailored to your goals.
I employ methods such as Brainspotting techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused approaches, to foster connection, unearth emotional barriers, and facilitate healing.
If you're navigating life challenges that affect your well-being and seeking effective coping strategies, longing to feel understood, supported, and guided toward a more positive perspective, I'm here to assist! My approach centers on you, prioritizing your needs to bring clarity and tranquility through clinical support tailored to your goals.
(916) 710-8749 View (916) 710-8749
Photo of Wisdom of Mind and Body, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94901, CA
Wisdom of Mind and Body
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
(925) 255-7552 View (925) 255-7552
Photo of Alyse Clayman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94901, CA
Alyse Clayman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPC, LICSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with tween/teenagers dealing with issues such as: school/work/social stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and grief. My primary focus is to establish and maintain a genuine and collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem. Additionally, I work with parents of teens dealing with stress related to parenting. I view my task as collaborating with you to set goals and keep the therapy on track toward meeting these goals.
I specialize in working with tween/teenagers dealing with issues such as: school/work/social stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and grief. My primary focus is to establish and maintain a genuine and collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem. Additionally, I work with parents of teens dealing with stress related to parenting. I view my task as collaborating with you to set goals and keep the therapy on track toward meeting these goals.
(415) 969-5707 View (415) 969-5707
Photo of Wendy A Calomiris, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Wendy A Calomiris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Any scary event or even a medical diagnosis can wreak havoc & any daily routine is quickly found unmanageable. If the physical body fails you, it affects your mood. If emotions are out of wack, it affects your health. Either way, you deserve to feel in control and you can reclaim control. The goal is to highlight your strengths and minimize or eliminate any obstacles to healthy wellness. A direct benefit of engaging in effective help elevates your protective factors against emotional decay now a known correlate with disease. Together we can restore a sense of control, balance, and develop your future goals. You deserve to be happy.
Any scary event or even a medical diagnosis can wreak havoc & any daily routine is quickly found unmanageable. If the physical body fails you, it affects your mood. If emotions are out of wack, it affects your health. Either way, you deserve to feel in control and you can reclaim control. The goal is to highlight your strengths and minimize or eliminate any obstacles to healthy wellness. A direct benefit of engaging in effective help elevates your protective factors against emotional decay now a known correlate with disease. Together we can restore a sense of control, balance, and develop your future goals. You deserve to be happy.
(707) 743-4082 View (707) 743-4082
Photo of Mariefrance Y Cote, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Mariefrance Y Cote
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I thoroughly enjoy supporting teens, parents, individuals and couples reach their full sense of being at ease in themselves. I believe in neurodiversity; that each individual is "wired" in their own particular and unique way, and that therapy supports making the best of one's neurology. I assist clients discover their inner wisdom, and engage in exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impede, and augment, the creations of harmonious relationships, and full potential. I offer a warm and caring presence, and yet engage dynamically, and authentically.
I thoroughly enjoy supporting teens, parents, individuals and couples reach their full sense of being at ease in themselves. I believe in neurodiversity; that each individual is "wired" in their own particular and unique way, and that therapy supports making the best of one's neurology. I assist clients discover their inner wisdom, and engage in exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impede, and augment, the creations of harmonious relationships, and full potential. I offer a warm and caring presence, and yet engage dynamically, and authentically.
(415) 969-5278 View (415) 969-5278
Photo of Wendy Labov-Dunne, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94901, CA
Wendy Labov-Dunne, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Waitlist for new clients
I respect the courage it takes to begin psychotherapy and choose the path of healing. Most important is the building of trust. My presence is kind and authentic, with healthy boundaries. An experienced Individual and Couples therapist, I teach relational skill-building, personally and inter-personally. I'm comfortable with all kinds of trauma, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, addiction, loss & grief, spiritual, medical or psychiatric issues. I encourage clients to identify and move closer to what is really important in their lives. I've witnessed lasting change as clients become more secure, creative & alive.
I respect the courage it takes to begin psychotherapy and choose the path of healing. Most important is the building of trust. My presence is kind and authentic, with healthy boundaries. An experienced Individual and Couples therapist, I teach relational skill-building, personally and inter-personally. I'm comfortable with all kinds of trauma, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, addiction, loss & grief, spiritual, medical or psychiatric issues. I encourage clients to identify and move closer to what is really important in their lives. I've witnessed lasting change as clients become more secure, creative & alive.
(415) 635-0502 View (415) 635-0502
Photo of Ben Chris Shuts, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94901, CA
Ben Chris Shuts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
(415) 598-9194 View (415) 598-9194
Photo of Rachel Jordana Horodezky, Psychologist in 94901, CA
Rachel Jordana Horodezky
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
(831) 331-4858 View (831) 331-4858
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.