Family Therapy in Kentfield, CA

Photo of Diane Hough, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diane Hough
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94914
I have been licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist and life coach for over 27 years. I see a client's issues in the context of the unfolding of the whole person. Making life changes can be a powerfully transformative experience. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to my clients needs and interests, depending on whether you are more interested counseling or coaching, individual or couple's work. I offer a complimentary phone con to determine whether we may be a good fit. I offer a nonjudgmental and safe space to explore your concerns while also wanting to get you results. My style is supportive, and direct.
I have been licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist and life coach for over 27 years. I see a client's issues in the context of the unfolding of the whole person. Making life changes can be a powerfully transformative experience. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to my clients needs and interests, depending on whether you are more interested counseling or coaching, individual or couple's work. I offer a complimentary phone con to determine whether we may be a good fit. I offer a nonjudgmental and safe space to explore your concerns while also wanting to get you results. My style is supportive, and direct.
(415) 312-0744 View (415) 312-0744
Photo of Renee Spencer, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renee Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples successfully navigate the inevitable challenges of long term relationships and family life.
You may be educated, even outwardly successful, but struggle to feel good about yourself, have difficulties with close relationships or just want more out of life. I believe it's human to struggle and that we all can benefit from self exploration. You stand to gain, and so does your partner, children, friends, even co-workers when you're bringing more of your best self to the game. My style is active and I bring humor and compassion to help you develop solutions as well as grow from your struggles. A seasoned therapist, my approach is flexible and practical, tailored to meet your needs. I'm LGBTQIA sensitive and welcoming.
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples successfully navigate the inevitable challenges of long term relationships and family life.
You may be educated, even outwardly successful, but struggle to feel good about yourself, have difficulties with close relationships or just want more out of life. I believe it's human to struggle and that we all can benefit from self exploration. You stand to gain, and so does your partner, children, friends, even co-workers when you're bringing more of your best self to the game. My style is active and I bring humor and compassion to help you develop solutions as well as grow from your struggles. A seasoned therapist, my approach is flexible and practical, tailored to meet your needs. I'm LGBTQIA sensitive and welcoming.
(415) 429-3431 View (415) 429-3431
Photo of Stephany Howard, PsyD, Psychologist
Stephany Howard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
My approach is integrative and highly personalized, pulling from CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Control Mastery Theory, relational therapy, mindfulness, and a hearty sense of humor.
Anxiety, addiction, trauma, and relationships are my areas of expertise. I am a heady-yet-mindful person who works well with clients struggling with over-thinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Many of my clients are creative, sensitive, and driven individuals who came from dysfunctional families and want to feel calmer and more free. I see entrepreneurs, co-founders, parents, couples, and individuals struggling in their relationships. I have a private practice in Marin County (Bay Area), CA, where I offer virtual and face-to-face therapy, consultation, and coaching for individuals and relationships.
My approach is integrative and highly personalized, pulling from CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Control Mastery Theory, relational therapy, mindfulness, and a hearty sense of humor.
Anxiety, addiction, trauma, and relationships are my areas of expertise. I am a heady-yet-mindful person who works well with clients struggling with over-thinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Many of my clients are creative, sensitive, and driven individuals who came from dysfunctional families and want to feel calmer and more free. I see entrepreneurs, co-founders, parents, couples, and individuals struggling in their relationships. I have a private practice in Marin County (Bay Area), CA, where I offer virtual and face-to-face therapy, consultation, and coaching for individuals and relationships.
(628) 261-6144 View (628) 261-6144
Photo of Dan Davies, PhD, LEP, Psychologist
Dan Davies
Psychologist, PhD, LEP
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
Children and adolescents struggle in school for many different reasons. If your child is struggling academically, a detailed assessment is the best way to understand the true causes of these struggles. I have tested and helped hundreds of clients with a wide spectrum of struggles. In addition to assessment, I offer treatments including individual counseling, family counseling, consultation, and parenting advice. I have counseled many clients in all stages of life to help them overcome many difficulties.
Children and adolescents struggle in school for many different reasons. If your child is struggling academically, a detailed assessment is the best way to understand the true causes of these struggles. I have tested and helped hundreds of clients with a wide spectrum of struggles. In addition to assessment, I offer treatments including individual counseling, family counseling, consultation, and parenting advice. I have counseled many clients in all stages of life to help them overcome many difficulties.
(916) 710-8592 View (916) 710-8592
Photo of Paul R Puccinelli, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul R Puccinelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based methods that have been proven effective in promoting mental and emotional well-being. I have developed a deep understanding of and specialize in working with individuals living with Parkinson's Disease, as well as their dedicated caregivers. In addition, I work with couples to rebuild trust, improve communications, and strengthen their connection. I offer guidance and support for young individuals, who need help developing coping strategies to address issues such as anxiety or depression.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based methods that have been proven effective in promoting mental and emotional well-being. I have developed a deep understanding of and specialize in working with individuals living with Parkinson's Disease, as well as their dedicated caregivers. In addition, I work with couples to rebuild trust, improve communications, and strengthen their connection. I offer guidance and support for young individuals, who need help developing coping strategies to address issues such as anxiety or depression.
(415) 326-1384 View (415) 326-1384
Photo of Robin Gayle, PhD, MDiv, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robin Gayle
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, MFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I am Full Professor and Chair of the Counseling Psychology Department at Dominican University of California teaching graduate level counseling psychology courses to those aspiring to be Marriage and Family Therapists.
Personal issues often show up in relationships where we get caught in freeze, fight, or flight reactions. Friendships, colleagues, family, and intimate partners are our best mirrors leading to effective personal work in therapy. My experiential three-fold model of problem solving integrates mind, body, and emotions. We begin with the description of a problem or struggle, identify associated emotions, and locate the way the issue is held somatically. This may develop into a visual or symbolic representation with which one can dialogue, apply insight, antidote and release, or reveal deeper targets that need to be reprocessed.
I am Full Professor and Chair of the Counseling Psychology Department at Dominican University of California teaching graduate level counseling psychology courses to those aspiring to be Marriage and Family Therapists.
Personal issues often show up in relationships where we get caught in freeze, fight, or flight reactions. Friendships, colleagues, family, and intimate partners are our best mirrors leading to effective personal work in therapy. My experiential three-fold model of problem solving integrates mind, body, and emotions. We begin with the description of a problem or struggle, identify associated emotions, and locate the way the issue is held somatically. This may develop into a visual or symbolic representation with which one can dialogue, apply insight, antidote and release, or reveal deeper targets that need to be reprocessed.
(415) 787-3942 View (415) 787-3942
Photo of Sarah Alexander, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
My approach is sensitive, attuned to you as an individual, couple, family, and community.
I hold a deeply calm, present, and nurturing space for your brightest dreams and your darkest wounds. Whatever your concerns, you will feel sincerely heard, held, and guided in a safe and constructive way. You will be supported in discovering and reclaiming hidden or submerged parts of your fullest self, as well as the positive and promising reasons behind the challenges that you face. Together, we will creatively explore new and vital directions for you, internally and dynamically, into the world. My commitment is for your purpose to become more grounded, more meaningful, more genuinely alive.
My approach is sensitive, attuned to you as an individual, couple, family, and community.
I hold a deeply calm, present, and nurturing space for your brightest dreams and your darkest wounds. Whatever your concerns, you will feel sincerely heard, held, and guided in a safe and constructive way. You will be supported in discovering and reclaiming hidden or submerged parts of your fullest self, as well as the positive and promising reasons behind the challenges that you face. Together, we will creatively explore new and vital directions for you, internally and dynamically, into the world. My commitment is for your purpose to become more grounded, more meaningful, more genuinely alive.
(415) 801-0119 View (415) 801-0119
Photo of Jane M Jacobs, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jane M Jacobs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I am trained to treat individuals suffering from depression, grief, anxiety, stress, addiction, and family issues.
Getting professional assistance works, but it's not easy to ask for help. In practice for over 25 years, I find that many emotionally challenging problems can be treated with insight, support, and education. In a confidential and discreet setting, together we can look honestly at what's going on and find personalized solutions for you. Whether you're struggling with a life transition, a family problem, an addiction or a health challenge, together, we'll get you moving in the direction you desire.
I am trained to treat individuals suffering from depression, grief, anxiety, stress, addiction, and family issues.
Getting professional assistance works, but it's not easy to ask for help. In practice for over 25 years, I find that many emotionally challenging problems can be treated with insight, support, and education. In a confidential and discreet setting, together we can look honestly at what's going on and find personalized solutions for you. Whether you're struggling with a life transition, a family problem, an addiction or a health challenge, together, we'll get you moving in the direction you desire.
(415) 483-4239 View (415) 483-4239
Photo of Alyssa Steiger, PsyD, Psychologist
Alyssa Steiger
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
I work with women of all ages on issues such as life transitions, relationships, work-life balance, finding meaning, anxiety, depression, infertility, perinatal issues, family stress, hormonal changes, health/weight management, grief and loss, and bipolar disorder.
Are you stuck in unhealthy patterns that you don't know how to break? Or struggling with something and thinking you might need extra support? Whether we tackle long-standing issues or address an immediate problem, you will find this integrative therapy useful and be grateful you took up this endeavor. I have a very modern, honest and direct style of communicating that allows us to focus on your goals in a collaborative and constructive way, but more importantly, in a way that makes sense to you.
I work with women of all ages on issues such as life transitions, relationships, work-life balance, finding meaning, anxiety, depression, infertility, perinatal issues, family stress, hormonal changes, health/weight management, grief and loss, and bipolar disorder.
Are you stuck in unhealthy patterns that you don't know how to break? Or struggling with something and thinking you might need extra support? Whether we tackle long-standing issues or address an immediate problem, you will find this integrative therapy useful and be grateful you took up this endeavor. I have a very modern, honest and direct style of communicating that allows us to focus on your goals in a collaborative and constructive way, but more importantly, in a way that makes sense to you.
(628) 227-6278 View (628) 227-6278
Photo of Sheryl B Hausman, PhD, Psychologist
Sheryl B Hausman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
Several psychological schools of thought, including psychodynamic theory and family systems theory, inform my work.
My professional training and years of experience have taught me that the people I work with genuinely want to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. They enter treatment because they want to develop closer and more rewarding relationships, because they want to achieve their life and career goals, and because they want to overcome the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that get in their way and cause them pain and suffering. I have never met a parent who did not truly want the best for their child.
Several psychological schools of thought, including psychodynamic theory and family systems theory, inform my work.
My professional training and years of experience have taught me that the people I work with genuinely want to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. They enter treatment because they want to develop closer and more rewarding relationships, because they want to achieve their life and career goals, and because they want to overcome the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that get in their way and cause them pain and suffering. I have never met a parent who did not truly want the best for their child.
(415) 574-0948 View (415) 574-0948
Photo of Betsy Russell, MS, JD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Betsy Russell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I enjoy working with people of all ages individually or as a family.
My objective is to listen, be present, connect, provide feedback and reflect on what may help your life become more rewarding, less stressed, anxious or stuck, more empowered, or even reinvented! Every person is unique and together we will explore your strengths and the best options that will enhance your well-being. I am non-judgmental and create a friendly environment that provides an opportunity for us to talk about your difficulties and expectations. While doing so, I will be sure to assess that my way of working is appropriate for you and that you feel comfortable working with me.
I enjoy working with people of all ages individually or as a family.
My objective is to listen, be present, connect, provide feedback and reflect on what may help your life become more rewarding, less stressed, anxious or stuck, more empowered, or even reinvented! Every person is unique and together we will explore your strengths and the best options that will enhance your well-being. I am non-judgmental and create a friendly environment that provides an opportunity for us to talk about your difficulties and expectations. While doing so, I will be sure to assess that my way of working is appropriate for you and that you feel comfortable working with me.
(415) 991-4896 View (415) 991-4896
Photo of Agnes Wang, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Agnes Wang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I was trained in Virginia Satir's approach to family systems and communication theory.
For over 40 years I have worked with a range of issues in life transitions, be it related to separation and loss, career, parenting, relationship, illness, aging, death and spirituality. For couples, I am an impartial and supportive facilitator who helps you modify dysfunctional roles and patterns by offering effective communication skills to negotiate unmet needs, and deepen understanding, acceptance and intimacy. For individuals I offer an integrated psychodynamic, mindfulness training, cognitive and behavioral approaches to personal change and growth.
I was trained in Virginia Satir's approach to family systems and communication theory.
For over 40 years I have worked with a range of issues in life transitions, be it related to separation and loss, career, parenting, relationship, illness, aging, death and spirituality. For couples, I am an impartial and supportive facilitator who helps you modify dysfunctional roles and patterns by offering effective communication skills to negotiate unmet needs, and deepen understanding, acceptance and intimacy. For individuals I offer an integrated psychodynamic, mindfulness training, cognitive and behavioral approaches to personal change and growth.
(628) 210-3793 View (628) 210-3793
Photo of Joan Driscoll, PhD, Psychologist
Joan Driscoll
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
Whether you are seeking therapy for relationship problems or experiencing difficult emotions, negative patterns, career challenges, self-sabotage, family conflicts, or plain sick-of-being sick--it is a trusting therapeutic relationship that provides the foundation for helping you.
I am a licensed psychologist who sees individuals, couples and families for more than 20 years. My goal is to help patients live psychologically healthier and more fulfilling lives. My patients want to remove obstacles and recover hope, purpose and themselves. I help explore deeper issues and patterns underlying persistent unhappiness, as well as help navigate life transitions that are overwhelming. Adjusting to uncertainty, new beginnings, endings, isolation, grief, and constantly changing conditions are challenging and can cause us to get stuck. I can help unstick.
Whether you are seeking therapy for relationship problems or experiencing difficult emotions, negative patterns, career challenges, self-sabotage, family conflicts, or plain sick-of-being sick--it is a trusting therapeutic relationship that provides the foundation for helping you.
I am a licensed psychologist who sees individuals, couples and families for more than 20 years. My goal is to help patients live psychologically healthier and more fulfilling lives. My patients want to remove obstacles and recover hope, purpose and themselves. I help explore deeper issues and patterns underlying persistent unhappiness, as well as help navigate life transitions that are overwhelming. Adjusting to uncertainty, new beginnings, endings, isolation, grief, and constantly changing conditions are challenging and can cause us to get stuck. I can help unstick.
(415) 233-7852 View (415) 233-7852
Photo of Caroline Hoeveler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline Hoeveler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
For the past two years, I have practiced as a psychotherapist for children, adults, seniors and families presenting with a wide variety of concerns at Jewish Family and Children's Services in Marin.
I provide psychotherapy to people who would like to find healing, happiness and peace in the midst of life’s challenges. Critical elements of my approach are deep and persistent compassion, acceptance, collaboration and partnership. My goal is to help you develop strategies and coping skills, cultivate new attitudes and increase insight while all along holding space to honor your journey and inner strengths. This is done by exploring the functions behind emotions, thoughts, behaviors and beliefs, all of which are valid and important, but can be difficult to interpret in the chaos of everyday life.
For the past two years, I have practiced as a psychotherapist for children, adults, seniors and families presenting with a wide variety of concerns at Jewish Family and Children's Services in Marin.
I provide psychotherapy to people who would like to find healing, happiness and peace in the midst of life’s challenges. Critical elements of my approach are deep and persistent compassion, acceptance, collaboration and partnership. My goal is to help you develop strategies and coping skills, cultivate new attitudes and increase insight while all along holding space to honor your journey and inner strengths. This is done by exploring the functions behind emotions, thoughts, behaviors and beliefs, all of which are valid and important, but can be difficult to interpret in the chaos of everyday life.
(415) 903-1504 View (415) 903-1504
Photo of Thom Kessler, MS, LMFT, RAS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Thom Kessler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
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 Kim S Fahlen, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kim S Fahlen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
Together, we'll work towards building a happier and more harmonious family dynamic.
Bring healing and harmony back into your home. I offer a range of therapy services tailored to meet the needs of children, teens, and families, through various stages of development including individual counseling for children and teens, family therapy, parenting support, school consultation and collaboration, academic support plans for mental health issues, play therapy for younger children, and sandtray therapy for all ages. I welcome children, teens and families from diverse backgrounds.
Together, we'll work towards building a happier and more harmonious family dynamic.
Bring healing and harmony back into your home. I offer a range of therapy services tailored to meet the needs of children, teens, and families, through various stages of development including individual counseling for children and teens, family therapy, parenting support, school consultation and collaboration, academic support plans for mental health issues, play therapy for younger children, and sandtray therapy for all ages. I welcome children, teens and families from diverse backgrounds.
(415) 234-1309 View (415) 234-1309
Photo of Meredith Kornfeld, MA, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meredith Kornfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Having successfully overcome my own addiction and mental health issues, I am a firm believer in people's ability to change and improve their lives. I can hold this hope for you until you can hold it for yourself. Working from a strengths-based approach, I specialize in addiction and recovery, self-esteem issues, and couples and family work. I never use a cookie-cutter approach and I pride myself on tailoring the therapy to each client's individual needs and personality.
Having successfully overcome my own addiction and mental health issues, I am a firm believer in people's ability to change and improve their lives. I can hold this hope for you until you can hold it for yourself. Working from a strengths-based approach, I specialize in addiction and recovery, self-esteem issues, and couples and family work. I never use a cookie-cutter approach and I pride myself on tailoring the therapy to each client's individual needs and personality.
(415) 801-3576 View (415) 801-3576
Photo of Jeremy Jensen, PsyD, Psychologist
Jeremy Jensen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Childhood, adolescence, and early adult years are times of great potential. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities that inevitably arise as young people move through these foundational stages of development. I work creatively with clients to optimize growth and learning, offering solutions to challenges that arise for individuals, between family members, within peer groups and at school.
Childhood, adolescence, and early adult years are times of great potential. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities that inevitably arise as young people move through these foundational stages of development. I work creatively with clients to optimize growth and learning, offering solutions to challenges that arise for individuals, between family members, within peer groups and at school.
(415) 237-4418 View (415) 237-4418
Photo of Dr. Jeff Sammis, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Jeff Sammis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I provide individual, family, and couples therapy with a specialty in trauma recovery.
I'm Dr. Jeffery Sammis a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I help people overcome trauma and develop ways to feel whole again. If you feel that worries and sadness are overwhelming you, therapy can help you regain a sense of control and balance.  ​ Therapy will be a safe space to tell your story and learn new ways to move and grow into the person you want to be. Come learn skills, gain insight, and transform your story into something better. Everyone deserves to feel whole and complete, lets help you get there.    ​
I provide individual, family, and couples therapy with a specialty in trauma recovery.
I'm Dr. Jeffery Sammis a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I help people overcome trauma and develop ways to feel whole again. If you feel that worries and sadness are overwhelming you, therapy can help you regain a sense of control and balance.  ​ Therapy will be a safe space to tell your story and learn new ways to move and grow into the person you want to be. Come learn skills, gain insight, and transform your story into something better. Everyone deserves to feel whole and complete, lets help you get there.    ​
(415) 903-8462 View (415) 903-8462
Photo of Briana Aitkenhead, MA, MFTI, Marriage & Family Therapist
Briana Aitkenhead
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFTI
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I have been working in the Bay Area for 10 years now as a psychotherapist. I have experience working with adolescents, couples and children. I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship that can transform a persons perspective. I utilize many different therapeutic approaches such as DBT and emotion focused therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I have been working in the Bay Area for 10 years now as a psychotherapist. I have experience working with adolescents, couples and children. I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship that can transform a persons perspective. I utilize many different therapeutic approaches such as DBT and emotion focused therapy.
(415) 687-4433 View (415) 687-4433
1
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.