Photo of Robert G Heckler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence, KS
Robert G Heckler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW
Verified Verified
Lawrence, KS 66045
Having begun with Menningers and learning the Psychoanalytic Milieu, then learning Bowen Family Systems, then Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, and numerous other therapies, allows for the use of therapeutic tools best suited to the client.
Practicing in mental health for 41 years; hospitals, group homes, community mental health and private practice. Worked with all populations, with every kind of problem and type of mental disorder. Recent focus on ages23-75, with trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, and relationships, incorporating mindfulness, relaxation and anger management and doing thorough, ongoing assessments. Clients who use substances are asked to abstain while in therapy. Changing the brain requires that. Regular attendance is necessary. Positive skills come with practice and consistency. To maintain the progress, there are avenues for contact during the week.
Having begun with Menningers and learning the Psychoanalytic Milieu, then learning Bowen Family Systems, then Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, and numerous other therapies, allows for the use of therapeutic tools best suited to the client.
Practicing in mental health for 41 years; hospitals, group homes, community mental health and private practice. Worked with all populations, with every kind of problem and type of mental disorder. Recent focus on ages23-75, with trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, and relationships, incorporating mindfulness, relaxation and anger management and doing thorough, ongoing assessments. Clients who use substances are asked to abstain while in therapy. Changing the brain requires that. Regular attendance is necessary. Positive skills come with practice and consistency. To maintain the progress, there are avenues for contact during the week.
(785) 579-9952 View (785) 579-9952

Online Therapists

Photo of Siri Panchananam Ellie Mental Health, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence, KS
Siri Panchananam Ellie Mental Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Overland Park, KS 66210
I currently practice at Ellie Mental Health in Overland Park! Ellie is a growing practice that aims to make mental health care accessible and decrease the stigma related to seeking support and taking care of ourselves. As a whole, we seek to provide an empathetic, affirming and inclusive space for all that need help and decrease the anxiety that we all can have in being vulnerable in asking for what we need.
I currently practice at Ellie Mental Health in Overland Park! Ellie is a growing practice that aims to make mental health care accessible and decrease the stigma related to seeking support and taking care of ourselves. As a whole, we seek to provide an empathetic, affirming and inclusive space for all that need help and decrease the anxiety that we all can have in being vulnerable in asking for what we need.
View
Photo of Vanessa Wray Knight, Counselor in Lawrence, KS
Vanessa Wray Knight
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211
Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and KS board-approved clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances or losses.
Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and KS board-approved clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances or losses.
(816) 608-8444 View (816) 608-8444
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.