Photo of Elizabeth Wellman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Elizabeth Wellman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70118  (Online Only)
I analyze my clients' life experiences and circumstances, focusing on family dynamics and reflections on the inner child, and I employ relaxation meditations and spiritual affirmations to help my clients alleviate suffering and create life centering practices.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience, my practice is centered on helping my clients find balance and deepen their ability to access true wellbeing. My work, both inpatient and outpatient, has ranged from helping adolescents bolster self esteem and coping skills on one end to helping adults who have suffered from mood and personality disorders on the other. My specialty, though, lies in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, and my work and anecdotal research has allowed me to develop a keen approach to the healing of these ailments on the path to achieving long term mental wellness.
I analyze my clients' life experiences and circumstances, focusing on family dynamics and reflections on the inner child, and I employ relaxation meditations and spiritual affirmations to help my clients alleviate suffering and create life centering practices.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience, my practice is centered on helping my clients find balance and deepen their ability to access true wellbeing. My work, both inpatient and outpatient, has ranged from helping adolescents bolster self esteem and coping skills on one end to helping adults who have suffered from mood and personality disorders on the other. My specialty, though, lies in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, and my work and anecdotal research has allowed me to develop a keen approach to the healing of these ailments on the path to achieving long term mental wellness.
(504) 321-5740 View (504) 321-5740
Photo of BACH Therapeutic Counseling Services, Pre-Licensed Professional in New Orleans, LA
BACH Therapeutic Counseling Services
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70127  (Online Only)
LaBrea's specialties also include therapy for anxiety, family conflict, life coaching, trauma and PTSD.
Are you struggling to find your place in the world? It can be hard to find your place when everyone around you seems to have it all together. When you are searching for your own identity, your purpose in life, and are trying to overcome the roadblocks that are in front of you, you don't always have the skills to do so. If you are searching for better self-confidence and a more clear vision and goal-directed life, LaBrea has spent years helping teens and children become emotionally secure in their values and identity, and helping adults improve their cognitive abilities throughout their many life transitions.
LaBrea's specialties also include therapy for anxiety, family conflict, life coaching, trauma and PTSD.
Are you struggling to find your place in the world? It can be hard to find your place when everyone around you seems to have it all together. When you are searching for your own identity, your purpose in life, and are trying to overcome the roadblocks that are in front of you, you don't always have the skills to do so. If you are searching for better self-confidence and a more clear vision and goal-directed life, LaBrea has spent years helping teens and children become emotionally secure in their values and identity, and helping adults improve their cognitive abilities throughout their many life transitions.
(504) 226-5331 View (504) 226-5331
Diana B Mccrory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70119  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Most of my clients are ordinary people who have been sexually abused as children or adults, or are from alcoholic families, or are struggling with alcoholism in their current life. They may be having difficulty adjusting to changing circumstaaances in their lives due to divorce or loss of a family member or friend. Many of my clients are experiencing depression or anxiety or chronic worry.
Most of my clients are ordinary people who have been sexually abused as children or adults, or are from alcoholic families, or are struggling with alcoholism in their current life. They may be having difficulty adjusting to changing circumstaaances in their lives due to divorce or loss of a family member or friend. Many of my clients are experiencing depression or anxiety or chronic worry.
(504) 303-4007 View (504) 303-4007
Photo of Vail S Tessier, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Vail S Tessier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70118
I am a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy .
I believe in a very user friendly method of practice, and encourage clients to ask questions and let me know their concerns. Together we will determine what self-defeating behaviors are keeping you from reaching your potential and causing problems in your relationships. My style is down to earth and direct , while at the same time warm and empathic. With over 30 years experience as a psychotherapist , my goal is to provide a comfortable environment for change and growth.
I am a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy .
I believe in a very user friendly method of practice, and encourage clients to ask questions and let me know their concerns. Together we will determine what self-defeating behaviors are keeping you from reaching your potential and causing problems in your relationships. My style is down to earth and direct , while at the same time warm and empathic. With over 30 years experience as a psychotherapist , my goal is to provide a comfortable environment for change and growth.
(504) 410-7256 View (504) 410-7256
Photo of B. Gerard Woodrich, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
B. Gerard Woodrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70118
My practice caters to all individuals, children, family, or couples.
Best way to make an appointment is through my website. Hello, thank you for visiting my page. Therapy is a very intimate yet necessary process in order to change negative dynamics in life. I approach therapy through engagement and fostering relationships. My approach is conversational, positive, and process based. I cater to individuals struggling with the realities of their life. Whether its stress from work or relationships, bullying at school, trauma from assault, or anxiety from your environment; I will assist you with processing those issues while strengthening your esteem and perspective.
My practice caters to all individuals, children, family, or couples.
Best way to make an appointment is through my website. Hello, thank you for visiting my page. Therapy is a very intimate yet necessary process in order to change negative dynamics in life. I approach therapy through engagement and fostering relationships. My approach is conversational, positive, and process based. I cater to individuals struggling with the realities of their life. Whether its stress from work or relationships, bullying at school, trauma from assault, or anxiety from your environment; I will assist you with processing those issues while strengthening your esteem and perspective.
(504) 226-8313 View (504) 226-8313
Photo of Joseph D Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Joseph D Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, BS, MS, M-RAS, LPC-S, ABD
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70114  (Online Only)
I'm skilled in helping families and parents work through a variety of issues, including behavioral issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders, anger management (Domestic Violence), Oppositional Defiance and Impulse Control Disorders, Family Conflicts, developing effective coping skills, working through loss and grief and adjusting to divorce and the blending of families to name a few.
In therapy I seek to provide his clients with the tools, guidance, and support to face life's challenges and difficulties. You will learn to empower yourself to utilize your inner strength and resilience to overcome obstacles.
I'm skilled in helping families and parents work through a variety of issues, including behavioral issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders, anger management (Domestic Violence), Oppositional Defiance and Impulse Control Disorders, Family Conflicts, developing effective coping skills, working through loss and grief and adjusting to divorce and the blending of families to name a few.
In therapy I seek to provide his clients with the tools, guidance, and support to face life's challenges and difficulties. You will learn to empower yourself to utilize your inner strength and resilience to overcome obstacles.
(504) 475-2351 View (504) 475-2351
Photo of Danielle Kleiman Pizzolatto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Danielle Kleiman Pizzolatto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70119
My professional experience includes individual and family work specializing in addiction, trauma and women's issues.
I believe deeply in the ability for people to change and renew. My 20 plus years of experience working with women, men, and families who have experienced addiction, physical, sexual and emotional trauma, homelessness, and mental illness affirms this belief.
My professional experience includes individual and family work specializing in addiction, trauma and women's issues.
I believe deeply in the ability for people to change and renew. My 20 plus years of experience working with women, men, and families who have experienced addiction, physical, sexual and emotional trauma, homelessness, and mental illness affirms this belief.
(504) 303-4341 View (504) 303-4341
Photo of Take Your Time Counseling, LLC. , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Take Your Time Counseling, LLC.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CTRP-E
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115  (Online Only)
I believe that you are the expert on your circumstances, family, and needs.
“In a society that says, ‘Put yourself last,’ self-love and self-acceptance are revolutionary.”-Brene Brown. Perhaps you have been considering therapy for a while, maybe this is a return for new strategies, or life’s constant upheavals have necessitated you to consider our support. Individual counseling and coaching clients can expect our therapists to provide an open and non-judgmental space for honest dialogue, creative problem-solving strategies, and the use of individually tailored and structured treatment plans, of which you are an active collaborator, to meet your goals.
I believe that you are the expert on your circumstances, family, and needs.
“In a society that says, ‘Put yourself last,’ self-love and self-acceptance are revolutionary.”-Brene Brown. Perhaps you have been considering therapy for a while, maybe this is a return for new strategies, or life’s constant upheavals have necessitated you to consider our support. Individual counseling and coaching clients can expect our therapists to provide an open and non-judgmental space for honest dialogue, creative problem-solving strategies, and the use of individually tailored and structured treatment plans, of which you are an active collaborator, to meet your goals.
(504) 370-0441 View (504) 370-0441
Photo of Candace Callaghan, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Candace Callaghan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70121
I specialize in adults, adolescents, couples, family therapy and addiction family systems.
I believe therapy is a sign of awareness not weakness and if you are looking for therapy for you then you are making a huge step for your personal well being! I have worked with a broad range of clientele for over 20 years now ranging from 5yrs to 70yrs. My specialization is in adolescents, adults, couples, family counseling and addict family systems. I work from a CBT approach and always keep the clients best interest at mind. I put a strong emphasis on client's privacy/ confidentiality. I work with clients as a nonjudgmental friend, teacher and coach
I specialize in adults, adolescents, couples, family therapy and addiction family systems.
I believe therapy is a sign of awareness not weakness and if you are looking for therapy for you then you are making a huge step for your personal well being! I have worked with a broad range of clientele for over 20 years now ranging from 5yrs to 70yrs. My specialization is in adolescents, adults, couples, family counseling and addict family systems. I work from a CBT approach and always keep the clients best interest at mind. I put a strong emphasis on client's privacy/ confidentiality. I work with clients as a nonjudgmental friend, teacher and coach
(504) 383-9072 View (504) 383-9072
Photo of CARE Institute Inc. in New Orleans, LA
CARE Institute Inc.
LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115
CARE Institute offers various programs including FREE and low-cost teletherapy. Our clinicians approach therapy from a holistic systems perspective to assist clients with learning skills to address life challenges. Clinicians at CARE offer a wide range of expertise to assist clients. Our licensed clinicians are marriage and family therapists (LMFT/PLMFT), professional mental health counselors (LPC/PLPC), and Registered Play Therapists. Our CARE for Y'ALL teletherapy program clinicians are marriage & family therapy graduate students from nationally accredited MFT programs.
CARE Institute offers various programs including FREE and low-cost teletherapy. Our clinicians approach therapy from a holistic systems perspective to assist clients with learning skills to address life challenges. Clinicians at CARE offer a wide range of expertise to assist clients. Our licensed clinicians are marriage and family therapists (LMFT/PLMFT), professional mental health counselors (LPC/PLPC), and Registered Play Therapists. Our CARE for Y'ALL teletherapy program clinicians are marriage & family therapy graduate students from nationally accredited MFT programs.
(504) 384-2178 View (504) 384-2178
Photo of Taylor Mayer, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Taylor Mayer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70112  (Online Only)
I use an integrated approach to provide individual counseling and play therapy services to adults and children. I am interested in aiding clients who deal with difficulties surrounding divorce, daily stressors, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. I intend to focus on working with children and families attempting to readjust to the rules and roles of the new family structure that can surface. I will provide a safe environment where clients can work collaboratively with me to identify concerns and process them. I will help clients use this new awareness to determine effective coping and communication skills.
I use an integrated approach to provide individual counseling and play therapy services to adults and children. I am interested in aiding clients who deal with difficulties surrounding divorce, daily stressors, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. I intend to focus on working with children and families attempting to readjust to the rules and roles of the new family structure that can surface. I will provide a safe environment where clients can work collaboratively with me to identify concerns and process them. I will help clients use this new awareness to determine effective coping and communication skills.
(337) 202-2561 View (337) 202-2561
Photo of Bleakley Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Bleakley Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70130
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can seem stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With 15 years of experience, Tara Lemon Bleakley MA, LPC currently practices general counseling with a focus in the following areas: behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, stress, problems with self-esteem, relationship problems, transitioning problems, parenting, step parenting, divorce, blended family issues, marital issues, trauma related issues, pregnancy issues, infertility and oppositional defiant disorder.
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can seem stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With 15 years of experience, Tara Lemon Bleakley MA, LPC currently practices general counseling with a focus in the following areas: behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, stress, problems with self-esteem, relationship problems, transitioning problems, parenting, step parenting, divorce, blended family issues, marital issues, trauma related issues, pregnancy issues, infertility and oppositional defiant disorder.
(985) 306-9236 View (985) 306-9236
Photo of Cynthia Harter Deblanc, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Cynthia Harter Deblanc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115
I have presented at national conferences on Family and Women's Issues and Eating Disorders and worked in both in-patient and out-patient settings.
I have worked with hundreds of clients of all ages over the past thirty years, suffering with depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, eating disorders (obesity and the use of bariatric surgery), relationship issues, and major life disappointments. Choosing an ideal therapist is knowing that person is passionate about your well being and will exhaust every avenue to that end. Together we understand you deeply and to validate your best and minimize unnecessary judgments, resulting in an expanded and more satisfying life.
I have presented at national conferences on Family and Women's Issues and Eating Disorders and worked in both in-patient and out-patient settings.
I have worked with hundreds of clients of all ages over the past thirty years, suffering with depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, eating disorders (obesity and the use of bariatric surgery), relationship issues, and major life disappointments. Choosing an ideal therapist is knowing that person is passionate about your well being and will exhaust every avenue to that end. Together we understand you deeply and to validate your best and minimize unnecessary judgments, resulting in an expanded and more satisfying life.
(504) 410-5011 View (504) 410-5011
Photo of Bleakley Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Bleakley Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LMFT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70130  (Online Only)
I provide therapy for clients experiencing difficulty with family situations, anxiety, life transitions, adult ADD/ADHD, grief, senior issues, life management, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress, children of narcissistic parents, life stress, and other situations.
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can be stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With over 18 years in the mental health field, Mary Smith LPC-S LMFT is currently a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Louisiana. Mary Smith LPC-S, LMFT offers evening and Saturday appointment times for your convenience.
I provide therapy for clients experiencing difficulty with family situations, anxiety, life transitions, adult ADD/ADHD, grief, senior issues, life management, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress, children of narcissistic parents, life stress, and other situations.
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can be stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With over 18 years in the mental health field, Mary Smith LPC-S LMFT is currently a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Louisiana. Mary Smith LPC-S, LMFT offers evening and Saturday appointment times for your convenience.
(985) 509-8348 View (985) 509-8348
Photo of Transition Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Transition Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, CDVC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70124
As a Marriage and family therapist, I use the family systems approach to partially understand behaviors; how they blend and conflict.
I am skilled in helping the client with issues of anxiety, depression. and most relationship issues. Assisting them and empowering them through the transitions of modern life. As a member of The No Abuse Coalition, I am approved as a Duluth specialist in anger management and domestic violence counseling for the court systems in the surrounding parishes. Healthy relationship skills can make a difference in the harmony in our lives. I enjoy working with couples to restore and enhance their love relationship. As a nonanxious presence, I will be there with you to process your thoughts and feelings
As a Marriage and family therapist, I use the family systems approach to partially understand behaviors; how they blend and conflict.
I am skilled in helping the client with issues of anxiety, depression. and most relationship issues. Assisting them and empowering them through the transitions of modern life. As a member of The No Abuse Coalition, I am approved as a Duluth specialist in anger management and domestic violence counseling for the court systems in the surrounding parishes. Healthy relationship skills can make a difference in the harmony in our lives. I enjoy working with couples to restore and enhance their love relationship. As a nonanxious presence, I will be there with you to process your thoughts and feelings
(504) 315-1959 View (504) 315-1959
Photo of Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115
JFS counseling services are designed to provide guidance and psychotherapy for individuals and families on how to cope with interpersonal and family problems. Our staff of compassionate, highly skilled mental health professionals specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Counseling is provided on an individual and group basis and our services are available to the Greater New Orleans community. JFS therapists are all Masters-level mental health professionals or Masters-level student interns. They are well-trained and up-to-date on the newest Best Practices standards and evidence-based protocols.
JFS counseling services are designed to provide guidance and psychotherapy for individuals and families on how to cope with interpersonal and family problems. Our staff of compassionate, highly skilled mental health professionals specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Counseling is provided on an individual and group basis and our services are available to the Greater New Orleans community. JFS therapists are all Masters-level mental health professionals or Masters-level student interns. They are well-trained and up-to-date on the newest Best Practices standards and evidence-based protocols.
(504) 229-6535 View (504) 229-6535
Photo of Deanna C Granger, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Deanna C Granger
Licensed Professional Counselor, M, Ed, LPC-S, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115  (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with the following areas: anxiety/fears, family of origin issues, affair recovery, pre-marital/marital, poor communication, conflict resolution skills, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling sad or anxious most of the time? Do you feel you like you are "stuck" or "trapped" with no solutions on how to improve the situation? Are you tired of feeling down? Well, you have come to the RIGHT PLACE!!! DEVOTED TO CHANGE GRADUALLY, LLC can assist you in getting there GRADUALLY by supporting you in taking "one step" at a time.
I am passionate about working with the following areas: anxiety/fears, family of origin issues, affair recovery, pre-marital/marital, poor communication, conflict resolution skills, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling sad or anxious most of the time? Do you feel you like you are "stuck" or "trapped" with no solutions on how to improve the situation? Are you tired of feeling down? Well, you have come to the RIGHT PLACE!!! DEVOTED TO CHANGE GRADUALLY, LLC can assist you in getting there GRADUALLY by supporting you in taking "one step" at a time.
(504) 285-2229 View (504) 285-2229
Photo of Kathryn Sinclair Lanier, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Kathryn Sinclair Lanier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70118
CLIENTS: tots, kids, teens... and their parents too! ISSUES: social, emotional, behavioral, academics, parenting, and family functioning. GOALS: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-acceptance, autonomy. HOW: Working from a firm foundation of respect for the dignity of the individual in the client-therapist relationship, I help clients develop mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, and socially. By providing a safe, confidential, warm and empathetic counseling experience, my clients' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be explored, understood, and improved so life can be enjoyed once again.
CLIENTS: tots, kids, teens... and their parents too! ISSUES: social, emotional, behavioral, academics, parenting, and family functioning. GOALS: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-acceptance, autonomy. HOW: Working from a firm foundation of respect for the dignity of the individual in the client-therapist relationship, I help clients develop mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, and socially. By providing a safe, confidential, warm and empathetic counseling experience, my clients' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be explored, understood, and improved so life can be enjoyed once again.
(504) 608-7462 View (504) 608-7462
Photo of Brandon S. Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Brandon S. Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70131  (Online Only)
My approach is client-, couple-, and family-centered and catered to your needs.
Everyone, including me, goes through tough seasons! From feelings of fear & sadness to an overall dissatisfaction with life, we’ve all been there. Whether you're a young person trying to overcome social stressors or prepping to transition to or from college or the workforce, our care and coaching can help you achieve success from the inside-out. In addition, I can also help the entire family navigate through teen years, and strengthen family bond. Lastly, I can help to bring couples closer than ever before. Couples gain skills that garner success from the dating & pre-marital stages to the "empty-nest” stage.
My approach is client-, couple-, and family-centered and catered to your needs.
Everyone, including me, goes through tough seasons! From feelings of fear & sadness to an overall dissatisfaction with life, we’ve all been there. Whether you're a young person trying to overcome social stressors or prepping to transition to or from college or the workforce, our care and coaching can help you achieve success from the inside-out. In addition, I can also help the entire family navigate through teen years, and strengthen family bond. Lastly, I can help to bring couples closer than ever before. Couples gain skills that garner success from the dating & pre-marital stages to the "empty-nest” stage.
(337) 435-9147 View (337) 435-9147
Photo of Rebecca Oyer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Rebecca Oyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP, ISPP
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70116
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for 30 years and I very much enjoy my work. My goal is to help people with healing, and in so doing help them to live a more joyful and meaningful life. I have years of experience helping clients address and recover from many different issues. I work with emotional wounds that are often at the core of issues that clients bring to me, and with healing trauma including religious trauma. I have found that when these wounds can be addressed in a safe environment, healing can take place. I work with adults of all life stages, with adolescents, children, with individuals, families and groups.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for 30 years and I very much enjoy my work. My goal is to help people with healing, and in so doing help them to live a more joyful and meaningful life. I have years of experience helping clients address and recover from many different issues. I work with emotional wounds that are often at the core of issues that clients bring to me, and with healing trauma including religious trauma. I have found that when these wounds can be addressed in a safe environment, healing can take place. I work with adults of all life stages, with adolescents, children, with individuals, families and groups.
(337) 243-6887 View (337) 243-6887

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.