Photo of Erin O'Toole, Counselor in Rochester, NY
Erin O'Toole
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience in addiction/substance abuse counseling, managing anxiety and depression, and OCD, as well as exploring and understanding difficult family dynamics.
Hi, I’m Erin! While life can be absolutely beautiful, it can also be difficult to feel contentment and notice the joy when you are overwhelmed with anxiety, doubt, and negative beliefs about yourself. It can feel comfortable to stay stuck in a pattern that is not serving you, but I’m betting that you’re becoming more uncomfortable with staying the same than you have in the past. While working together, you will learn how to navigate difficult thoughts that promote hard feelings. You will obtain skills to self regulate and accept things outside of your control, while becoming familiar with healthy boundaries that promote balance.
I have experience in addiction/substance abuse counseling, managing anxiety and depression, and OCD, as well as exploring and understanding difficult family dynamics.
Hi, I’m Erin! While life can be absolutely beautiful, it can also be difficult to feel contentment and notice the joy when you are overwhelmed with anxiety, doubt, and negative beliefs about yourself. It can feel comfortable to stay stuck in a pattern that is not serving you, but I’m betting that you’re becoming more uncomfortable with staying the same than you have in the past. While working together, you will learn how to navigate difficult thoughts that promote hard feelings. You will obtain skills to self regulate and accept things outside of your control, while becoming familiar with healthy boundaries that promote balance.
(585) 643-8844 View (585) 643-8844
Photo of Megan Syfrett, Counselor in Rochester, NY
Megan Syfrett
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618
Do you want to feel more in control of your thoughts? Are you wanting to move more towards the people, places, and things that are important to you? Change can be scary. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. It can make us feel less interested in our favorite activities, like we will never be happy or fulfilled, or that there will never be a solution to what you are going through. Our anxious thoughts can get in the way of being present with ourselves and our family/friends. We all just want to feel grounded in the present moment, like we belong and are prepared to face anything that comes our way.
Do you want to feel more in control of your thoughts? Are you wanting to move more towards the people, places, and things that are important to you? Change can be scary. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. It can make us feel less interested in our favorite activities, like we will never be happy or fulfilled, or that there will never be a solution to what you are going through. Our anxious thoughts can get in the way of being present with ourselves and our family/friends. We all just want to feel grounded in the present moment, like we belong and are prepared to face anything that comes our way.
(585) 302-4539 View (585) 302-4539
Photo of Shannon Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Rochester, NY
Shannon Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I work with individuals, couples, and families to help them understand their experiences within the context of their relationships, culture, and societal influences.
FYI: Limited daytime availability for new clients (April, 2024). Welcome! Therapy can offer you support when life presents challenges such as relationship concerns, illness, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and other stressors. You are the expert in your life, and I will collaborate with you to help you identify what you want to change and gain insights about how to make progress toward your goals.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I work with individuals, couples, and families to help them understand their experiences within the context of their relationships, culture, and societal influences.
FYI: Limited daytime availability for new clients (April, 2024). Welcome! Therapy can offer you support when life presents challenges such as relationship concerns, illness, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and other stressors. You are the expert in your life, and I will collaborate with you to help you identify what you want to change and gain insights about how to make progress toward your goals.
(585) 449-6894 View (585) 449-6894
Photo of Anne B. Graham, Counselor in Rochester, NY
Anne B. Graham
Counselor, MS, Ed, CAS, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618
I work extensively with individuals and couples specializing in the areas of relationship problems, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions including divorce, loss of a partner or family member.
Over thirty years of experience partnering with clients of all ages, from a wide variety of backgrounds, has confirmed for me each person has within themselves the resources and ability to become the person they wish to be and to improve their satisfaction in life. As a therapist I partner with each client helping them to identify patterns of thought and behavior that are no longer effective and guide them in discovering new, more rewarding ways of relating and connecting with others. I work collaboratively with clients to solve problems, connect with strengths, and reach their personal and professional goals.
I work extensively with individuals and couples specializing in the areas of relationship problems, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions including divorce, loss of a partner or family member.
Over thirty years of experience partnering with clients of all ages, from a wide variety of backgrounds, has confirmed for me each person has within themselves the resources and ability to become the person they wish to be and to improve their satisfaction in life. As a therapist I partner with each client helping them to identify patterns of thought and behavior that are no longer effective and guide them in discovering new, more rewarding ways of relating and connecting with others. I work collaboratively with clients to solve problems, connect with strengths, and reach their personal and professional goals.
(585) 302-4324 View (585) 302-4324
Photo of Mackenzie Davitt, Counselor in Rochester, NY
Mackenzie Davitt
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618  (Online Only)
Find peace and balance from within. I will work with you during whatever life situations you are struggling with, including relationships, codependency, anxiety, depression, procrastination, transitions, family concerns, addictions, and trauma. Maybe you are wanting to move on from a significant loss, ready to heal from emotional pain, looking for greater satisfaction in your relationships or in need of more balance in your life. I honor your process at all times and together we will embark on the journey to wholehearted healing.
Find peace and balance from within. I will work with you during whatever life situations you are struggling with, including relationships, codependency, anxiety, depression, procrastination, transitions, family concerns, addictions, and trauma. Maybe you are wanting to move on from a significant loss, ready to heal from emotional pain, looking for greater satisfaction in your relationships or in need of more balance in your life. I honor your process at all times and together we will embark on the journey to wholehearted healing.
(585) 401-7555 View (585) 401-7555
Photo of Cheryl A. Bianchi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rochester, NY
Cheryl A. Bianchi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, ACSW, EAS-C
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14610
Specific areas of interest: couples/marital and family therapy, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, self-esteem, ADD/ADHD, Addictions, gay/lesbian, transgender, first responders, caregivers or helping professionals, anger management, Domestic Violence and career and life coaching.
I have been helping individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. Clients & colleagues describe me as experienced, effective, direct, honest, kind, compassionate, genuine & caring. Strengths are my empathy & ability to connect with others in a therapeutic way as to help facilitate growth, change and movement in their lives & acceptance of self. I use an eclectic approach: cognitive-behavioral, experiential, relational, solution-focused, supportive, trauma informed, and insight-oriented psychotherapy. Expertise working with couples, families & adolescents. An Addiction Specialist and an OASAS-DMV Provider for drug & alcohol evaluations, assessment and treatment. I am also certified by EAPA as a Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical(EAS-C).
Specific areas of interest: couples/marital and family therapy, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, self-esteem, ADD/ADHD, Addictions, gay/lesbian, transgender, first responders, caregivers or helping professionals, anger management, Domestic Violence and career and life coaching.
I have been helping individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. Clients & colleagues describe me as experienced, effective, direct, honest, kind, compassionate, genuine & caring. Strengths are my empathy & ability to connect with others in a therapeutic way as to help facilitate growth, change and movement in their lives & acceptance of self. I use an eclectic approach: cognitive-behavioral, experiential, relational, solution-focused, supportive, trauma informed, and insight-oriented psychotherapy. Expertise working with couples, families & adolescents. An Addiction Specialist and an OASAS-DMV Provider for drug & alcohol evaluations, assessment and treatment. I am also certified by EAPA as a Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical(EAS-C).
(585) 492-6195 View (585) 492-6195
Photo of Michael Caputo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Rochester, NY
Michael Caputo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14610
Life can be challenging. Sometimes you strive toward something meaningful even though it's not easy. Other times we struggle with what blocks us from a satisfying life - grief or depression, anxiety or trauma. What if you could refocus energy from uncomfortable thoughts and feelings and, instead, pour it into pursuing a meaningful life? More time with family. Enriching a loving relationship. Chasing a career goal. Improving yourself. I believe we can lose ourselves in struggles that take us away from healthy living. But you can aim for a way to deal with internal difficulties and engage in purposeful living. I'd like to help.
Life can be challenging. Sometimes you strive toward something meaningful even though it's not easy. Other times we struggle with what blocks us from a satisfying life - grief or depression, anxiety or trauma. What if you could refocus energy from uncomfortable thoughts and feelings and, instead, pour it into pursuing a meaningful life? More time with family. Enriching a loving relationship. Chasing a career goal. Improving yourself. I believe we can lose ourselves in struggles that take us away from healthy living. But you can aim for a way to deal with internal difficulties and engage in purposeful living. I'd like to help.
(585) 564-5413 View (585) 564-5413
Photo of Terika Harrell, Counselor in Rochester, NY
Terika Harrell
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14623
My areas of specialty includes: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, family issues, life transitions, and behavioral regulation.
I strive to be an attentive and diligent therapist. I know that entering therapy is challenging, especially if you are engaging in therapeutic help for the first time. I strive to work together to create and accomplish mutual goals. My therapeutic style is kind, warm, and support-oriented. I am passionate about providing evidenced-based treatments to help clients learn skills and coping mechanisms to decrease their symptoms and gain more control over their emotions!
My areas of specialty includes: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, family issues, life transitions, and behavioral regulation.
I strive to be an attentive and diligent therapist. I know that entering therapy is challenging, especially if you are engaging in therapeutic help for the first time. I strive to work together to create and accomplish mutual goals. My therapeutic style is kind, warm, and support-oriented. I am passionate about providing evidenced-based treatments to help clients learn skills and coping mechanisms to decrease their symptoms and gain more control over their emotions!
(585) 449-9122 View (585) 449-9122
Photo of Samantha Eve Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Rochester, NY
Samantha Eve Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618
I have specialized training in eating disorders, though my interests span fields of sport & performance psychology, women's health, medical family therapy, and LGBTQ+ populations.
Oh hi! You have landed on another therapist profile to sift through. You are struggling with anxiety, disordered eating, body image and identity concerns, relational distress, and/or the messiness that is everything in between. I am here for you. I am the founder and creative director of FUEL therapy. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and anxiety disorders in Rochester, New York. My therapeutic work is rooted in both a biopsychosocial and social-ecological model of health. I am ready to partner with you as you take back your life and move towards the life you envision!
I have specialized training in eating disorders, though my interests span fields of sport & performance psychology, women's health, medical family therapy, and LGBTQ+ populations.
Oh hi! You have landed on another therapist profile to sift through. You are struggling with anxiety, disordered eating, body image and identity concerns, relational distress, and/or the messiness that is everything in between. I am here for you. I am the founder and creative director of FUEL therapy. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and anxiety disorders in Rochester, New York. My therapeutic work is rooted in both a biopsychosocial and social-ecological model of health. I am ready to partner with you as you take back your life and move towards the life you envision!
(585) 601-1351 View (585) 601-1351
Photo of Eastside Mental Health Counseling Services, PLLC, Mental Health Counselor in Rochester, NY
Eastside Mental Health Counseling Services, PLLC
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CASAC, NCC, CGP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618
In addition to individual, couples, family, and group therapy, we offer individual and group clinical supervision/consultation.
Welcome and thank you for considering our practice in your journey toward wellness. Choosing to start therapy is an important step, and we believe that finding the right therapist for you is essential in this process. Our hope is that you feel welcomed, valued, and safe to explore yourself in our calm and nurturing environment.
In addition to individual, couples, family, and group therapy, we offer individual and group clinical supervision/consultation.
Welcome and thank you for considering our practice in your journey toward wellness. Choosing to start therapy is an important step, and we believe that finding the right therapist for you is essential in this process. Our hope is that you feel welcomed, valued, and safe to explore yourself in our calm and nurturing environment.
(585) 699-1830 View (585) 699-1830
Photo of Klaudia Zoto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rochester, NY
Klaudia Zoto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14607
Seeking therapy services is a courageous step to improve your wellbeing and overall health. Life can be challenging and difficult to navigate at times, but I believe that every individual is unique, resilient, and can effectively manage life-stressors when they are empowered to maximize their potential. I provide a safe and therapeutic environment for adults, who are looking to navigate interpersonal problems, family dynamic issues, work-related stress, academic stress, and address emotional and behavioral challenges.
Seeking therapy services is a courageous step to improve your wellbeing and overall health. Life can be challenging and difficult to navigate at times, but I believe that every individual is unique, resilient, and can effectively manage life-stressors when they are empowered to maximize their potential. I provide a safe and therapeutic environment for adults, who are looking to navigate interpersonal problems, family dynamic issues, work-related stress, academic stress, and address emotional and behavioral challenges.
(585) 540-1406 View (585) 540-1406
Photo of Christie Fogal in Rochester, NY
Christie Fogal
LMSW
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14626
Life can be difficult; you've come to the right place to navigate these challenges. I offer a warm, empathetic, judgment-free, and safe space where we can work together to find the root cause of concerns you, your family, or child have. I am here to help explore issues related to irritability, anger, low mood, lack of motivation, self-harm, and/or aggression. I have experience working intensively with families, couples, adolescents, and children struggling with OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood, substance use, family conflict, school behaviors, aggression and/or behavioral issues.
Life can be difficult; you've come to the right place to navigate these challenges. I offer a warm, empathetic, judgment-free, and safe space where we can work together to find the root cause of concerns you, your family, or child have. I am here to help explore issues related to irritability, anger, low mood, lack of motivation, self-harm, and/or aggression. I have experience working intensively with families, couples, adolescents, and children struggling with OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood, substance use, family conflict, school behaviors, aggression and/or behavioral issues.
(585) 513-2904 View (585) 513-2904
Photo of Danielle Luz Matias, Counselor in Rochester, NY
Danielle Luz Matias
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14624
The goal of my practice is to improve the quality of life of my clients and assist them reach their full potential and personal goals. Specializing in family and couple therapy. I also specialize in depression and anxiety. The ideal client will be dedicated to their own treatment and have a strong desire to feel better. Together with my client we work as a team to achieve the therapeutic goals and make life worth living and enjoying. I have been working in a mental health for over a decade and it's my greatest passion in life.
The goal of my practice is to improve the quality of life of my clients and assist them reach their full potential and personal goals. Specializing in family and couple therapy. I also specialize in depression and anxiety. The ideal client will be dedicated to their own treatment and have a strong desire to feel better. Together with my client we work as a team to achieve the therapeutic goals and make life worth living and enjoying. I have been working in a mental health for over a decade and it's my greatest passion in life.
(646) 204-2295 View (646) 204-2295
Photo of Sustainable Wellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rochester, NY
Sustainable Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14607
have training in and regularly integrate modalities including CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Schema-Focused Therapy, DBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic work, and Brainspotting.
Sustainable Wellness is a trauma-based therapy and wellness practice focused on providing a holistic approach to healing. We offer specialized mental health services for PTSD and other trauma disorders, along with trauma-informed care for communities exposed to high levels of chronic stressors. We're passionate about resolving and healing attachment wounds while striving to create a therapeutic environment based in trust and authenticity. We work closely with clients to help them feel more comfortable in their bodies and more connected to the moment in order to build self-compassion and move toward healing.
have training in and regularly integrate modalities including CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Schema-Focused Therapy, DBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic work, and Brainspotting.
Sustainable Wellness is a trauma-based therapy and wellness practice focused on providing a holistic approach to healing. We offer specialized mental health services for PTSD and other trauma disorders, along with trauma-informed care for communities exposed to high levels of chronic stressors. We're passionate about resolving and healing attachment wounds while striving to create a therapeutic environment based in trust and authenticity. We work closely with clients to help them feel more comfortable in their bodies and more connected to the moment in order to build self-compassion and move toward healing.
(585) 302-2431 View (585) 302-2431
Photo of Pam Spallacci, Marriage & Family Therapist in Rochester, NY
Pam Spallacci
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MSEd, ADHD-, CCSP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14607
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and ADHD- Certified Clinical Services Provider. With a compassionate and understanding approach, I offer psychotherapy/psycho-educational therapy to individuals, couples, and families, whether they have with ADHD or not. Support I provide includes The Gottman Method for couples, Solution Focused Therapy, where instead of focusing on what is wrong, we'll highlight what is working and the tools you are already using. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been found to be effective in helping reduce ADHD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and ADHD- Certified Clinical Services Provider. With a compassionate and understanding approach, I offer psychotherapy/psycho-educational therapy to individuals, couples, and families, whether they have with ADHD or not. Support I provide includes The Gottman Method for couples, Solution Focused Therapy, where instead of focusing on what is wrong, we'll highlight what is working and the tools you are already using. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been found to be effective in helping reduce ADHD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
(585) 440-6091 View (585) 440-6091
Photo of Lorrie Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rochester, NY
Lorrie Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14607
Hello, thank you for visiting, I am so happy that you are taking this first step. If you struggle with the direction your life is going, or your symptoms are keeping you from healthy relationships, work, and living life to the fullest; I want you to know that change is possible. Therapy can help you cultivate the life you want and deserve by implementing validating, compassionate, solution-focused healing. My specialization is in attachment, dissociative disorders and trauma. My interventions are based in neuroscience and research. Brain Spotting, Internal Family Systems, Schema, Shadow work, Cognitive Therapy, DBT, and EMDR.
Hello, thank you for visiting, I am so happy that you are taking this first step. If you struggle with the direction your life is going, or your symptoms are keeping you from healthy relationships, work, and living life to the fullest; I want you to know that change is possible. Therapy can help you cultivate the life you want and deserve by implementing validating, compassionate, solution-focused healing. My specialization is in attachment, dissociative disorders and trauma. My interventions are based in neuroscience and research. Brain Spotting, Internal Family Systems, Schema, Shadow work, Cognitive Therapy, DBT, and EMDR.
(585) 209-5165 View (585) 209-5165
Photo of RocCity Mental Health Counseling PLLC, Counselor in Rochester, NY
RocCity Mental Health Counseling PLLC
Counselor, LMHC, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618
The alarm clock goes off every morning and the mind begins racing. Are there enough hours in the day to tackle your to-do list, balance a relationship/family, and get ahead in school or your career? It sure doesn’t feel like it right now. Being human means being susceptible to life’s challenges. You’ve probably tried many ways to manage your stressors like talking to friends or family, buying self-help books, Googling ways to get it all together. It doesn’t feel like enough. Here’s where therapy can help!
The alarm clock goes off every morning and the mind begins racing. Are there enough hours in the day to tackle your to-do list, balance a relationship/family, and get ahead in school or your career? It sure doesn’t feel like it right now. Being human means being susceptible to life’s challenges. You’ve probably tried many ways to manage your stressors like talking to friends or family, buying self-help books, Googling ways to get it all together. It doesn’t feel like enough. Here’s where therapy can help!
(585) 620-2504 View (585) 620-2504
Emily Weber
Pre-Licensed Professional, MPH, MFT-LP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14620
If you are looking for support around relationship struggles, professional development and burnout, family dynamics and conflict, chronic medical conditions, early childhood trauma/abuse, please consider reaching out to me.
Many of us find ourselves at transition points in our lives, or feeling stuck and not sure what to do next. Although life may seem pretty normal, maybe you often feel afraid, numb, agitated, or deeply sad. You may consider your problems as not that bad compared to others. If you feel stuck or lost, I am here to explore the dark spaces with you and to look for the light. I will be a witness and a compassionate guide on the journey to deeper self-knowledge and relationship satisfaction.
If you are looking for support around relationship struggles, professional development and burnout, family dynamics and conflict, chronic medical conditions, early childhood trauma/abuse, please consider reaching out to me.
Many of us find ourselves at transition points in our lives, or feeling stuck and not sure what to do next. Although life may seem pretty normal, maybe you often feel afraid, numb, agitated, or deeply sad. You may consider your problems as not that bad compared to others. If you feel stuck or lost, I am here to explore the dark spaces with you and to look for the light. I will be a witness and a compassionate guide on the journey to deeper self-knowledge and relationship satisfaction.
(585) 443-8045 View (585) 443-8045
Photo of Frances Meléndez, Psychologist in Rochester, NY
Frances Meléndez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618
I was the Director of Behavioral Health at a Community Based Organization in Harlem developing a behavioral health program for men, women, children, and LGBTQ infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, conducting individual, groups, and family therapy.
Clearly you have taken the first step into your wellbeing. As a psychologist, I will respect your narrative working alongside you to explore the barriers keeping you stuck. I commit to be with as you explore and challenge concerns, barriers, deepening your self-awareness so that you may live your authentic life. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of The City University of New York. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of New York.
I was the Director of Behavioral Health at a Community Based Organization in Harlem developing a behavioral health program for men, women, children, and LGBTQ infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, conducting individual, groups, and family therapy.
Clearly you have taken the first step into your wellbeing. As a psychologist, I will respect your narrative working alongside you to explore the barriers keeping you stuck. I commit to be with as you explore and challenge concerns, barriers, deepening your self-awareness so that you may live your authentic life. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of The City University of New York. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of New York.
(585) 378-5758 View (585) 378-5758
Photo of Michelle McDonald, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rochester, NY
Michelle McDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618
Welcome! Therapy can be scary and bring up a multitude of thoughts and emotions. It is a step towards personal growth and healing as well as increased vulnerability. I have experience working in the areas of life transitions, depression, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, and family members/loved ones struggling with addiction. I have a passion working with individuals who are questioning or struggling with their relationships with substances, and LGBTQA and TGNC individuals. I am happy to provide the process for Gender Affirmation letters. Things can get better, please reach out!
Welcome! Therapy can be scary and bring up a multitude of thoughts and emotions. It is a step towards personal growth and healing as well as increased vulnerability. I have experience working in the areas of life transitions, depression, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, and family members/loved ones struggling with addiction. I have a passion working with individuals who are questioning or struggling with their relationships with substances, and LGBTQA and TGNC individuals. I am happy to provide the process for Gender Affirmation letters. Things can get better, please reach out!
(585) 708-1230 View (585) 708-1230

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.