Photo of Suzanne M Garber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Suzanne M Garber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Yorktown, VA 23692
Techniques and skills include practicing mindfulness and client centered approaches, family systems theories, insight oriented, and cognitive behavioral therapies.
As a clinician with over 25 years direct practice experience I offer clients the opportunity to learn how to live their best lives through the use of psychotherapy, counseling, and lifestyle coaching. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing difficulties and challenges in their life. I treat trauma, secondary effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health related issues. body image issues, body dysmorphic disorder, sugar and food addiction, and personality disorders.
Techniques and skills include practicing mindfulness and client centered approaches, family systems theories, insight oriented, and cognitive behavioral therapies.
As a clinician with over 25 years direct practice experience I offer clients the opportunity to learn how to live their best lives through the use of psychotherapy, counseling, and lifestyle coaching. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing difficulties and challenges in their life. I treat trauma, secondary effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health related issues. body image issues, body dysmorphic disorder, sugar and food addiction, and personality disorders.
(757) 847-5188 View (757) 847-5188
Photo of B. Jane Siegel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Yorktown, VA
B. Jane Siegel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, Coach
Verified Verified
Yorktown, VA 23691  (Online Only)
I am ‘uniquely' qualified as both a Counselor and a Life Coach. I can help you bring clarity and focus to your life. Contact me for a free consultation......If you're going through a difficult time, a time of change and transition I can definitely help! Divorce, marriage, separation, career/job change, empty nest, midlife, college graduation, and Covid-19 related life changes, are a few of the many transitions we can experience. Check out my website www.yournextchaptercoach.com
I am ‘uniquely' qualified as both a Counselor and a Life Coach. I can help you bring clarity and focus to your life. Contact me for a free consultation......If you're going through a difficult time, a time of change and transition I can definitely help! Divorce, marriage, separation, career/job change, empty nest, midlife, college graduation, and Covid-19 related life changes, are a few of the many transitions we can experience. Check out my website www.yournextchaptercoach.com
(757) 695-4586 View (757) 695-4586
Photo of Anne Aja, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Anne Aja
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Yorktown, VA 23692
With 30 years of clinical experience, I provide a full range of psychotherapy services including: individual, couple and marital therapy. I am certified in hypnotherapy and sex therapy. As a marriage therapist I help couples create more intimacy and passion in their lives. Sex Therapy addresses: difficulty in sexual functioning, low desire, improving sexual confidence, exploring sexual identity and dealing with sexual addiction. Please see: rocklandingtherapy.com
With 30 years of clinical experience, I provide a full range of psychotherapy services including: individual, couple and marital therapy. I am certified in hypnotherapy and sex therapy. As a marriage therapist I help couples create more intimacy and passion in their lives. Sex Therapy addresses: difficulty in sexual functioning, low desire, improving sexual confidence, exploring sexual identity and dealing with sexual addiction. Please see: rocklandingtherapy.com
(757) 414-7770 View (757) 414-7770
Photo of Painted Bird Psychotherapy LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Painted Bird Psychotherapy LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMCC
Verified Verified
Yorktown, VA 23690  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with something and do not know where to turn? Are current issues with career, relationships, finances keeping you stuck? Perhaps, it’s buried deeper in your past and you need the positive space to process and ultimately heal. Whatever you are having difficulty moving through, we are committed to providing you with the nonjudgmental, empathetic and caring therapeutic intervention that you seek. Highly trained in complex trauma, depression and anxiety disorders. we utilize a humanistic and whole person approach which utilizes a tailored treatment plan dependent on your individual needs. Call for free consultation.
Are you struggling with something and do not know where to turn? Are current issues with career, relationships, finances keeping you stuck? Perhaps, it’s buried deeper in your past and you need the positive space to process and ultimately heal. Whatever you are having difficulty moving through, we are committed to providing you with the nonjudgmental, empathetic and caring therapeutic intervention that you seek. Highly trained in complex trauma, depression and anxiety disorders. we utilize a humanistic and whole person approach which utilizes a tailored treatment plan dependent on your individual needs. Call for free consultation.
(757) 600-6613 View (757) 600-6613

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Transitions Counseling, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Transitions Counseling, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT, NBCC, NBCCH, PlayThe
Verified Verified
Newport News, VA 23608
I enjoy working with clients who are dealing with life changes and transitions. I like to show people different ways of thinking about their issues. I have a number of ways to help people to get in touch with their feelings and to change the way they respond to situations and handle conflict in relationships. I help them to find ways to compromise, use the energy that comes from strong feelings, and to slow down their reactivity before they do harm to others. I deal with grief, anger, pain, loss, depression, and anxiety. I provide a safe place for clients.
I enjoy working with clients who are dealing with life changes and transitions. I like to show people different ways of thinking about their issues. I have a number of ways to help people to get in touch with their feelings and to change the way they respond to situations and handle conflict in relationships. I help them to find ways to compromise, use the energy that comes from strong feelings, and to slow down their reactivity before they do harm to others. I deal with grief, anger, pain, loss, depression, and anxiety. I provide a safe place for clients.
(757) 372-4389 View (757) 372-4389
Photo of Susan Cummings Nicholson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Susan Cummings Nicholson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Newport News, VA 23606  (Online Only)
Virtual Teletherapy Platform now available. Life can bring difficult situations that seem overwhelming. At such times you may feel adrift and without clear direction or balance. Not having to negotiate these difficult times alone can make all the difference. The focus of my practice is connecting - helping individuals and couples to feel really heard. As we become partners in seeking answers together, you can more easily discover ways to access your inner strength, to turn life's difficult situations into opportunities. An unexpected bonus may be your growing sense of self-worth, personal empowerment and joy in living.
Virtual Teletherapy Platform now available. Life can bring difficult situations that seem overwhelming. At such times you may feel adrift and without clear direction or balance. Not having to negotiate these difficult times alone can make all the difference. The focus of my practice is connecting - helping individuals and couples to feel really heard. As we become partners in seeking answers together, you can more easily discover ways to access your inner strength, to turn life's difficult situations into opportunities. An unexpected bonus may be your growing sense of self-worth, personal empowerment and joy in living.
(757) 873-3401 View (757) 873-3401
Photo of Turquoise Rawlings-Perrin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Yorktown, VA
Turquoise Rawlings-Perrin
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, CSAC-S
Verified Verified
Newport News, VA 23606
Have you heard “You don’t seem like yourself lately is something going on with you?” Is the stress of life overshadowing your joy and purpose? If you have been where you are for a while and now you are finally ready to make a change, I congratulate you on taking the first step. It is never to early (or too late) to be intentional with your life and overall wellness. It is time to make you a priority and give yourself space to focus on you. It is your time to grow, process, explore and heal from the inside out. Allow me to be apart of your journey as you work toward a stronger and healthier you.
Have you heard “You don’t seem like yourself lately is something going on with you?” Is the stress of life overshadowing your joy and purpose? If you have been where you are for a while and now you are finally ready to make a change, I congratulate you on taking the first step. It is never to early (or too late) to be intentional with your life and overall wellness. It is time to make you a priority and give yourself space to focus on you. It is your time to grow, process, explore and heal from the inside out. Allow me to be apart of your journey as you work toward a stronger and healthier you.
(757) 414-9398 View (757) 414-9398

Online Therapists

Photo of Jenna A Pagano, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Jenna A Pagano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT , LCMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23294
I am a classically trained couples therapist (Licensed Marriage and Family therapist) with an B level certification in Emotion Focused therapy (EFT).
You don't have to go through this alone. The strength that has brought you to this page today is proof that you posses the ability to make positive changes and restore your relationships. I am here to guide you through the process of restoring health and balance. Please don't hesitate to contact me. Whether you are struggling with communication, conflict, parenting, or intimacy I am here to help.
I am a classically trained couples therapist (Licensed Marriage and Family therapist) with an B level certification in Emotion Focused therapy (EFT).
You don't have to go through this alone. The strength that has brought you to this page today is proof that you posses the ability to make positive changes and restore your relationships. I am here to guide you through the process of restoring health and balance. Please don't hesitate to contact me. Whether you are struggling with communication, conflict, parenting, or intimacy I am here to help.
(804) 293-2363 View (804) 293-2363
Photo of Dr. Darlise Baron, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Dr. Darlise Baron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW-QS, CAP, CHT, CST
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23232
Greetings! My name is Dr. Darlise Baron, I am the CEO of Baron Counseling Services LLC. I have been in the field of Social Work for over 23 years. I earned my doctorate degree in Sexology, Licensed clinical social worker, Certified Addiction Professional and a certified Hypnotherapist. In addition, I specialize in hypnosis, anger management, substance abuse, domestic violence, parenting, family issues, relationship concerns, grief counseling and struggles with everyday living. I provide services to Children, Adults, Families, Couples, Veterans, First Responders, LGBTQ+, and Celebrities.
Greetings! My name is Dr. Darlise Baron, I am the CEO of Baron Counseling Services LLC. I have been in the field of Social Work for over 23 years. I earned my doctorate degree in Sexology, Licensed clinical social worker, Certified Addiction Professional and a certified Hypnotherapist. In addition, I specialize in hypnosis, anger management, substance abuse, domestic violence, parenting, family issues, relationship concerns, grief counseling and struggles with everyday living. I provide services to Children, Adults, Families, Couples, Veterans, First Responders, LGBTQ+, and Celebrities.
(786) 574-3468 View (786) 574-3468
Photo of Open Mind Health , Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Open Mind Health
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23462  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. With ease-of-access to our advanced telehealth platform or in-person visits, our expert psychiatrists and therapists offer highly individualized care wherever you are and whenever you need it. Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today at 855-550-6063 to get started!
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. With ease-of-access to our advanced telehealth platform or in-person visits, our expert psychiatrists and therapists offer highly individualized care wherever you are and whenever you need it. Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today at 855-550-6063 to get started!
(619) 279-5464 View (619) 279-5464
Photo of Lynne Penn-Leon Lcsw-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Lynne Penn-Leon Lcsw-C
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23233  (Online Only)
We specialized in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, family relationships, stress management, military, veterans, first responders and substance abuse.
Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 10th, my team at Pivot's Potential, LLC work with people just like you settling minds and bodies & getting your life back! We work with adolescents & adults and come from a strength perspective. We believe that every person has strengths yet to be discovered. We offer an integrated, team approach which is solution-focused, lending itself to short-term work. Therapy is a collaborative process, where client and therapist come together to find solutions. Specializing in trauma, anxiety & depression, we provide clients with useful tools in the first 6 session to provide symptom relief.
We specialized in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, family relationships, stress management, military, veterans, first responders and substance abuse.
Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 10th, my team at Pivot's Potential, LLC work with people just like you settling minds and bodies & getting your life back! We work with adolescents & adults and come from a strength perspective. We believe that every person has strengths yet to be discovered. We offer an integrated, team approach which is solution-focused, lending itself to short-term work. Therapy is a collaborative process, where client and therapist come together to find solutions. Specializing in trauma, anxiety & depression, we provide clients with useful tools in the first 6 session to provide symptom relief.
(240) 847-3521 View (240) 847-3521
Photo of Mind Heart Connection LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Mind Heart Connection LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSOTP
Verified Verified
Chesapeake, VA 23322
If it is marriage counseling, individual, or family counseling, I am available to provide you with Catholic based clinical services that I refer to as Objective Existentialism.
I believe that the foundation of therapy is the collaborative relationship between client and therapist exploring possibilities and solutions to transcend suffering, face reality and remove barriers to wellbeing. Mark Twain was quoted as saying “Life is one damn thing after the next”. Many times it is the perspective we take on life’s experiences and our focus of attention that determine our emotional and physical wellbeing. I believe that it is my job to help you identify and yes, remember the strengths and resources you have accumulated throughout a lifetime of experience that can have a profoundly positive effect on your life.
If it is marriage counseling, individual, or family counseling, I am available to provide you with Catholic based clinical services that I refer to as Objective Existentialism.
I believe that the foundation of therapy is the collaborative relationship between client and therapist exploring possibilities and solutions to transcend suffering, face reality and remove barriers to wellbeing. Mark Twain was quoted as saying “Life is one damn thing after the next”. Many times it is the perspective we take on life’s experiences and our focus of attention that determine our emotional and physical wellbeing. I believe that it is my job to help you identify and yes, remember the strengths and resources you have accumulated throughout a lifetime of experience that can have a profoundly positive effect on your life.
(757) 695-9083 View (757) 695-9083
Photo of Patty Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Patty Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT, CSAT, CAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
I have been working as a therapist for 40 years and have been in private practice for 18 years. I treat adults with a wide range of mental health problems, to include mood disorders, anxiety, addiction, couples therapy, and PTSD. My training has been in specific treatment methods such as EMDR, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodrama. My credentials are: Licensed Professional Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I believe my most effective therapy tool is relationship building.
I have been working as a therapist for 40 years and have been in private practice for 18 years. I treat adults with a wide range of mental health problems, to include mood disorders, anxiety, addiction, couples therapy, and PTSD. My training has been in specific treatment methods such as EMDR, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodrama. My credentials are: Licensed Professional Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I believe my most effective therapy tool is relationship building.
(757) 982-8458 View (757) 982-8458
Photo of Jo Kornegay Downey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Yorktown, VA
Jo Kornegay Downey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Midlothian, VA 23112  (Online Only)
My experience includes working with couples, families, and individuals on relationship issues, family conflict, depression, anxiety, abuse, addiction, and women’s issues. We will work together to identify and work on issues you bring to our sessions. My approach to counseling operates from a strength base approach to help you identify your strengths within yourself and develop self-awareness that will aid you to meet your goals through your active involvement as well as efforts to change your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Sometimes change will be easy and swift, but often it will be slow and deliberate.
My experience includes working with couples, families, and individuals on relationship issues, family conflict, depression, anxiety, abuse, addiction, and women’s issues. We will work together to identify and work on issues you bring to our sessions. My approach to counseling operates from a strength base approach to help you identify your strengths within yourself and develop self-awareness that will aid you to meet your goals through your active involvement as well as efforts to change your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Sometimes change will be easy and swift, but often it will be slow and deliberate.
(804) 331-1145 View (804) 331-1145
Photo of Andrea Sommer Ryan, Resident in Counseling in Yorktown, VA
Andrea Sommer Ryan
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23226
Waitlist for new clients
Resolve trauma with present-focused strategies like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and expressive art interventions, leave the past behind and start enjoying the present.
I work with people who have tried everything and are still feeling stuck. Lingering trauma can cast a long shadow over life, causing feelings of dread, shame, and a constant sense that something bad is lurking around the corner, even when everything seems fine. It may lead to a perpetual state of high-alert, distracting the mind with worrying thoughts and exhausting the body through constant tension and anxiety. Others struggle with the isolation that comes from eating disorders and skewed body image, or they might belong to families weighed down by old pain, caught in frustrating cycles of arguments and guilt.
Resolve trauma with present-focused strategies like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and expressive art interventions, leave the past behind and start enjoying the present.
I work with people who have tried everything and are still feeling stuck. Lingering trauma can cast a long shadow over life, causing feelings of dread, shame, and a constant sense that something bad is lurking around the corner, even when everything seems fine. It may lead to a perpetual state of high-alert, distracting the mind with worrying thoughts and exhausting the body through constant tension and anxiety. Others struggle with the isolation that comes from eating disorders and skewed body image, or they might belong to families weighed down by old pain, caught in frustrating cycles of arguments and guilt.
(804) 567-8240 View (804) 567-8240
Photo of Dustin Gantos (Lifespan Therapy & Counseling), Licensed Professional Counselor in Yorktown, VA
Dustin Gantos (Lifespan Therapy & Counseling)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stafford, VA 22554
I have extensive experience working with children of all ages as well as adults and I excel at working with parent/child dynamics with the use of family therapy.
You are the expert of your own life! Do you want to better your life and feel empowered? My goal as a therapist and supervisor is to empower you to help yourself. One of the most freeing feelings is to gain more control of our reactions and to better respond to where life leads us. I am here to help be the bridge and help you feel both more confident and competent in your own daily functioning. My specialties lie in intensive trauma work (EMDR and TF-CBT) as well as I have interests in treatment of anxiety and depression, integrative mental health, and trauma in relationships.
I have extensive experience working with children of all ages as well as adults and I excel at working with parent/child dynamics with the use of family therapy.
You are the expert of your own life! Do you want to better your life and feel empowered? My goal as a therapist and supervisor is to empower you to help yourself. One of the most freeing feelings is to gain more control of our reactions and to better respond to where life leads us. I am here to help be the bridge and help you feel both more confident and competent in your own daily functioning. My specialties lie in intensive trauma work (EMDR and TF-CBT) as well as I have interests in treatment of anxiety and depression, integrative mental health, and trauma in relationships.
(540) 517-7076 View (540) 517-7076
Photo of Adina Silvestri, Licensed Professional Counselor in Yorktown, VA
Adina Silvestri
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23229
Hi, I'm Dr. Adina Silvestri, the founder at Life Cycles Counseling. I offer a variety of counseling services to help you achieve balance and authenticity. Services include Individual Counseling, Family Counseling, Couples Counseling, and Group Counseling. My practice style is spontaneous, creative and designed to fit your needs - which may be different each session. I have 20 years of experience helping individuals, children and families with a variety of needs, but I specialize in treating women with substance abuse issues. Please visit my website at www.adinasilvestri.com for more information.
Hi, I'm Dr. Adina Silvestri, the founder at Life Cycles Counseling. I offer a variety of counseling services to help you achieve balance and authenticity. Services include Individual Counseling, Family Counseling, Couples Counseling, and Group Counseling. My practice style is spontaneous, creative and designed to fit your needs - which may be different each session. I have 20 years of experience helping individuals, children and families with a variety of needs, but I specialize in treating women with substance abuse issues. Please visit my website at www.adinasilvestri.com for more information.
(804) 621-7126 View (804) 621-7126
Photo of Dianne Bachman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Dianne Bachman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
As a psychotherapist, I believe that each of us holds the capacity to utilize our personal creativity to resolve life's challenges. I seek to assist the folks I work with to find their strengths. I utilize a number of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Interactive Guided Imagery, Ericksonian Hypnosis, and elements of Internal Family Systems and psychological astrology. Upon the initial therapy session, we will work together to determine the most beneficial modality for you, your family, or your child. In addition, I may suggest expressive arts as a vehicle to create life changes.
As a psychotherapist, I believe that each of us holds the capacity to utilize our personal creativity to resolve life's challenges. I seek to assist the folks I work with to find their strengths. I utilize a number of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Interactive Guided Imagery, Ericksonian Hypnosis, and elements of Internal Family Systems and psychological astrology. Upon the initial therapy session, we will work together to determine the most beneficial modality for you, your family, or your child. In addition, I may suggest expressive arts as a vehicle to create life changes.
(540) 302-5806 View (540) 302-5806
Photo of Andrew J. Billups, Psychologist in Yorktown, VA
Andrew J. Billups
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
I am trained in individual and family therapy, and Rapid Resolution Therapy (R).
An ideal client will call to address trauma, demoralization, and anxiety, because the joys and satisfactions that seem to be present in the lives of others elude them. They say their best efforts at improving matters fall short. I may suggest that many psychotherapy patients have downloaded flawed software during their formative years, before discernment (i.e., filters) protect us from flawed information about ourselves and how the world works. I explain that psychotherapy and life coaching can provide a means by which this software is de-bugged in a warm and trusting relationship.
I am trained in individual and family therapy, and Rapid Resolution Therapy (R).
An ideal client will call to address trauma, demoralization, and anxiety, because the joys and satisfactions that seem to be present in the lives of others elude them. They say their best efforts at improving matters fall short. I may suggest that many psychotherapy patients have downloaded flawed software during their formative years, before discernment (i.e., filters) protect us from flawed information about ourselves and how the world works. I explain that psychotherapy and life coaching can provide a means by which this software is de-bugged in a warm and trusting relationship.
(804) 258-6284 View (804) 258-6284
Photo of Nora Vassar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Yorktown, VA
Nora Vassar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chesterfield, VA 23838  (Online Only)
I approach psychotherapy holistically, integrating models such as Family Systems Theory and Trauma Theory.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia currently providing video psychotherapy sessions. My patients are older teens and adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship and family issues, poor self image and academic and professional stressors. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I focused on the impact substance abuse and mental health challenges have on the individual across the life span.
I approach psychotherapy holistically, integrating models such as Family Systems Theory and Trauma Theory.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia currently providing video psychotherapy sessions. My patients are older teens and adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship and family issues, poor self image and academic and professional stressors. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I focused on the impact substance abuse and mental health challenges have on the individual across the life span.
(804) 570-2663 View (804) 570-2663
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.