Photo of Real Talk Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Real Talk Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCAS, CCS, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28205
My ideal client is one who is established in their life and community, yet they are unhappy and feel stagnant or stuck. They may struggle in their professional career or feel unfulfilled in the workplace. They may be socially isolated or do not connect well with people their age. This individual, on the outside, appears to have it all, but they are not satisfied with their life. This individual may have untreated depression and/or anxiety. They may have come from a family of dysfunction and managed to get away from it. They need someone to assist them in examining this and determine what they want out of life.
My ideal client is one who is established in their life and community, yet they are unhappy and feel stagnant or stuck. They may struggle in their professional career or feel unfulfilled in the workplace. They may be socially isolated or do not connect well with people their age. This individual, on the outside, appears to have it all, but they are not satisfied with their life. This individual may have untreated depression and/or anxiety. They may have come from a family of dysfunction and managed to get away from it. They need someone to assist them in examining this and determine what they want out of life.
(704) 879-3782 View (704) 879-3782
Photo of Meghan Rawlings, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlotte, NC
Meghan Rawlings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
Do you struggle to remember the last time you were really happy? Does it seem like intrusive thoughts are always with you? Do you feel like you're trying to keep up appearances, while your acquaintances seem to have it all together? Imagine how you would feel if you didn't have to worry about this getting any worse. You could feel free from the cycle that is interrupting your success, your family life, your education or your career. You can start to feel engaged and in control of your life. I can help!
Do you struggle to remember the last time you were really happy? Does it seem like intrusive thoughts are always with you? Do you feel like you're trying to keep up appearances, while your acquaintances seem to have it all together? Imagine how you would feel if you didn't have to worry about this getting any worse. You could feel free from the cycle that is interrupting your success, your family life, your education or your career. You can start to feel engaged and in control of your life. I can help!
(980) 220-5876 View (980) 220-5876
Photo of Teneshia Ledbetter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Charlotte, NC
Teneshia Ledbetter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
My passion for therapy comes from seeing family members, friends, and peers go through life transitions and hardships. We all have dark days, and sometimes we need someone to hold the candle for us when we have lost the will to hold it for ourselves. Our values, beliefs, culture, and life experiences make us who we are. When those initial beliefs no longer work to maintain our daily lives, we begin to feel stuck. I can provide a calming, safe space to help you get unstuck, and become a better version of yourself.
My passion for therapy comes from seeing family members, friends, and peers go through life transitions and hardships. We all have dark days, and sometimes we need someone to hold the candle for us when we have lost the will to hold it for ourselves. Our values, beliefs, culture, and life experiences make us who we are. When those initial beliefs no longer work to maintain our daily lives, we begin to feel stuck. I can provide a calming, safe space to help you get unstuck, and become a better version of yourself.
(704) 286-9601 View (704) 286-9601
Photo of Gerald (Male) Walter Ziemba, Licensed Professional Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Gerald (Male) Walter Ziemba
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277  (Online Only)
I am a compassionate empathic counselor here to assist you and your family to move forward in a positive balanced goal oriented manner. I work with you to develop a plan to reduce your stress, anxiety, depression and other issues getting in your way to having a productive joyful life. Contact Ziemba Counseling and Consulting to reduce those crippling symptoms. We are here for you and your family.
I am a compassionate empathic counselor here to assist you and your family to move forward in a positive balanced goal oriented manner. I work with you to develop a plan to reduce your stress, anxiety, depression and other issues getting in your way to having a productive joyful life. Contact Ziemba Counseling and Consulting to reduce those crippling symptoms. We are here for you and your family.
(704) 908-6557 View (704) 908-6557
Photo of Dorothy Brooks, Marriage & Family Therapist in Charlotte, NC
Dorothy Brooks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Dorothy Brooks, MA, LMFT, LCASA Dorothy Brooks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dorothy has a passion for hearing clients' life stories. By doing this she is able to uniquely cater to their wants and needs of therapy by pulling from their life experiences, some that were traumatic as well as positive, to help facilitate understanding as well as change in their journey. She believes we are the authors of our stories and is here to simply help you write your masterpiece.
Dorothy Brooks, MA, LMFT, LCASA Dorothy Brooks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dorothy has a passion for hearing clients' life stories. By doing this she is able to uniquely cater to their wants and needs of therapy by pulling from their life experiences, some that were traumatic as well as positive, to help facilitate understanding as well as change in their journey. She believes we are the authors of our stories and is here to simply help you write your masterpiece.
(704) 440-5633 View (704) 440-5633
Photo of Nicole Moriarty: Trauma Resolution Therapy, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Nicole Moriarty: Trauma Resolution Therapy
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28203
With a better understanding of how our bodies and minds work, we can get better outcomes! I love my work and I will be honored to guide and support your family through this healing process.
There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any moment in our lives that we were unsafe in some way. Big or small, single events or years-long patterns-if we aren't able to process it, we store it.
With a better understanding of how our bodies and minds work, we can get better outcomes! I love my work and I will be honored to guide and support your family through this healing process.
There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any moment in our lives that we were unsafe in some way. Big or small, single events or years-long patterns-if we aren't able to process it, we store it.
(803) 918-5462 View (803) 918-5462
Photo of The Safety Net Youth Services, Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in Charlotte, NC
The Safety Net Youth Services
Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, LSATP, ICAADC, CCTS-A, LCAS, SAP/DOT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28216  (Online Only)
Preventing Cruelty to Children, Eliminating Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence, Intervention Services (Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Family Violence), Enhancing Child development, Strengthening communities with safety and support.
The Safety Net Youth Services, is a Nonprofit organization, our goal is to provide enrichment services for communities, families, children, in crisis, in the state of Georgia. Our agency is a was established in 11/2015. Our agency offers the following services; Intervention/Prevention, Child Development, Social Awareness, Outreach, Assessments (Substance abuse, Anger Management, and Trauma), Group/Family/Individual Counseling Sessions. Mission Statement: To provide services for children and youth in crisis, and strengthen the communities with safety and support.
Preventing Cruelty to Children, Eliminating Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence, Intervention Services (Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Family Violence), Enhancing Child development, Strengthening communities with safety and support.
The Safety Net Youth Services, is a Nonprofit organization, our goal is to provide enrichment services for communities, families, children, in crisis, in the state of Georgia. Our agency is a was established in 11/2015. Our agency offers the following services; Intervention/Prevention, Child Development, Social Awareness, Outreach, Assessments (Substance abuse, Anger Management, and Trauma), Group/Family/Individual Counseling Sessions. Mission Statement: To provide services for children and youth in crisis, and strengthen the communities with safety and support.
(404) 856-0969 View (404) 856-0969
Photo of Diane Tripp, Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Diane Tripp
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277
We offer individual, couple and family therapy.
My counseling philosophy is that all clients are unique and must have an inclusive and accepting environment where they can grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. It is my desire to create the type of mutually respectful atmosphere that makes room for clients to be active participants in change, improved communication, and increased self-awareness. I provide a safe space where clients are invited to share ideas, take risks, feel heard -and sometimes challenged- in the way they currently experience life. “People are not problems to be solved, they are mysteries to be explored”. EH Peterson
We offer individual, couple and family therapy.
My counseling philosophy is that all clients are unique and must have an inclusive and accepting environment where they can grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. It is my desire to create the type of mutually respectful atmosphere that makes room for clients to be active participants in change, improved communication, and increased self-awareness. I provide a safe space where clients are invited to share ideas, take risks, feel heard -and sometimes challenged- in the way they currently experience life. “People are not problems to be solved, they are mysteries to be explored”. EH Peterson
(828) 845-4503 View (828) 845-4503
Photo of Concord Counseling Assocs - Dr. Natalie Atwell , Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Concord Counseling Assocs - Dr. Natalie Atwell
Counselor, EdD, LCMHCS, BCPCC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28213
Natalie has been in the counseling field since 2005 after receiving her Masters Degree and is pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Family Care and Counseling at Liberty University.
Dr. Atwell and Associates view counseling as a collaborative effort in which they will assist each client in gathering information, exploring various issues, and changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the desired direction. Although the counseling style is eclectic, they tend to use a cognitive-behavioral, client-centered approach in conjunction with reality-based and solution focused applications. Natalie and Associates work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, marriage and family struggles, mood disorders, grief, and more.
Natalie has been in the counseling field since 2005 after receiving her Masters Degree and is pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Family Care and Counseling at Liberty University.
Dr. Atwell and Associates view counseling as a collaborative effort in which they will assist each client in gathering information, exploring various issues, and changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the desired direction. Although the counseling style is eclectic, they tend to use a cognitive-behavioral, client-centered approach in conjunction with reality-based and solution focused applications. Natalie and Associates work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, marriage and family struggles, mood disorders, grief, and more.
(980) 209-6328 View (980) 209-6328
Photo of Lisa Lavelle Bowen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Lisa Lavelle Bowen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202  (Online Only)
My specialties: anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, illness, grief, relationship or family conflicts, parenting skills, anger management, work conflicts, ADHD or other problematic issues, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
My specialties: anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, illness, grief, relationship or family conflicts, parenting skills, anger management, work conflicts, ADHD or other problematic issues, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
(828) 360-8820 View (828) 360-8820
Photo of Christine Zazzeri, Marriage & Family Therapist in Charlotte, NC
Christine Zazzeri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients.... I am a marriage and family therapist who is passionate about making a difference in my client’s lives in the areas of communication, emotions, and interpersonal skills. With 12 years of experience in the field I have compassion and experience working with complicated grief, family systems, couples, teens 16 and up, veterans, and personality disorders. My private practice experiences and education in forensic psychology adds a professional competence in assessments, organization, human behaviors, child development and interpersonal skills. My background also includes jury selection consultations.
Accepting New Clients.... I am a marriage and family therapist who is passionate about making a difference in my client’s lives in the areas of communication, emotions, and interpersonal skills. With 12 years of experience in the field I have compassion and experience working with complicated grief, family systems, couples, teens 16 and up, veterans, and personality disorders. My private practice experiences and education in forensic psychology adds a professional competence in assessments, organization, human behaviors, child development and interpersonal skills. My background also includes jury selection consultations.
(910) 696-6556 View (910) 696-6556
Photo of Stacy M Rush, Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Stacy M Rush
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28201  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I also integrate Internal Family Systems parts work to find the maladaptive thoughts and beliefs your past has developed in you.
I believe therapy is a way to enrich life and develop connection in a space with compassion and free of judgment. My methods involve treating the whole person, mind, body & spirit. I believe it is important to identify and process emotion, non-verbal communication, somatic expressions and subconscious processes. Memories play a part in how our brains process and store meaning to life. Misinterpreted meaning sometimes becomes internalized and leaves us with unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As we work together we process those memories leaving undesired mind/body connections behind.
I also integrate Internal Family Systems parts work to find the maladaptive thoughts and beliefs your past has developed in you.
I believe therapy is a way to enrich life and develop connection in a space with compassion and free of judgment. My methods involve treating the whole person, mind, body & spirit. I believe it is important to identify and process emotion, non-verbal communication, somatic expressions and subconscious processes. Memories play a part in how our brains process and store meaning to life. Misinterpreted meaning sometimes becomes internalized and leaves us with unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As we work together we process those memories leaving undesired mind/body connections behind.
(252) 302-2418 View (252) 302-2418
Photo of Emily Ortiz, LCMHC Associate in Charlotte, NC
Emily Ortiz
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28273
We often experience a various range of emotions in life. Anxiety gets the best of us, depression brings us down. Stress can take control. Relationships can be complicated. Many of us desire a safe space to process these daily stressors and hassles in life.
We often experience a various range of emotions in life. Anxiety gets the best of us, depression brings us down. Stress can take control. Relationships can be complicated. Many of us desire a safe space to process these daily stressors and hassles in life.
(704) 286-1398 View (704) 286-1398
Photo of Danielle DeFrancesco, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Danielle DeFrancesco
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, NCC, CCMHC, MCAP, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
Danielle has dedicated her time to improving the mental health of persons of all ages (2 y.o. and up) and from all backgrounds. She has a passion for working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral disorders, and excels in treating complex childhood trauma. She also specializes in treating drug and alcohol addiction. Danielle believes in the power of advocacy and empathic listening as tools for change in the form of empowerment, self sufficiency, and self esteem. She combines evidenced based practices with creativity and holistic wellness, to create an environment conducive to meeting the unique needs of her clients.
Danielle has dedicated her time to improving the mental health of persons of all ages (2 y.o. and up) and from all backgrounds. She has a passion for working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral disorders, and excels in treating complex childhood trauma. She also specializes in treating drug and alcohol addiction. Danielle believes in the power of advocacy and empathic listening as tools for change in the form of empowerment, self sufficiency, and self esteem. She combines evidenced based practices with creativity and holistic wellness, to create an environment conducive to meeting the unique needs of her clients.
(704) 246-3254 View (704) 246-3254
Photo of Wilsons Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Wilsons Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSW, LCASA, CEO
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28217
I am Nate Wilson, Jr., MSW, LCAS. I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Psychotherapist, Specialist. I’ve been in the field of mental health for over 25 years. I’ve worked with various people from various backgrounds as it relates to cultural diversity such as race, gender, religion, ethnicity, and other distinct groups, each of which has different values and lifestyles. I earned my Master of Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, NYC, NY. I have been practicing in a licensed capacity since 2016. As a therapist, I use eclectic therapy approaches that cover many theories.
I am Nate Wilson, Jr., MSW, LCAS. I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Psychotherapist, Specialist. I’ve been in the field of mental health for over 25 years. I’ve worked with various people from various backgrounds as it relates to cultural diversity such as race, gender, religion, ethnicity, and other distinct groups, each of which has different values and lifestyles. I earned my Master of Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, NYC, NY. I have been practicing in a licensed capacity since 2016. As a therapist, I use eclectic therapy approaches that cover many theories.
(336) 502-8218 View (336) 502-8218
Photo of Tamara Hicks, Licensed Professional Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Tamara Hicks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28212
I have learned that I am not for everyone and everyone is not for me. I am a whole vibe professionally speaking. Therapy is a journey one in which the client is in the drivers seat and the therapist is in the passenger seat, shotgun! The client that wants to get to the root of the pain, hurt, awkwardness, craziness, sadness, the list goes on is a great match with Ms. Tam. The client that also pulls from hope, spirit, experience, the unknown is a match with me. Its helpful for the client to remain open throughout at least 3-6 sessions after the assessment in order to fully rate symptom change.
I have learned that I am not for everyone and everyone is not for me. I am a whole vibe professionally speaking. Therapy is a journey one in which the client is in the drivers seat and the therapist is in the passenger seat, shotgun! The client that wants to get to the root of the pain, hurt, awkwardness, craziness, sadness, the list goes on is a great match with Ms. Tam. The client that also pulls from hope, spirit, experience, the unknown is a match with me. Its helpful for the client to remain open throughout at least 3-6 sessions after the assessment in order to fully rate symptom change.
(704) 313-1034 View (704) 313-1034
Photo of Jenna Kelley Haque, Marriage & Family Therapist in Charlotte, NC
Jenna Kelley Haque
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277
Weekday appointments available: My approach to therapy is attachment based psychoanalysis with a trauma focus. All humans have the basic fundamental need to be loved, be seen, and be heard. Our beliefs, feelings, behavior patterns, and relational dynamics are driven by these needs before we could articulate. We learned about our world through our first relationships and these subconscious attachments. We work with the subconscious, identify how your attachment reinforces choices, and unworked through feelings. You may not have an identified traumatic experience; rather, you experienced an event that was too complex to process then.
Weekday appointments available: My approach to therapy is attachment based psychoanalysis with a trauma focus. All humans have the basic fundamental need to be loved, be seen, and be heard. Our beliefs, feelings, behavior patterns, and relational dynamics are driven by these needs before we could articulate. We learned about our world through our first relationships and these subconscious attachments. We work with the subconscious, identify how your attachment reinforces choices, and unworked through feelings. You may not have an identified traumatic experience; rather, you experienced an event that was too complex to process then.
(704) 286-8573 View (704) 286-8573
Photo of Eli Branscome, Licensed Professional Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Eli Branscome
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LMHC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28204
You already know what would make you happier. Let's figure out what's getting in the way ... by examing intellectual & emotional hoarding, and cognitive clutter. 704 - 661 - 1429 or eli.at.elibranscome.com
You already know what would make you happier. Let's figure out what's getting in the way ... by examing intellectual & emotional hoarding, and cognitive clutter. 704 - 661 - 1429 or eli.at.elibranscome.com
(704) 286-5940 View (704) 286-5940
Photo of Dionne P., Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Charlotte, NC
Dionne P.
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
You've found yourself sitting in the car a little longer each day. Secretly, you sometimes hate going to work or arriving home. Sigh as you brace yourself before walking into the chaos. You feel overwhelmed, overworked, & unseen. It's incredibly lonely being everyone's everything?! You’re the “strong friend” pouring from an empty cup. Are you finding it a struggle to keep it all together? Work/home, life shouldn't feel like this?! It's time to rediscover you & prioritize YOUR needs. I can provide the tools to help you find the balance & rest you desire. Your professional & personal life will change for the better!
You've found yourself sitting in the car a little longer each day. Secretly, you sometimes hate going to work or arriving home. Sigh as you brace yourself before walking into the chaos. You feel overwhelmed, overworked, & unseen. It's incredibly lonely being everyone's everything?! You’re the “strong friend” pouring from an empty cup. Are you finding it a struggle to keep it all together? Work/home, life shouldn't feel like this?! It's time to rediscover you & prioritize YOUR needs. I can provide the tools to help you find the balance & rest you desire. Your professional & personal life will change for the better!
(704) 481-6521 View (704) 481-6521
Photo of Tiffany Graham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Charlotte, NC
Tiffany Graham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCASA
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262
You have a story to tell. Whether it's the biggest secret you have, or if you've told it all before, something about your story is preventing you from living the life you want. With you as the expert in your life, I hope to walk along side you and be a witness to your story, providing guidance tailored to your needs along the way. Together we will collaborate until you feel able to tell your story the way you want to, or perhaps re-write it all together.
You have a story to tell. Whether it's the biggest secret you have, or if you've told it all before, something about your story is preventing you from living the life you want. With you as the expert in your life, I hope to walk along side you and be a witness to your story, providing guidance tailored to your needs along the way. Together we will collaborate until you feel able to tell your story the way you want to, or perhaps re-write it all together.
(704) 368-4969 View (704) 368-4969
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.