Photo of Lauren Vaughn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Lauren Vaughn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I offer individual, couples and family counseling sessions.
Reaching out to begin counseling takes strength, courage and vulnerability. It represents a desire for understanding and a hope for change to take place. As a counselor, I work with adolescents, adults and couples. I hope to enrich the lives of the clients that I serve by working alongside each individual while offering guidance, support and empathy. My goal is to help my clients figure out how to use their unique strengths to work through a challenging time in their lives by developing new coping skills to deal with previous roadblocks.
I offer individual, couples and family counseling sessions.
Reaching out to begin counseling takes strength, courage and vulnerability. It represents a desire for understanding and a hope for change to take place. As a counselor, I work with adolescents, adults and couples. I hope to enrich the lives of the clients that I serve by working alongside each individual while offering guidance, support and empathy. My goal is to help my clients figure out how to use their unique strengths to work through a challenging time in their lives by developing new coping skills to deal with previous roadblocks.
(512) 402-6455 View (512) 402-6455
Photo of Neeta A Ramkumar, Psychologist in Austin, TX
Neeta A Ramkumar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701  (Online Only)
My specialties include: cultural adjustment, relationship + family coaching, career direction, healing from traumatic events, and compassion fatigue (first responders/humanitarians).
Are you caught between worlds? My online practice caters to cross-culturals. As a first generation Austinite and global citizen, I see you. Do you need space to unpack ancestral and intergenerational trauma? Is your relationship strained by cultural differences? Moved and feeling homesick? Cultural fluidity, exploring identity, finding belonging, and navigating transition are common themes that lead folx to my practice. Authentic living is your birthright. You don't have to transform generational cycles on your own. I invite you to receive the support you deserve on your journey. When we heal ourselves, we heal the world.
My specialties include: cultural adjustment, relationship + family coaching, career direction, healing from traumatic events, and compassion fatigue (first responders/humanitarians).
Are you caught between worlds? My online practice caters to cross-culturals. As a first generation Austinite and global citizen, I see you. Do you need space to unpack ancestral and intergenerational trauma? Is your relationship strained by cultural differences? Moved and feeling homesick? Cultural fluidity, exploring identity, finding belonging, and navigating transition are common themes that lead folx to my practice. Authentic living is your birthright. You don't have to transform generational cycles on your own. I invite you to receive the support you deserve on your journey. When we heal ourselves, we heal the world.
(512) 572-4425 View (512) 572-4425
Photo of Monica Reyna, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Monica Reyna
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Are you finding yourself stuck, lost, unmotivated, or worried about your future? Are you struggling as a parent or partner and desire to move your family in a positive direction? Many have been there and I can help guide you through this season of life. I believe everyone has a journey that has led them to where they are today. Through understanding your own journey, we will work together to develop new skills, behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs that will lead to a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.
Are you finding yourself stuck, lost, unmotivated, or worried about your future? Are you struggling as a parent or partner and desire to move your family in a positive direction? Many have been there and I can help guide you through this season of life. I believe everyone has a journey that has led them to where they are today. Through understanding your own journey, we will work together to develop new skills, behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs that will lead to a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.
(512) 890-3278 View (512) 890-3278
Photo of Courtney L. Weaver, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Courtney L. Weaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPAff
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
You might have fought your own stigma, in addition to that of your family or society at large, to be here.
My goal is to help you make the best of your unique life circumstances and work towards being the person you want to be. I work with mood and anxiety disorders of all kinds, and also enjoy working with people navigating major life transitions, people in substance use recovery, dieting recovery, and those setting boundaries with complex families of origin. Prior to becoming a therapist I worked in public policy for over a decade, and have a deep understanding of the societal structures in place that feel immovable, and yet greatly impact our mental health.
You might have fought your own stigma, in addition to that of your family or society at large, to be here.
My goal is to help you make the best of your unique life circumstances and work towards being the person you want to be. I work with mood and anxiety disorders of all kinds, and also enjoy working with people navigating major life transitions, people in substance use recovery, dieting recovery, and those setting boundaries with complex families of origin. Prior to becoming a therapist I worked in public policy for over a decade, and have a deep understanding of the societal structures in place that feel immovable, and yet greatly impact our mental health.
(512) 269-0366 View (512) 269-0366
Photo of Taylor L McMonigle, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Taylor L McMonigle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 73301  (Online Only)
You are so close to feeling better! I am highly trained and experienced in treating eating disorders, exercise addiction, poor body image, body dysmorphia, and poor self-esteem. Clients appreciate my strengths-based and client-centered approach. I often work from interpersonal, family systems, and culturally-informed perspectives. Clients find me genuine, attentive, and compassionate, and I thoroughly enjoy building a relationship with my clients through engaged listening, authentic connection, and hospitable warmth. Clients often mention that I provide a sense of trust and security through my attenuation and depth of conversation.
You are so close to feeling better! I am highly trained and experienced in treating eating disorders, exercise addiction, poor body image, body dysmorphia, and poor self-esteem. Clients appreciate my strengths-based and client-centered approach. I often work from interpersonal, family systems, and culturally-informed perspectives. Clients find me genuine, attentive, and compassionate, and I thoroughly enjoy building a relationship with my clients through engaged listening, authentic connection, and hospitable warmth. Clients often mention that I provide a sense of trust and security through my attenuation and depth of conversation.
(512) 768-7210 View (512) 768-7210
Photo of Kady Maxwell Wise, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Kady Maxwell Wise
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
I enjoy and have experience working with a variety of issues and populations. I specialize in working with emerging and young adults navigating through anxiety, depression, life transitions, family of origin issues, identity exploration, and healing from trauma. I am also passionate about working with clients experiencing issues in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. I am LGBTQIA affirming, trauma-informed, diversity aware, and inclusive. In our collaborative work together, you will find a compassionate, open-minded, honest and intentional therapist.
I enjoy and have experience working with a variety of issues and populations. I specialize in working with emerging and young adults navigating through anxiety, depression, life transitions, family of origin issues, identity exploration, and healing from trauma. I am also passionate about working with clients experiencing issues in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. I am LGBTQIA affirming, trauma-informed, diversity aware, and inclusive. In our collaborative work together, you will find a compassionate, open-minded, honest and intentional therapist.
(512) 572-9783 x57 View (512) 572-9783 x57
Photo of Debra Sussman Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Debra Sussman Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78735
Debra Sussman is a child, adolescent and family therapist specializing in Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Sports Performance and Health Related Stress - Assessments, Diagnosis and Treatment services in exploring the human condition.
I've helped shed light on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Health and Wellbeing. Work / Life Balance is possible and as an advocate on your behalf we collaborate to find solutions. Integrative health psychotherapy for 10+ years working with Adults, Adolescents and Couples. Time is a commodity, organizing thoughts and planning solutions to make significant shifts. Personal goals are acheivable however it means "getting out of your head and having a bias for action". Keep it simple, take the next indicated step as the investment in yourself is worth it. Insurances accepted, make the call.
Debra Sussman is a child, adolescent and family therapist specializing in Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Sports Performance and Health Related Stress - Assessments, Diagnosis and Treatment services in exploring the human condition.
I've helped shed light on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Health and Wellbeing. Work / Life Balance is possible and as an advocate on your behalf we collaborate to find solutions. Integrative health psychotherapy for 10+ years working with Adults, Adolescents and Couples. Time is a commodity, organizing thoughts and planning solutions to make significant shifts. Personal goals are acheivable however it means "getting out of your head and having a bias for action". Keep it simple, take the next indicated step as the investment in yourself is worth it. Insurances accepted, make the call.
(512) 722-7780 View (512) 722-7780
Photo of Lirio Ohlson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Lirio Ohlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , LPCC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
g family, friends etc.
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
g family, friends etc.
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
(512) 856-9706 View (512) 856-9706
Photo of Sara Galindo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Sara Galindo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , LCDC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78702  (Online Only)
The journey toward healing and overall mental health can be difficult, and often, the most challenging part is knowing where to begin. You may feel stuck or even overwhelmed. My role is to eliminate that complexity, so you can concentrate on the path to recovery, and ultimately free yourself to focus on what matters to you most – your family, your career, your relationships. With specializations in research-based modalities - including EMDR, I empower my clients with the knowledge and understanding to face their challenges, stressors, or symptoms head-on. And in that process, free yourself from the mental barriers and fog weighing you down.
The journey toward healing and overall mental health can be difficult, and often, the most challenging part is knowing where to begin. You may feel stuck or even overwhelmed. My role is to eliminate that complexity, so you can concentrate on the path to recovery, and ultimately free yourself to focus on what matters to you most – your family, your career, your relationships. With specializations in research-based modalities - including EMDR, I empower my clients with the knowledge and understanding to face their challenges, stressors, or symptoms head-on. And in that process, free yourself from the mental barriers and fog weighing you down.
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Photo of Debra Stonewall, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Debra Stonewall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705
I also see clients who struggle with mood disorders, ADHD, depression, marriage issues, women issues, along with family dynamics.
My name is Debra Stonewall. I am a licensed Professional Counselor along with a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I take a Person-Centered approach to therapy. I pride myself on helping my clients feel connected instead of evaluated. My specialties are anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, marriage, and trauma. I also have extensive knowledge and understanding of the military community because my husband served 30 years in the military. I have been exposed to and lived through some of the unique problems military families and soldiers experience.
I also see clients who struggle with mood disorders, ADHD, depression, marriage issues, women issues, along with family dynamics.
My name is Debra Stonewall. I am a licensed Professional Counselor along with a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I take a Person-Centered approach to therapy. I pride myself on helping my clients feel connected instead of evaluated. My specialties are anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, marriage, and trauma. I also have extensive knowledge and understanding of the military community because my husband served 30 years in the military. I have been exposed to and lived through some of the unique problems military families and soldiers experience.
(737) 258-9976 View (737) 258-9976
Photo of Tom Umberger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Tom Umberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
Sometimes our lives take an unexpected turn-a loved one dies, we lose our job, our marriage ends, our parents' health declines-and suddenly we aren't sure where we're going, or what to do next. You don't have to face these things alone. In my counseling career, I have helped many people get through the hard things that come with difficult life events: sadness, anger, guilt, family conflict, uncontrollable worry, or just feeling stuck.
Sometimes our lives take an unexpected turn-a loved one dies, we lose our job, our marriage ends, our parents' health declines-and suddenly we aren't sure where we're going, or what to do next. You don't have to face these things alone. In my counseling career, I have helped many people get through the hard things that come with difficult life events: sadness, anger, guilt, family conflict, uncontrollable worry, or just feeling stuck.
(512) 710-0102 View (512) 710-0102
Photo of Nina Perales, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Nina Perales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
I studied to become a therapist in order to advocate and work directly with people for change. In therapy, we do this together by looking at the main issue at hand. With gentleness, we address the context of the issue such as its history, the impact it's having, and the ways you'd like to see it changing. As a Latina, I also appreciate how cultural aspects of our family and community show up. However you define culture, we can explore its importance and impact on you.
I studied to become a therapist in order to advocate and work directly with people for change. In therapy, we do this together by looking at the main issue at hand. With gentleness, we address the context of the issue such as its history, the impact it's having, and the ways you'd like to see it changing. As a Latina, I also appreciate how cultural aspects of our family and community show up. However you define culture, we can explore its importance and impact on you.
(512) 817-1413 View (512) 817-1413
Photo of Calm Counseling Austin, Psychologist in Austin, TX
Calm Counseling Austin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
We are a group therapy practice who works with adolescents, young adults, as well as adult populations. We provide individual, group, and family therapy. We work with clients to help them achieve a greater sense of awareness so that they may identify patterns and behaviors that interfere with living the life they want. We work with clients who tend to struggle with negative self-talk, which can manifest for some as disordered eating or a lack of self-compassion. We work with clients to understand and improve these parts of themselves. We also strive to instill a sense of hope, as we think this an important part of the process.
We are a group therapy practice who works with adolescents, young adults, as well as adult populations. We provide individual, group, and family therapy. We work with clients to help them achieve a greater sense of awareness so that they may identify patterns and behaviors that interfere with living the life they want. We work with clients who tend to struggle with negative self-talk, which can manifest for some as disordered eating or a lack of self-compassion. We work with clients to understand and improve these parts of themselves. We also strive to instill a sense of hope, as we think this an important part of the process.
(737) 204-4204 View (737) 204-4204
Photo of Maytal Eyal, Psychologist in Austin, TX
Maytal Eyal
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
I do this by using highly effective practices including mindfulness, self-compassion, acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems.
Life is hard and suffering is normal. It’s an inevitable part of being human. Most of us, often from a young age, develop different patterns or defenses to manage our suffering in order to keep our heads above water. This can look like many different things: numbing our emotions, self-criticism, addiction, anxiety, self-sabotage - the list goes on. We do these things not because anything is inherently wrong with us, but because for a long time, these patterns help us survive. Clients often come to me when they reconcile the fact that these patterns are no longer working - and instead, they’re making them miserable.
I do this by using highly effective practices including mindfulness, self-compassion, acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems.
Life is hard and suffering is normal. It’s an inevitable part of being human. Most of us, often from a young age, develop different patterns or defenses to manage our suffering in order to keep our heads above water. This can look like many different things: numbing our emotions, self-criticism, addiction, anxiety, self-sabotage - the list goes on. We do these things not because anything is inherently wrong with us, but because for a long time, these patterns help us survive. Clients often come to me when they reconcile the fact that these patterns are no longer working - and instead, they’re making them miserable.
(512) 883-8585 View (512) 883-8585
Photo of Beverly Benoit, Pre-Licensed Professional in Austin, TX
Beverly Benoit
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
Hi I am Bev, and I am completing my final practicum in Clinical Social Work. I am continuing my education and working on my doctorate in clinical social work. I work with clients of any age and focus on Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Family, Couples, PTSD, Grief, and general Mental Health. I incorporate a strengths-based approach and work in collaboration with my clients on setting SMART goals.
Hi I am Bev, and I am completing my final practicum in Clinical Social Work. I am continuing my education and working on my doctorate in clinical social work. I work with clients of any age and focus on Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Family, Couples, PTSD, Grief, and general Mental Health. I incorporate a strengths-based approach and work in collaboration with my clients on setting SMART goals.
(512) 361-1319 View (512) 361-1319
Photo of Natalie H Brunelle-Tran, LPC Associate in Austin, TX
Natalie H Brunelle-Tran
LPC Associate, MS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78723
My counseling approach centers the client through compassionate presence and I draw from a mix of humanistic orientation, multicultural counseling, career counseling, feminist theory, relational-cultural theory, Internal Family Systems, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality, creativity, mindfulness, and trauma-informed theory.
Finding the right therapist can be difficult, maybe you have asked yourself questions like “will they “get” me?”, “do they know what it’s like to feel torn in multiple directions?” Or maybe, if you are anything like me, you have asked yourself “is there something wrong with me?”, “where are the therapists that look, even vaguely, like me?” As a half-Asian, bicultural woman of color, I’m passionate about supporting others who live at the intersection of multiple identities.
My counseling approach centers the client through compassionate presence and I draw from a mix of humanistic orientation, multicultural counseling, career counseling, feminist theory, relational-cultural theory, Internal Family Systems, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality, creativity, mindfulness, and trauma-informed theory.
Finding the right therapist can be difficult, maybe you have asked yourself questions like “will they “get” me?”, “do they know what it’s like to feel torn in multiple directions?” Or maybe, if you are anything like me, you have asked yourself “is there something wrong with me?”, “where are the therapists that look, even vaguely, like me?” As a half-Asian, bicultural woman of color, I’m passionate about supporting others who live at the intersection of multiple identities.
(512) 877-6682 View (512) 877-6682
Photo of Madeleine Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Austin, TX
Madeleine Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
As a therapist, I specialize in working with young adults and couples who are navigating sexual health, life transitions, anxiety, family dynamics, and relationships. I take a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Existential approach that also weaves in a focus on client strengths and narratives. I tend to have a more direct approach with my clients, while also adding in humor and a space that allows for support and strength. I am an avid ally of the LGTBQIA+ community and am able to create an environment that empowers and upholds clients as who they are.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with young adults and couples who are navigating sexual health, life transitions, anxiety, family dynamics, and relationships. I take a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Existential approach that also weaves in a focus on client strengths and narratives. I tend to have a more direct approach with my clients, while also adding in humor and a space that allows for support and strength. I am an avid ally of the LGTBQIA+ community and am able to create an environment that empowers and upholds clients as who they are.
(512) 647-2661 View (512) 647-2661
Photo of Jesse Hernandez| Men's Coach And Trauma Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Jesse Hernandez| Men's Coach And Trauma Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757  (Online Only)
Men, you know you can't keep going like this, but you've always been known to have the answers to your problems. One way or another you find a way to get it done. That’s what your family and friends have always looked up to you for! Ambitious, brave, and hard working are words that best describe you, but lately it’s been hard to ignore how difficult everything is. You carry on avoiding thinking that you can get through this alone, but your family is feeling the distance and they know things aren't right. I know therapy is the last thing you thought you’d be considering but something's gotta give.
Men, you know you can't keep going like this, but you've always been known to have the answers to your problems. One way or another you find a way to get it done. That’s what your family and friends have always looked up to you for! Ambitious, brave, and hard working are words that best describe you, but lately it’s been hard to ignore how difficult everything is. You carry on avoiding thinking that you can get through this alone, but your family is feeling the distance and they know things aren't right. I know therapy is the last thing you thought you’d be considering but something's gotta give.
(830) 376-0314 View (830) 376-0314
Photo of Monica Mendoza, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Monica Mendoza
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748
I work with adults ages 18 and over dealing with stress and anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, trauma and abuse, relationship or family issues, conflict resolution, and adjustment to life-changing events.
Hi there, I am Monica! I am a licensed therapist in the state of Texas and have spent the last 21 years growing as an effective helper in the world of counseling and therapy. Achieving holistic health and reaping the rewards through genuine fulfillment takes courage and calls for commitment of the mind, body, and soul. Commitment to therapy as a pathway to that level of health is not inconceivable and is a journey you do not have to walk alone. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
I work with adults ages 18 and over dealing with stress and anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, trauma and abuse, relationship or family issues, conflict resolution, and adjustment to life-changing events.
Hi there, I am Monica! I am a licensed therapist in the state of Texas and have spent the last 21 years growing as an effective helper in the world of counseling and therapy. Achieving holistic health and reaping the rewards through genuine fulfillment takes courage and calls for commitment of the mind, body, and soul. Commitment to therapy as a pathway to that level of health is not inconceivable and is a journey you do not have to walk alone. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
(737) 530-9960 View (737) 530-9960
Photo of Catherine Porter Glass, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Catherine Porter Glass
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
Collaborative space to explore what you're experiencing - together with evidence-based interventions - offers possibility for dynamic change. I join with clients to move forward from traumatic experiences, better manage anxiety and depression, cope with new medical diagnoses or chronic illness For those who self harm or have suicidal tendencies, I teach coping skills. I support those going through family transitions, such as divorce and single parenting. I work with those experiencing existential, religious, or spiritual questions. Biweekly weekend availability.
Collaborative space to explore what you're experiencing - together with evidence-based interventions - offers possibility for dynamic change. I join with clients to move forward from traumatic experiences, better manage anxiety and depression, cope with new medical diagnoses or chronic illness For those who self harm or have suicidal tendencies, I teach coping skills. I support those going through family transitions, such as divorce and single parenting. I work with those experiencing existential, religious, or spiritual questions. Biweekly weekend availability.
(737) 252-1510 View (737) 252-1510
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.