Photo of Sharon Whitworth, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 02445, MA
Sharon Whitworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445
The decision to begin therapy, with all of it’s exciting possibilities for growth, is often made during a complicated or difficult time. I approach therapy from a solution focused lens. We will work together to help you take control of your life, by understanding the patterns that have been developed to manage uncomfortable feelings that have been firmly rooted from the past. We will work together to recognize your strengths, develop self-esteem, and strengthen relationships. Through a combination of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies we will create change.
The decision to begin therapy, with all of it’s exciting possibilities for growth, is often made during a complicated or difficult time. I approach therapy from a solution focused lens. We will work together to help you take control of your life, by understanding the patterns that have been developed to manage uncomfortable feelings that have been firmly rooted from the past. We will work together to recognize your strengths, develop self-esteem, and strengthen relationships. Through a combination of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies we will create change.
(781) 527-5078 View (781) 527-5078
Photo of Jonathan J Donahue, Counselor in 02445, MA
Jonathan J Donahue
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445
I am currently taking new clients, but am not accepting EAP benefits..."regular" insurance and self-pay only ! I work extensively with compulsive behaviors (sex addiction, alcoholism, food addiction, etc.), depression, relationship issues, codependency, sleep disorders, career confusion, and disorganization. I offer a nice blend of pragmatic and abstract responses, a touch of humor, and a vast array of resources to direct you to for additional help. Have your insurance card handy, please, when you call. .
I am currently taking new clients, but am not accepting EAP benefits..."regular" insurance and self-pay only ! I work extensively with compulsive behaviors (sex addiction, alcoholism, food addiction, etc.), depression, relationship issues, codependency, sleep disorders, career confusion, and disorganization. I offer a nice blend of pragmatic and abstract responses, a touch of humor, and a vast array of resources to direct you to for additional help. Have your insurance card handy, please, when you call. .
(781) 348-6094 View (781) 348-6094
Photo of Shane MacDonald, LICSW, New Inspiration LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 02445, MA
Shane MacDonald, LICSW, New Inspiration LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445  (Online Only)
When you improve your relationship with yourself and your relationships with others, you are “on the path” to a happier, healthier life. I’d like to help you along that path. Together, we can explore a range of approaches: whatever works. But – so you know where I’m coming from – in the end, it’s always about relationships. I’d like to meet you.
When you improve your relationship with yourself and your relationships with others, you are “on the path” to a happier, healthier life. I’d like to help you along that path. Together, we can explore a range of approaches: whatever works. But – so you know where I’m coming from – in the end, it’s always about relationships. I’d like to meet you.
(617) 675-2000 View (617) 675-2000

Online Therapists

Photo of Shane MacDonald, LICSW, New Inspiration LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 02445, MA
Shane MacDonald, LICSW, New Inspiration LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445  (Online Only)
When you improve your relationship with yourself and your relationships with others, you are “on the path” to a happier, healthier life. I’d like to help you along that path. Together, we can explore a range of approaches: whatever works. But – so you know where I’m coming from – in the end, it’s always about relationships. I’d like to meet you.
When you improve your relationship with yourself and your relationships with others, you are “on the path” to a happier, healthier life. I’d like to help you along that path. Together, we can explore a range of approaches: whatever works. But – so you know where I’m coming from – in the end, it’s always about relationships. I’d like to meet you.
(617) 675-2000 View (617) 675-2000

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.