Photo of Monté Robinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Monté Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Penn Hills, PA 15235
Are you having difficulties managing your stress and mood due to family, relationships, work, school or the daily grind of life?
Are you having difficulties managing your stress and mood due to family, relationships, work, school or the daily grind of life?
(412) 275-4692 View (412) 275-4692
Photo of Betsy A DeChant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Betsy A DeChant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S, BCD, FAGPA
Verified Verified
Penn Hills, PA 15235
I have been in full-time practice as a clinical social worker/psychotherapist since 1969, and practiced in both hospital and agency psychiatric settings for over 15 years, in addition to maintaining a private practice. Throughout my career, I have provided numerous national and regional training seminars and workshops for MH professionals on women's issues; the chronically mentally ill; dual-diagnosed populations; and group psychotherapy modalities, and have also published in these areas. I have an eclectic style that encourages a flexible and collaborative working partnership which reflects the needs, goals, and personal context of the individual person.
I have been in full-time practice as a clinical social worker/psychotherapist since 1969, and practiced in both hospital and agency psychiatric settings for over 15 years, in addition to maintaining a private practice. Throughout my career, I have provided numerous national and regional training seminars and workshops for MH professionals on women's issues; the chronically mentally ill; dual-diagnosed populations; and group psychotherapy modalities, and have also published in these areas. I have an eclectic style that encourages a flexible and collaborative working partnership which reflects the needs, goals, and personal context of the individual person.
(724) 907-1668 View (724) 907-1668

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.