Photo of Donna Murray, Counselor in 26003, WV
Donna Murray
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Wheeling, WV 26003  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Donna Murray and I look forward to connecting with you. I’ve had the joy of working in the counseling field for over 25 years in multiple settings including: private practice, inpatient and outpatient, home-based, school-based and residential detox. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the states of Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina and have been offering counseling services since 1996. Currently, I also serve on the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals.
Hello! My name is Donna Murray and I look forward to connecting with you. I’ve had the joy of working in the counseling field for over 25 years in multiple settings including: private practice, inpatient and outpatient, home-based, school-based and residential detox. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the states of Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina and have been offering counseling services since 1996. Currently, I also serve on the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals.
(304) 403-7450 View (304) 403-7450
Photo of Lisa Mengeu, Counselor in 26003, WV
Lisa Mengeu
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Wheeling, WV 26003
In my practice I provide a comforting relaxing non-judgmental atmosphere in which to process thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I also believe you are the "boss" because I don't live in your head or walk in your shoes. I will make suggestions as to how to cope, challenge, manage thoughts, and feelings while improving relationships through the process. I will never tell you what to do because it is up for you to decide as to what works best. My time with you will be focused on how I can help you become the best version of yourself.
In my practice I provide a comforting relaxing non-judgmental atmosphere in which to process thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I also believe you are the "boss" because I don't live in your head or walk in your shoes. I will make suggestions as to how to cope, challenge, manage thoughts, and feelings while improving relationships through the process. I will never tell you what to do because it is up for you to decide as to what works best. My time with you will be focused on how I can help you become the best version of yourself.
(304) 244-2128 View (304) 244-2128
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.