Photo of Litsa Bradford, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Litsa Bradford, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Do you see your own issues, but can't seem to think or "will" yourself into more productive behavior? Perhaps you have a wonderful mate and family, but you are stuck in the same old arguments and frustrations, and you know your family's communication could be better. Maybe you feel angry, or sad, and you just don't know why. Perhaps you are hoping to come to terms with something very unfortunate that has happened to you, either recently or long ago. If you want to feel better about yourself and others, you have come to the right place.
Do you see your own issues, but can't seem to think or "will" yourself into more productive behavior? Perhaps you have a wonderful mate and family, but you are stuck in the same old arguments and frustrations, and you know your family's communication could be better. Maybe you feel angry, or sad, and you just don't know why. Perhaps you are hoping to come to terms with something very unfortunate that has happened to you, either recently or long ago. If you want to feel better about yourself and others, you have come to the right place.
(626) 709-3064 View (626) 709-3064
Photo of Jennifer Vogel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Jennifer Vogel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
I sit with patients in grief through a death, divorce, break-ups, family disconnection, crisis of faith, and other life transitions.
It can be very challenging to see things clearly in life. I help individuals re-adjust their way of looking at themselves, their relationships, and the world. Through psycho-dynamic exploration, I come alongside a patient in the discovery of what is possible, as it is my belief that the most crucial part of therapy is the relationship that builds between patient and therapist. It is often easier to shine a light into uncertain areas of one's heart and mind when someone else is holding the light.
I sit with patients in grief through a death, divorce, break-ups, family disconnection, crisis of faith, and other life transitions.
It can be very challenging to see things clearly in life. I help individuals re-adjust their way of looking at themselves, their relationships, and the world. Through psycho-dynamic exploration, I come alongside a patient in the discovery of what is possible, as it is my belief that the most crucial part of therapy is the relationship that builds between patient and therapist. It is often easier to shine a light into uncertain areas of one's heart and mind when someone else is holding the light.
(805) 693-4160 View (805) 693-4160
Photo of Cyndi Sierra, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Barbara, CA
Cyndi Sierra
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
I focus on depth psychology through a lens of psychodynamic, attachment, and family systems theory.
You are here. Take up space. It is yours. Your narrative is legitimate and valuable. You are a powerful being. Yes, it all sounds empowering and optimistic and these words, while true, may not resonate with how you currently feel or have felt. You may be experiencing overwhelming thoughts and may be feeling isolated, confused, scared, or angry. It is in here that we may discover unimaginable strength, clarity, and hope. I am a Bilingual and bicultural individual. I currently see clients in-person and via telehealth. I offer services in Spanish and have experience working with English speaking children of Spanish speaking parents.
I focus on depth psychology through a lens of psychodynamic, attachment, and family systems theory.
You are here. Take up space. It is yours. Your narrative is legitimate and valuable. You are a powerful being. Yes, it all sounds empowering and optimistic and these words, while true, may not resonate with how you currently feel or have felt. You may be experiencing overwhelming thoughts and may be feeling isolated, confused, scared, or angry. It is in here that we may discover unimaginable strength, clarity, and hope. I am a Bilingual and bicultural individual. I currently see clients in-person and via telehealth. I offer services in Spanish and have experience working with English speaking children of Spanish speaking parents.
(805) 770-1106 View (805) 770-1106
Photo of Katrina Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Barbara, CA
Katrina Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
My integrative approach draws from mindful self-compassion, somatic psychotherapy, internal family systems (IFS), EMDR, relational cultural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to meet clients' unique needs and goals.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we are trying to navigate stress, transition, trauma, loss, or conflict. Through compassionate inquiry into our hearts, minds, and souls we can better understand the path forward to the life we want and the person we want to be. I am a warm, collaborative, and person-centered therapist who believes in the innate capacity of humans to heal, grow, and thrive. I will join you and help guide you to connect to your authentic self, inner wisdom, strengths, and compassion. I work with adults, teens, children, couples and families to find balance and a greater sense of well-being.
My integrative approach draws from mindful self-compassion, somatic psychotherapy, internal family systems (IFS), EMDR, relational cultural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to meet clients' unique needs and goals.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we are trying to navigate stress, transition, trauma, loss, or conflict. Through compassionate inquiry into our hearts, minds, and souls we can better understand the path forward to the life we want and the person we want to be. I am a warm, collaborative, and person-centered therapist who believes in the innate capacity of humans to heal, grow, and thrive. I will join you and help guide you to connect to your authentic self, inner wisdom, strengths, and compassion. I work with adults, teens, children, couples and families to find balance and a greater sense of well-being.
(805) 590-9341 View (805) 590-9341
Photo of Kathryn (Katie) Pazan, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Barbara, CA
Kathryn (Katie) Pazan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize and integrate modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Informed Play Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Existential Logotherapy, and Family Systems Therapy.
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
I utilize and integrate modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Informed Play Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Existential Logotherapy, and Family Systems Therapy.
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
(805) 600-3274 View (805) 600-3274
Photo of Crystal C Ramirez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Crystal C Ramirez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Whether you're struggling with work, relationships or life changes our time together can alleviate confusion and suffering. You may be struggling with trauma triggers, family of origin patterns, or social and cultural pressures. Sometimes life is simply uncertain and overwhelming. You can create a life of intention and authenticity moving beyond unconscious reactions to insight and meaning. You will be in a safe place to honestly tend to your feelings and needs. I work holistically and respect you as a whole person who is uniquely coping with what has happened to you.
Whether you're struggling with work, relationships or life changes our time together can alleviate confusion and suffering. You may be struggling with trauma triggers, family of origin patterns, or social and cultural pressures. Sometimes life is simply uncertain and overwhelming. You can create a life of intention and authenticity moving beyond unconscious reactions to insight and meaning. You will be in a safe place to honestly tend to your feelings and needs. I work holistically and respect you as a whole person who is uniquely coping with what has happened to you.
(805) 243-2057 View (805) 243-2057
Photo of Jaclyn Nicole Kanold, Licensed Educational Psychologist in Santa Barbara, CA
Jaclyn Nicole Kanold
Licensed Educational Psychologist, LEP, BCBA
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
I want to help be a sounding board for you and your family as you navigate through the different phases of childhood (and parenthood) at home and in the school system.
I have over 15 years of experience working throughout California and internationally with youth ages 4 to 20 years old as a psychologist and consultant for schools and families with an array of presenting challenges and nuerodiversity. I provide strengths based counseling to support clients and empower families to reach their full potential. My services include individual therapy, crisis response, outdoor therapy (walk and talk), psychoeducational assessment and parent consultation. I embrace thinking "out of the box." I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
I want to help be a sounding board for you and your family as you navigate through the different phases of childhood (and parenthood) at home and in the school system.
I have over 15 years of experience working throughout California and internationally with youth ages 4 to 20 years old as a psychologist and consultant for schools and families with an array of presenting challenges and nuerodiversity. I provide strengths based counseling to support clients and empower families to reach their full potential. My services include individual therapy, crisis response, outdoor therapy (walk and talk), psychoeducational assessment and parent consultation. I embrace thinking "out of the box." I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
(805) 600-3275 View (805) 600-3275
Photo of Mia Serge, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Barbara, CA
Mia Serge
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I have a Psychology degree from University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Psychology degree from Antioch University. I have tremendous experience working with the youth. A major focus in my work has been surrounded upon improving mental health through developing coping skills, anxiety management and helping to aid growth within the family system. I am incredibly passionate about the therapy process which comes with empowering others.
I have a Psychology degree from University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Psychology degree from Antioch University. I have tremendous experience working with the youth. A major focus in my work has been surrounded upon improving mental health through developing coping skills, anxiety management and helping to aid growth within the family system. I am incredibly passionate about the therapy process which comes with empowering others.
(805) 823-2534 View (805) 823-2534
Photo of Jeanne Bracker White, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Jeanne Bracker White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Waitlist for new clients
For loved ones and family, I welcome you as well to work on a life challenge.
I have 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. For the past 20 years I have focused specifically on helping children, teens and parents better understand the gifts and needs of differently wired people. I seek to understand a person's sensory needs, social emotional needs and relating style. This discovery process attunes families to their children, whether young or grown. it provides older children, teens and adults a better appreciation of their gifts and insight into past struggles. And most importantly, it points to a way forward in life
For loved ones and family, I welcome you as well to work on a life challenge.
I have 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. For the past 20 years I have focused specifically on helping children, teens and parents better understand the gifts and needs of differently wired people. I seek to understand a person's sensory needs, social emotional needs and relating style. This discovery process attunes families to their children, whether young or grown. it provides older children, teens and adults a better appreciation of their gifts and insight into past struggles. And most importantly, it points to a way forward in life
(805) 360-5953 View (805) 360-5953
Photo of Stephanie Pawlowicz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Stephanie Pawlowicz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Barbara.
A person comes to therapy when their present ways of being in relationship, or in the world, no longer seem to hold the meaning they once did. My aim is to support you in creating a new foundation of hope, purpose, and meaning in your life. I help people seek wholeness through the integration of mind, body, and soul, thus expanding their current level of understanding, and in so doing, creating the capacity to live more meaningfully.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Barbara.
A person comes to therapy when their present ways of being in relationship, or in the world, no longer seem to hold the meaning they once did. My aim is to support you in creating a new foundation of hope, purpose, and meaning in your life. I help people seek wholeness through the integration of mind, body, and soul, thus expanding their current level of understanding, and in so doing, creating the capacity to live more meaningfully.
(805) 324-6675 View (805) 324-6675
Photo of Riley Ellis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Riley Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in child and adolescent therapy.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, stress, or family changes that are making every day life feel difficult or hard to manage? Do you notice your child struggling and you are unsure how to emotionally support them? Have you tried to solve the problems on your own and nothing seems to be working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I'm glad you're here. Seeking help for your child, family struggles, or parenting issues can be difficult. I'm here to help.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in child and adolescent therapy.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, stress, or family changes that are making every day life feel difficult or hard to manage? Do you notice your child struggling and you are unsure how to emotionally support them? Have you tried to solve the problems on your own and nothing seems to be working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I'm glad you're here. Seeking help for your child, family struggles, or parenting issues can be difficult. I'm here to help.
(805) 429-8011 View (805) 429-8011
Photo of Dr. Benjamin Strosberg, Psychological Associate in Santa Barbara, CA
Dr. Benjamin Strosberg
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
I help individuals and couples understand and transform deeply rooted patterns. Some walk through my door in profound distress, while others seek relief from a persistent sense of unease and dissatisfaction. I listen closely for the ideas and experiences shaping important aspects of your life, such as family, friends, work, sexuality, creativity, and self-worth. And together, we explore the ups and downs of your thoughts and feelings, with a focus on how current experiences and past traumas may be restricting your capacity for growth, self-expression, satisfaction, fulfilling relationships, and meaningful work.
I help individuals and couples understand and transform deeply rooted patterns. Some walk through my door in profound distress, while others seek relief from a persistent sense of unease and dissatisfaction. I listen closely for the ideas and experiences shaping important aspects of your life, such as family, friends, work, sexuality, creativity, and self-worth. And together, we explore the ups and downs of your thoughts and feelings, with a focus on how current experiences and past traumas may be restricting your capacity for growth, self-expression, satisfaction, fulfilling relationships, and meaningful work.
(805) 360-4371 View (805) 360-4371
Photo of Lilly Tam in Santa Barbara, CA
Lilly Tam
EdD, CHT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Have a love-hate relationship with your job? Your co-workers? Anxiety and stress with quarterly reviews? Overworked from meeting quotas? Perfectionist tendencies? Difficulty transitioning from work to home? Work-Family Integration, hate to go home, but need to go home? Conflict resolution. Work-life Balance. Imposter syndrome, Limerence, and relationships with colleagues. Work with the voices of your Inner critic, to build confidence to reach your goals and find peace through Inquiry-based Therapeutic Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Self-hypnosis and Coaching. Corporate teams or Private 1x1 with access to office hours.
Have a love-hate relationship with your job? Your co-workers? Anxiety and stress with quarterly reviews? Overworked from meeting quotas? Perfectionist tendencies? Difficulty transitioning from work to home? Work-Family Integration, hate to go home, but need to go home? Conflict resolution. Work-life Balance. Imposter syndrome, Limerence, and relationships with colleagues. Work with the voices of your Inner critic, to build confidence to reach your goals and find peace through Inquiry-based Therapeutic Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Self-hypnosis and Coaching. Corporate teams or Private 1x1 with access to office hours.
(805) 394-3322 View (805) 394-3322
Photo of Ana M Perez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Ana M Perez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Would you like more joy in living, to feel calm, centered and connected to others? Allow me to support you in taking that first step. I specialize in overcoming complex trauma: phobias, PTSD, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation and reactivity. I have expertise working with survivors of crimes and abuse. I can help you cope with stress, burdens, grief & loss and life transitions in individual, couples or family therapy. I am compassionate and believe that you have all the resources within to achieve a brighter future.
Would you like more joy in living, to feel calm, centered and connected to others? Allow me to support you in taking that first step. I specialize in overcoming complex trauma: phobias, PTSD, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation and reactivity. I have expertise working with survivors of crimes and abuse. I can help you cope with stress, burdens, grief & loss and life transitions in individual, couples or family therapy. I am compassionate and believe that you have all the resources within to achieve a brighter future.
(805) 380-3798 View (805) 380-3798
Photo of Christine Scott-Hudson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Christine Scott-Hudson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
I am both a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board-Registered Art Therapist. I am educated and trained to help you identify and express your feelings both verbally and with non-verbal modalities. I am a trauma-focused, holistic, feminist psychotherapist who works with women and girls. If you are feeling stuck and would like to experience more joy in your life, let's work together to create the life you would like to live!
I am both a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board-Registered Art Therapist. I am educated and trained to help you identify and express your feelings both verbally and with non-verbal modalities. I am a trauma-focused, holistic, feminist psychotherapist who works with women and girls. If you are feeling stuck and would like to experience more joy in your life, let's work together to create the life you would like to live!
(805) 978-5639 View (805) 978-5639
Photo of Amy Marie Hamilton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Amy Marie Hamilton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
My name is Amy Hamilton, a licensed therapist who specializes in providing guidance and support to children, teens, and families facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. My extensive experience encompasses assisting young individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, as well as navigating complex issues such as attachment difficulties, family dynamics, and the traumatic effects of bullying. Moreover, I am adept at working with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral obstacles, including those within the autism spectrum.
My name is Amy Hamilton, a licensed therapist who specializes in providing guidance and support to children, teens, and families facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. My extensive experience encompasses assisting young individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, as well as navigating complex issues such as attachment difficulties, family dynamics, and the traumatic effects of bullying. Moreover, I am adept at working with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral obstacles, including those within the autism spectrum.
(805) 617-1370 View (805) 617-1370
Photo of Beth Kanne - Casselman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Beth Kanne - Casselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Clients feel comfortable to explore and make changes in their family dynamics and everyday habits.
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
Clients feel comfortable to explore and make changes in their family dynamics and everyday habits.
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
(805) 263-4853 View (805) 263-4853
Photo of Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling , Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
I have enjoyed helping clients of all ages, for 30 yrs, utilizing DBT, Family systems, & Cognitive education.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
I have enjoyed helping clients of all ages, for 30 yrs, utilizing DBT, Family systems, & Cognitive education.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
(805) 876-9092 View (805) 876-9092
Photo of Jenna Lane Marsala, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Jenna Lane Marsala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
(925) 261-7827 View (925) 261-7827
Photo of Dre McGee Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Dre McGee Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I understand that the first step in seeking help can be overwhelming or even scary. I have a great respect for those who seek to improve their quality of life. My life's work is dedicated to help facilitate that process and help collaborate to create clarity. I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I work and have experience with a wide variety of situations and life issues; depression, anxiety, transitions, burnout, relationship dynamics, adoption, and more. Specialties of mine include premarital counseling, young adult/college age concerns & transitions, EMDR, grief & polyam couples.
I understand that the first step in seeking help can be overwhelming or even scary. I have a great respect for those who seek to improve their quality of life. My life's work is dedicated to help facilitate that process and help collaborate to create clarity. I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I work and have experience with a wide variety of situations and life issues; depression, anxiety, transitions, burnout, relationship dynamics, adoption, and more. Specialties of mine include premarital counseling, young adult/college age concerns & transitions, EMDR, grief & polyam couples.
(805) 290-1533 View (805) 290-1533

See more therapy options for Santa Barbara

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.