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 Bri Velasquez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Bri Velasquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
I am certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and love helping enhance the parent-child relationship and family bond.
The hope and goal I have for my clients is to assist them in enhancing personal and familial relationships. As a social worker, I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness many positive changes in the lives of my clients. These positive changes include how my clients have relationships with others and how they come to view themselves. These components are an integral part of the therapeutic process and journey.
I am certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and love helping enhance the parent-child relationship and family bond.
The hope and goal I have for my clients is to assist them in enhancing personal and familial relationships. As a social worker, I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness many positive changes in the lives of my clients. These positive changes include how my clients have relationships with others and how they come to view themselves. These components are an integral part of the therapeutic process and journey.
(805) 876-9622 View (805) 876-9622
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 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 Anna Selena Cho, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Anna Selena Cho
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Dr. Anna Selena Cho, was born in Los Angeles and has personal experience living bi-culturally. Dr. Cho was traditionally trained in visual arts in her early developmental years and eventually obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Phillips Graduate University, and her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cho has developed programs with organizations wanting to further expand their learning standards towards socio-emotional integration.
Dr. Anna Selena Cho, was born in Los Angeles and has personal experience living bi-culturally. Dr. Cho was traditionally trained in visual arts in her early developmental years and eventually obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Phillips Graduate University, and her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cho has developed programs with organizations wanting to further expand their learning standards towards socio-emotional integration.
(310) 340-2835 View (310) 340-2835
Photo of Catherine MacGillivray, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Catherine MacGillivray
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
If you and your family are out of sorts, I can help.
You may be an artist. You may be an academic. You may be an activist. I have been all three of these, and I speak their languages: of creativity, intellectual enlivenment, and social justice. And right now, in this time of upheaval and unrest, you may be hurting--feeling lost, adrift, burned out, under- or over-stimulated, or simply sad. I am here to connect with you. To listen compassionately. To make space for you to better hear yourself, and to encourage linkages, mentalizations, and trauma metabolizations that will allow you to better listen to the rhythms of your body and use your own mind. I offer you my mind in this pursuit.
If you and your family are out of sorts, I can help.
You may be an artist. You may be an academic. You may be an activist. I have been all three of these, and I speak their languages: of creativity, intellectual enlivenment, and social justice. And right now, in this time of upheaval and unrest, you may be hurting--feeling lost, adrift, burned out, under- or over-stimulated, or simply sad. I am here to connect with you. To listen compassionately. To make space for you to better hear yourself, and to encourage linkages, mentalizations, and trauma metabolizations that will allow you to better listen to the rhythms of your body and use your own mind. I offer you my mind in this pursuit.
(510) 650-0372 View (510) 650-0372
Photo of The Integrated Clinic, Psychologist in Santa Barbara, CA
The Integrated Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Our team comprises leading clinicians and researchers from allied fields including neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, sleep & behavioral medicine, biofeedback, psychotherapy, psychiatry, child & family therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, educational therapy, and nutritional counseling.
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
Our team comprises leading clinicians and researchers from allied fields including neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, sleep & behavioral medicine, biofeedback, psychotherapy, psychiatry, child & family therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, educational therapy, and nutritional counseling.
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
(310) 504-1936 View (310) 504-1936
Photo of Colleen O'Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Colleen O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My practice focuses on trauma, addiction & recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, and relationships. I work with adult women and men. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I have been practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for over 4 years with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California with Phil Wolfson. I also studied under the direction of Jeffrey Becker, MD. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy and by Fluence in Psychedelic Therapy.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My practice focuses on trauma, addiction & recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, and relationships. I work with adult women and men. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I have been practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for over 4 years with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California with Phil Wolfson. I also studied under the direction of Jeffrey Becker, MD. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy and by Fluence in Psychedelic Therapy.
(805) 608-5593 View (805) 608-5593
Photo of Jaime Bregante, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Jaime Bregante
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
We all worry about our children. We want to support and teach them the skills needed to overcome challenges so they will grow into “successful” adults. Families may go through a phase where additional support may be needed in order to get through these challenges. It takes a strong sense of self to be able to communicate what’s wrong and most children are still developing these skills. In collaboration with families, I create a safe space to help develop insight into the internal challenges a child is facing while helping them build the skills they need to thrive.
We all worry about our children. We want to support and teach them the skills needed to overcome challenges so they will grow into “successful” adults. Families may go through a phase where additional support may be needed in order to get through these challenges. It takes a strong sense of self to be able to communicate what’s wrong and most children are still developing these skills. In collaboration with families, I create a safe space to help develop insight into the internal challenges a child is facing while helping them build the skills they need to thrive.
(805) 724-0390 View (805) 724-0390
Photo of Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic, Psychologist in Santa Barbara, CA
Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
(805) 351-4714 View (805) 351-4714
Photo of Nadia Nader, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Nadia Nader
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Welcome to all of you. I am primarily trained in health psychology, working with those hoping to harmonize their body and mind benefiting from alternative and integrative initiatives. I am comfortable treating issues of dual realities: behaviors; bipolar disorder; death; hyphenated/intersectional identities; inter/multi-generational traumas; relationships (children/parents, couples, blended families, siblings); life transitions and personal journeys of assimilation, breakup, borders crossing, conversion, displacement, divorce, migration, sobriety and transitioning - all great examples of the incredible power of human transformation.
Welcome to all of you. I am primarily trained in health psychology, working with those hoping to harmonize their body and mind benefiting from alternative and integrative initiatives. I am comfortable treating issues of dual realities: behaviors; bipolar disorder; death; hyphenated/intersectional identities; inter/multi-generational traumas; relationships (children/parents, couples, blended families, siblings); life transitions and personal journeys of assimilation, breakup, borders crossing, conversion, displacement, divorce, migration, sobriety and transitioning - all great examples of the incredible power of human transformation.
(408) 617-9077 View (408) 617-9077
Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(831) 276-0279 View (831) 276-0279
Photo of Tala Hishmeh, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Tala Hishmeh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
You may be finding yourself in a place of time where your life’s situation or way of thinking has exceeded your ability to cope. During these instances, the struggle to connect to yourself or others may feel harder to do. You are not alone in this. In each of our own ways the experience of “feeling off” can exist. All the while, we are connected by the human ability to find resilience and grow through conditions that promote value, care, and acceptance. My hope is that by unpacking these moments, we may strengthen the quality of relationships- with both ourselves and others for a better future.
You may be finding yourself in a place of time where your life’s situation or way of thinking has exceeded your ability to cope. During these instances, the struggle to connect to yourself or others may feel harder to do. You are not alone in this. In each of our own ways the experience of “feeling off” can exist. All the while, we are connected by the human ability to find resilience and grow through conditions that promote value, care, and acceptance. My hope is that by unpacking these moments, we may strengthen the quality of relationships- with both ourselves and others for a better future.
(805) 410-1794 View (805) 410-1794
Photo of Julianne Sims, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Julianne Sims
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Hello and welcome! I am Juli Sims, LCSW 28368 (CA). I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 10 years. Throughout this time, I have worked with children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, specifically childhood trauma. I am strength-based and compassionate. I do the work every day for myself, having experienced post-partum depression and anxiety. The bulk of my experience is working with women and women's issues, such as menopause, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, daily stressors, self-esteem, parenting, etc.
Hello and welcome! I am Juli Sims, LCSW 28368 (CA). I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 10 years. Throughout this time, I have worked with children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, specifically childhood trauma. I am strength-based and compassionate. I do the work every day for myself, having experienced post-partum depression and anxiety. The bulk of my experience is working with women and women's issues, such as menopause, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, daily stressors, self-esteem, parenting, etc.
(707) 267-2486 View (707) 267-2486
Photo of Andria Allison Bibler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Andria Allison Bibler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
My first priority is helping you feel comfortable. Research has shown that the number one most helpful aspect of therapy is having a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel supported, heard, and understood. I strive to meet you where you're at in your life process. My style is client-centered, and I tailor my services to you, focusing on what you decide you want and need to gain from therapy. I am strength-based in my approach; together we will identify what's working in your life and what strengths we can build on to help you achieve your goals, strengthen your relationships, and feel your best.
My first priority is helping you feel comfortable. Research has shown that the number one most helpful aspect of therapy is having a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel supported, heard, and understood. I strive to meet you where you're at in your life process. My style is client-centered, and I tailor my services to you, focusing on what you decide you want and need to gain from therapy. I am strength-based in my approach; together we will identify what's working in your life and what strengths we can build on to help you achieve your goals, strengthen your relationships, and feel your best.
(323) 375-3532 View (323) 375-3532
Photo of Emily Sebald, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Emily Sebald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Now accepting clients in both CA and WA! Feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts, constant worry, and low self-confidence may be things you have become familiar with. Maybe you have recently experienced some life changes or maybe the way you typically cope just isn’t cutting it. Some days it may feel like your worries, fears, and self-doubt are completely taking over. No matter how hard you try, you can't seem to shake the "What ifs." You want to get through your day without feeling completely overwhelmed by work, school, or caring for your children. You want to stop that voice in your head that tells you that you’re not doing enough.
Now accepting clients in both CA and WA! Feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts, constant worry, and low self-confidence may be things you have become familiar with. Maybe you have recently experienced some life changes or maybe the way you typically cope just isn’t cutting it. Some days it may feel like your worries, fears, and self-doubt are completely taking over. No matter how hard you try, you can't seem to shake the "What ifs." You want to get through your day without feeling completely overwhelmed by work, school, or caring for your children. You want to stop that voice in your head that tells you that you’re not doing enough.
(844) 982-3865 View (844) 982-3865

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cesar Brijandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Cesar Brijandez Brijandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117  (Online Only)
I have a passion for helping people from all "walks of life." If you are facing challenges in your day-to-day life, I am here to help. I have helped individuals and couples with anxiety, depression, anger management, and marital issues. I work with children from 6 yrs and older, teenagers, and adults, both males, and females. I like to present psychotherapy in the simplest form. My top modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Trauma-Focused CBT for children and teens. Growing up in a city along the US-Mexico border I have the privilege of being bilingual and bicultural.
I have a passion for helping people from all "walks of life." If you are facing challenges in your day-to-day life, I am here to help. I have helped individuals and couples with anxiety, depression, anger management, and marital issues. I work with children from 6 yrs and older, teenagers, and adults, both males, and females. I like to present psychotherapy in the simplest form. My top modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Trauma-Focused CBT for children and teens. Growing up in a city along the US-Mexico border I have the privilege of being bilingual and bicultural.
(805) 800-8607 View (805) 800-8607

Online Therapists

Photo of Shaghayegh Mazaherian, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Barbara, CA
Shaghayegh Mazaherian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I'm an Associate Marriage and family therapy and child specialty and bilingual in /Farsi with training in the Positive Parenting Program and EMDR(form of psychotherapy aids trauma healing, easing distress from life events or stress).
Do you have challenges with your preteen and teen as a parent? You know that navigating the world of children and teens can sometimes be a bit of a rollercoaster, and I'm here to help make the ride smoother. If you're navigating the challenges of parenting and seeking support for your children and teenagers, I specialize in assisting parents like you. My focus is on helping young preteen/teen cope with a range of issues, including stress, life changes, anxiety, sadness, and past traumas. Positive teenage transformation brings profound changes. Increased teen self-worth and resilience reshape relationships and boost academic success.
I'm an Associate Marriage and family therapy and child specialty and bilingual in /Farsi with training in the Positive Parenting Program and EMDR(form of psychotherapy aids trauma healing, easing distress from life events or stress).
Do you have challenges with your preteen and teen as a parent? You know that navigating the world of children and teens can sometimes be a bit of a rollercoaster, and I'm here to help make the ride smoother. If you're navigating the challenges of parenting and seeking support for your children and teenagers, I specialize in assisting parents like you. My focus is on helping young preteen/teen cope with a range of issues, including stress, life changes, anxiety, sadness, and past traumas. Positive teenage transformation brings profound changes. Increased teen self-worth and resilience reshape relationships and boost academic success.
(310) 683-4886 View (310) 683-4886
Photo of Jennifer Cruz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Jennifer Cruz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027  (Online Only)
I work with individuals adult, children, and families to help them develop healthy, growing relationships with one another, addressing struggles in family dynamics and helping individuals deal with relationship problems, as well as depression and anxiety. My therapeutic approach, developed over 15 years of working with children and families in varying capacities is a collaborative one, aiming to enhance self-understanding, and promotions of personal growth. I am committed to working with you toward a positive solution to the situation causing distress.
I work with individuals adult, children, and families to help them develop healthy, growing relationships with one another, addressing struggles in family dynamics and helping individuals deal with relationship problems, as well as depression and anxiety. My therapeutic approach, developed over 15 years of working with children and families in varying capacities is a collaborative one, aiming to enhance self-understanding, and promotions of personal growth. I am committed to working with you toward a positive solution to the situation causing distress.
(530) 882-3169 View (530) 882-3169
Photo of Julia M Gunderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA
Julia M Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Specifically I have had training in how to work with trauma related cases, crisis management, grief work, family therapy (included martial issues), ways to improve the parent-child relationship and adolescents issues.
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
Specifically I have had training in how to work with trauma related cases, crisis management, grief work, family therapy (included martial issues), ways to improve the parent-child relationship and adolescents issues.
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
(909) 610-3952 View (909) 610-3952

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.