Photo of Cherry Hill Counseling in Lake Zurich, IL
Cherry Hill Counseling
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.
Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.
(847) 386-2109 View (847) 386-2109
Photo of Sana Wellness Center, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Sana Wellness Center
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Sana means heal and we strive to create a nurturing environment for you to explore your healing. Sana Wellness Center is dedicated to providing holistic and effective mental health services to anyone who seeks to collaboratively address and heal adverse life experiences and current concerns in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Through unconditional acceptance, we will walk with you as you develop insights while respecting your individuality to achieve your goals. In tandem with mental health services, Sana offers Reiki, sound healing, and trauma yoga to help integrate supportive services into your journey.
Sana means heal and we strive to create a nurturing environment for you to explore your healing. Sana Wellness Center is dedicated to providing holistic and effective mental health services to anyone who seeks to collaboratively address and heal adverse life experiences and current concerns in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Through unconditional acceptance, we will walk with you as you develop insights while respecting your individuality to achieve your goals. In tandem with mental health services, Sana offers Reiki, sound healing, and trauma yoga to help integrate supportive services into your journey.
(224) 427-3485 View (224) 427-3485

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Stephanie Ardagh LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Stephanie Ardagh LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, Type 73
Verified Verified
Mundelein, IL 60060
Stephanie teaches coping and problem solving skills that empower those she works with to improve their quality of life and functioning within school, social and family relationships.
North Star Counseling Group was founded on the idea that all people will find themselves in need of guidance and support at some point in their life. Various concerns can lead a person to counseling services. Stephanie Ardagh, LCSW works with children ages 3-18. She is experienced in addressing issues of: self esteem, self injury, body image, school refusal, adjustment to divorce and loss, social skills, and significant behavior disorders. Stephanie sees parents as a valuable resource and ally when working with children. She works well with other providers, such as school personnel, to get to know her clients and their unique needs.
Stephanie teaches coping and problem solving skills that empower those she works with to improve their quality of life and functioning within school, social and family relationships.
North Star Counseling Group was founded on the idea that all people will find themselves in need of guidance and support at some point in their life. Various concerns can lead a person to counseling services. Stephanie Ardagh, LCSW works with children ages 3-18. She is experienced in addressing issues of: self esteem, self injury, body image, school refusal, adjustment to divorce and loss, social skills, and significant behavior disorders. Stephanie sees parents as a valuable resource and ally when working with children. She works well with other providers, such as school personnel, to get to know her clients and their unique needs.
(224) 360-5219 View (224) 360-5219
Photo of Rossana Woldman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Rossana Woldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
My treatment interests include: trauma resolution, depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, parenting difficulties, self-esteem issues, stress management and managing complex family issues.
I believe in providing a safe, compassionate and non­judgemental environment that allows clients to use their own strengths and insights to create positive and meaningful growth in their lives. Everyone has the ability to change painful experiences into resilience. Sometimes, we just need a helping hand to grab onto for guidance and support along the way.
My treatment interests include: trauma resolution, depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, parenting difficulties, self-esteem issues, stress management and managing complex family issues.
I believe in providing a safe, compassionate and non­judgemental environment that allows clients to use their own strengths and insights to create positive and meaningful growth in their lives. Everyone has the ability to change painful experiences into resilience. Sometimes, we just need a helping hand to grab onto for guidance and support along the way.
(847) 243-6113 View (847) 243-6113
Photo of Wendy L McCarty, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Wendy L McCarty
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT, MA-SP
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
I use a combination of Marriage and Family therapy, Hypnotherapy and Spiritual psychology to understand and heal faulty negative self conclusions from the past. Once we understand,( sometimes through buried memories,) that our value as human beings cannot be "unworthy, or "not good enough", we can repair mental, emotional and spiritual wounds from the past. My goal is for you to live in freedom and fulfillment from finding your passion in, and for life.
I use a combination of Marriage and Family therapy, Hypnotherapy and Spiritual psychology to understand and heal faulty negative self conclusions from the past. Once we understand,( sometimes through buried memories,) that our value as human beings cannot be "unworthy, or "not good enough", we can repair mental, emotional and spiritual wounds from the past. My goal is for you to live in freedom and fulfillment from finding your passion in, and for life.
(847) 457-0279 View (847) 457-0279
Photo of Family Resilience Group, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Family Resilience Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Ready to try something different? We are experts in Somatic Experiencing and Trauma. Family Resilience is a group of 13 seasoned therapists deeply trained in the latest technologies + 1 amazing nutritionist. We work together as a team, to wrap you in attention, support, humor and wisdom. Together we study the latest developments in research and techniques, mind and body. People have their faith in therapy renewed at Family Resilience. We specialize in complicated situations, couples and family work, trauma, anxiety, depression, yoga tx, eating issues, LGBTQA+, Christian tx, and offer a depth of diversity among the staff.
Ready to try something different? We are experts in Somatic Experiencing and Trauma. Family Resilience is a group of 13 seasoned therapists deeply trained in the latest technologies + 1 amazing nutritionist. We work together as a team, to wrap you in attention, support, humor and wisdom. Together we study the latest developments in research and techniques, mind and body. People have their faith in therapy renewed at Family Resilience. We specialize in complicated situations, couples and family work, trauma, anxiety, depression, yoga tx, eating issues, LGBTQA+, Christian tx, and offer a depth of diversity among the staff.
(847) 393-8908 View (847) 393-8908
Photo of Kary R. Miller, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Kary R. Miller
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Barrington, IL 60010
I also understand the demands of corporate life and have over 25 years in consulting to corporations and family businesses in leadership development, strategic planning and succession.
Every individual has the skill, heart, and capability to engage in their own healing. My commitment is to walk with you in your counseling process and offer respect, safety, and acceptance in every way possible. I offer individual counseling to help clients recover from any pressing issues that affect your ability to grow and thrive. These issues may include depression, anxiety, emotional/physical/sexual trauma, shame, sexual addictions, poor self-esteem, grief or career direction. I have been immersed in working with men's issues for over 20 years. I also support first responders struggling with PTSD.
I also understand the demands of corporate life and have over 25 years in consulting to corporations and family businesses in leadership development, strategic planning and succession.
Every individual has the skill, heart, and capability to engage in their own healing. My commitment is to walk with you in your counseling process and offer respect, safety, and acceptance in every way possible. I offer individual counseling to help clients recover from any pressing issues that affect your ability to grow and thrive. These issues may include depression, anxiety, emotional/physical/sexual trauma, shame, sexual addictions, poor self-esteem, grief or career direction. I have been immersed in working with men's issues for over 20 years. I also support first responders struggling with PTSD.
(224) 619-3843 View (224) 619-3843
Photo of Liana Gerdov Psy.d., Psychologist in Lake Zurich, IL
Liana Gerdov Psy.d.
Psychologist, Anxiety, Trauma, CHT, Hypno, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palatine, IL 60067
We blend evidence-based & trauma informed psychotherapy, internal family system (parts), Brainspotting, clinical & spiritual hypnotherapy, reiki & chakra energy, yoga, shamanic journeying & soul retrieval, past life regression, career & life purpose, equine therapy, creative art, somatic, chiropractic, massage, empowered birth services, events, & ceremonies.
Healing is a circular and cyclical journey with many paths, choices, & discoveries. We meet you where you are today, acknowledge that you are ever-changing, ever evolving. We know how hard it is to ask for help…to embrace, hold, and make space for change…we know how challenging it is to have a dissolution of self, or a version of yourself that no longer fits. Together, we can uncover & compost outdated & stifling beliefs, unrealistic expectations or goals, let go of worries & fears, discover self-sabotage, burrow through behaviors & deeply hidden feelings & emotions that keep us stuck, fearful, unable to step into empowered selves.
We blend evidence-based & trauma informed psychotherapy, internal family system (parts), Brainspotting, clinical & spiritual hypnotherapy, reiki & chakra energy, yoga, shamanic journeying & soul retrieval, past life regression, career & life purpose, equine therapy, creative art, somatic, chiropractic, massage, empowered birth services, events, & ceremonies.
Healing is a circular and cyclical journey with many paths, choices, & discoveries. We meet you where you are today, acknowledge that you are ever-changing, ever evolving. We know how hard it is to ask for help…to embrace, hold, and make space for change…we know how challenging it is to have a dissolution of self, or a version of yourself that no longer fits. Together, we can uncover & compost outdated & stifling beliefs, unrealistic expectations or goals, let go of worries & fears, discover self-sabotage, burrow through behaviors & deeply hidden feelings & emotions that keep us stuck, fearful, unable to step into empowered selves.
(872) 401-6044 View (872) 401-6044
Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
Photo of Chloe Vassmer, LPC Intern in Lake Zurich, IL
Chloe Vassmer
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Barrington, IL 60010
Hi, I'm Chloe! Having a former career in education has taught me that there is always something new to discover. Together, we will explore parts of your Self that are impacting your daily life. That could look like anxiety, family conflict, depression, or self-esteem, to name a few. You can expect a warm and non-judgmental atmosphere, with a little bit of humor and a lot of empathy.
Hi, I'm Chloe! Having a former career in education has taught me that there is always something new to discover. Together, we will explore parts of your Self that are impacting your daily life. That could look like anxiety, family conflict, depression, or self-esteem, to name a few. You can expect a warm and non-judgmental atmosphere, with a little bit of humor and a lot of empathy.
(224) 434-3730 View (224) 434-3730
Photo of Caryn Goldberg, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Caryn Goldberg
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015
If you (or a loved one) is struggling because life has become more challenging and it is getting harder to show up and be the person you want to be, I am here to help! Our focus will be on helping you to gain the confidence, clarity and strength to feel and be your best. My experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings allows me to support those just like you, who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, social anxiety, family stressors, school/work issues, life changes, grief/loss and adjustment difficulties. Since you are here, you are probably overwhelmed and could use someone to talk to.
If you (or a loved one) is struggling because life has become more challenging and it is getting harder to show up and be the person you want to be, I am here to help! Our focus will be on helping you to gain the confidence, clarity and strength to feel and be your best. My experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings allows me to support those just like you, who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, social anxiety, family stressors, school/work issues, life changes, grief/loss and adjustment difficulties. Since you are here, you are probably overwhelmed and could use someone to talk to.
(847) 320-9209 View (847) 320-9209
Photo of Claire Manley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Claire Manley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
My ideal patients are children through adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship stress and conflict. I help guide patients towards the achievement of goals through highlighting independent strengths and challenges within larger systems or relationships. I incorporate techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy, CBT, Family-Systems, Relational Therapy, and TF-CBT. I am trauma-informed, and help advocate for safe relationships and equity, and promote social and emotional wellbeing. I help my patients learn and implement tools for navigating change, liberation, and healing.
My ideal patients are children through adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship stress and conflict. I help guide patients towards the achievement of goals through highlighting independent strengths and challenges within larger systems or relationships. I incorporate techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy, CBT, Family-Systems, Relational Therapy, and TF-CBT. I am trauma-informed, and help advocate for safe relationships and equity, and promote social and emotional wellbeing. I help my patients learn and implement tools for navigating change, liberation, and healing.
(224) 207-4510 View (224) 207-4510
Photo of Kelly Poapst (Addiction Treatment), Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Kelly Poapst (Addiction Treatment)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CADC
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
The program at this Symetria clinic goes beyond traditional therapy to treat everything hiding behind the drugs or alcohol - all while still living at home! Treatment here helps you rebalance your brain, create healthy thought patterns and heal underlying issues (like trauma, anxiety, depression or family conflict).
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol therapist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
The program at this Symetria clinic goes beyond traditional therapy to treat everything hiding behind the drugs or alcohol - all while still living at home! Treatment here helps you rebalance your brain, create healthy thought patterns and heal underlying issues (like trauma, anxiety, depression or family conflict).
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol therapist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
(847) 654-9904 View (847) 654-9904
Photo of Lonnie Joy Sommer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Lonnie Joy Sommer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Creating a safe, calm, inclusive, and non-judgmental therapeutic space is part of my mission. As an embodied listener, I am honored to hold others’ stories in confidence and help uncover their deeply held understanding and expertise of their lives from a strengths-based perspective. I am particularly awed at the incremental freedom that comes from engaging stories of harm, trauma, and abuse. The beauty freedom produces led me to seek certification in narrative-focused trauma therapy and internal family systems.
Creating a safe, calm, inclusive, and non-judgmental therapeutic space is part of my mission. As an embodied listener, I am honored to hold others’ stories in confidence and help uncover their deeply held understanding and expertise of their lives from a strengths-based perspective. I am particularly awed at the incremental freedom that comes from engaging stories of harm, trauma, and abuse. The beauty freedom produces led me to seek certification in narrative-focused trauma therapy and internal family systems.
(847) 221-6082 View (847) 221-6082
Photo of Maria Yakimchuk, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lake Zurich, IL
Maria Yakimchuk
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, ALMFT, cEFT M, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheeling, IL 60090
My specialties are perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (pregnancy and postpartum), birth and childhood trauma, infertility, loss, miscarriage, maternal identity issues, family counseling, relationship issues and parenting.
Working with moms and their families is my passion. While becoming a mother is often a long-awaited and magical experience, it can also be a vulnerable time for many of us. When we become mothers, we often re-experience childhood trauma which causes unresolved emotional pain to unexpectedly surface. These triggers may disrupt what would otherwise be a smooth transition into our parental role. Without understanding why, we may become increasingly anxious or depressed as new mothers and need additional support. Or we may feel that we have lost our identity somewhere between dishes, nap times, and ferrying kids to their activities.
My specialties are perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (pregnancy and postpartum), birth and childhood trauma, infertility, loss, miscarriage, maternal identity issues, family counseling, relationship issues and parenting.
Working with moms and their families is my passion. While becoming a mother is often a long-awaited and magical experience, it can also be a vulnerable time for many of us. When we become mothers, we often re-experience childhood trauma which causes unresolved emotional pain to unexpectedly surface. These triggers may disrupt what would otherwise be a smooth transition into our parental role. Without understanding why, we may become increasingly anxious or depressed as new mothers and need additional support. Or we may feel that we have lost our identity somewhere between dishes, nap times, and ferrying kids to their activities.
(847) 865-9424 View (847) 865-9424
Photo of Matthew Landstrom, Psychologist in Lake Zurich, IL
Matthew Landstrom
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Schaumburg, IL 60173
A unique aspect to my practice is that I not only conduct the initial evaluations and follow a client and their family through treatment, but I also provide multiple non-medication alternative treatments in the form of neurointerventions.
My philosophy to treatment is to "test first so there are no questions later!" This means the first step is to identify all the major factors contributing to your problem, as well as any smaller problems that could be having an impact. Often, what seems to be one problem is really something else entirely. This diagnostic clarity is accomplished by administering a battery of tests personalized to your unique presentation. By identifying specific areas in need of intervention, the rate of recovery increases and much more targeted treatments can be implemented.
A unique aspect to my practice is that I not only conduct the initial evaluations and follow a client and their family through treatment, but I also provide multiple non-medication alternative treatments in the form of neurointerventions.
My philosophy to treatment is to "test first so there are no questions later!" This means the first step is to identify all the major factors contributing to your problem, as well as any smaller problems that could be having an impact. Often, what seems to be one problem is really something else entirely. This diagnostic clarity is accomplished by administering a battery of tests personalized to your unique presentation. By identifying specific areas in need of intervention, the rate of recovery increases and much more targeted treatments can be implemented.
(630) 354-0762 View (630) 354-0762
Photo of Eve Matveyev, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Eve Matveyev
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palatine, IL 60067
Many of my clients come to me with the desire to change or rid themselves of challenging symptoms or behaviors. Most of the time, these symptoms and behaviors started out as solutions, born out of necessity to survive an unsafe environment. Whether you're experiencing relationship issues, struggling to set boundaries with family and friends, or feeling stuck in a cycle of depression and anxiety, we will work together to better understand and show compassion to the parts of you that feel hardest to embrace.
Many of my clients come to me with the desire to change or rid themselves of challenging symptoms or behaviors. Most of the time, these symptoms and behaviors started out as solutions, born out of necessity to survive an unsafe environment. Whether you're experiencing relationship issues, struggling to set boundaries with family and friends, or feeling stuck in a cycle of depression and anxiety, we will work together to better understand and show compassion to the parts of you that feel hardest to embrace.
(847) 744-9482 View (847) 744-9482
Photo of Katie Leibman, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Katie Leibman
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Grief and loss, depression, trauma and family/parenting issues are additional areas where I have many years of experience.
I am passionate about helping others become more self-aware and grow in areas of their life where they feel stuck or frustrated. I have almost 20 years of experience helping individuals who are struggling.
Grief and loss, depression, trauma and family/parenting issues are additional areas where I have many years of experience.
I am passionate about helping others become more self-aware and grow in areas of their life where they feel stuck or frustrated. I have almost 20 years of experience helping individuals who are struggling.
(630) 791-5493 View (630) 791-5493
Photo of RC Counseling LTD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
RC Counseling LTD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
I have over 20 years of experience with a special focus on working with depression, anxiety, couples, family difficulties, career counseling, college planning, and work-related problems. I am a certified Cook County divorce mediator and trauma professional. Also, I specialize in conducting cognitive impairment tests and evaluations for older people regarding decision-making capacity and advance directives such as the living will, medical power of attorney, and Do Not Resuscitate orders(DNR).
I have over 20 years of experience with a special focus on working with depression, anxiety, couples, family difficulties, career counseling, college planning, and work-related problems. I am a certified Cook County divorce mediator and trauma professional. Also, I specialize in conducting cognitive impairment tests and evaluations for older people regarding decision-making capacity and advance directives such as the living will, medical power of attorney, and Do Not Resuscitate orders(DNR).
(847) 904-0103 View (847) 904-0103
Photo of Dr. Debra M. Block, Psychologist in Lake Zurich, IL
Dr. Debra M. Block
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Deerfield, IL 60015
I have been in practice since 2002, helping adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. I work collaboratively with clients from a biopsychosocial perspective, using the interrelationship between the mind and body as a focus for treatment. As a medical psychologist on hospital staff, I diagnose and treat psychological issues in outpatient or inpatient therapy.
I have been in practice since 2002, helping adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. I work collaboratively with clients from a biopsychosocial perspective, using the interrelationship between the mind and body as a focus for treatment. As a medical psychologist on hospital staff, I diagnose and treat psychological issues in outpatient or inpatient therapy.
(224) 479-0198 View (224) 479-0198

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.