Photo of Dr. Brittany Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Dr. Brittany Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MFT, CPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Schulenburg, TX 78956
Waitlist for new clients
There are no ideal clients that I am able to describe because all clients are all different. I don't treat one client the same as I treat the next, but all clients need a different treatment but will always receive the same genuine approach. Your goals and treatment goals can only work with the transcribing of the clients needs and the needs of the clients; which are my main focus.
There are no ideal clients that I am able to describe because all clients are all different. I don't treat one client the same as I treat the next, but all clients need a different treatment but will always receive the same genuine approach. Your goals and treatment goals can only work with the transcribing of the clients needs and the needs of the clients; which are my main focus.
(702) 956-9636 View (702) 956-9636
Photo of Lisa Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Lisa Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Grange, TX 78945
Congratulations and Welcome. You've taken an important step. It takes strength and courage to consider therapy. I am constantly in awe of what we're made of-and it's good stuff, no matter what we are struggling with or what we've been thru. Therapy can help with your relationships, it can help to find more balance in your life, it can help remove some roadblocks so you can feel less stuck and more healthy, and it can help you get to know yourself better, which, then, helps in your relationships. It's a nice circle.
Congratulations and Welcome. You've taken an important step. It takes strength and courage to consider therapy. I am constantly in awe of what we're made of-and it's good stuff, no matter what we are struggling with or what we've been thru. Therapy can help with your relationships, it can help to find more balance in your life, it can help remove some roadblocks so you can feel less stuck and more healthy, and it can help you get to know yourself better, which, then, helps in your relationships. It's a nice circle.
(512) 746-1075 View (512) 746-1075

Online Therapists

Photo of Brett Brightwell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Brett Brightwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
I believe that therapy involves a collaboration between the client/s and the therapist. If a client is not part of the decisions, the ideas, the relationship, and the motivation, achieving the desired change is much more difficult. I understand that being in a relationship of any kind can be difficult and I believe that everyone needs help navigating the obstacles that we are bound to encounter in love, family, friends & life. I love being a part of that process. My role as a therapist is to collaborate with, empathize with, support, understand, and encourage my clients. I do this through face to face as well as tele/video therapy.
I believe that therapy involves a collaboration between the client/s and the therapist. If a client is not part of the decisions, the ideas, the relationship, and the motivation, achieving the desired change is much more difficult. I understand that being in a relationship of any kind can be difficult and I believe that everyone needs help navigating the obstacles that we are bound to encounter in love, family, friends & life. I love being a part of that process. My role as a therapist is to collaborate with, empathize with, support, understand, and encourage my clients. I do this through face to face as well as tele/video therapy.
(512) 843-8718 View (512) 843-8718
Photo of Aryeh Minkin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Aryeh Minkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77071  (Online Only)
Are you feeling down? Are there relationship issues in your life? Perhaps there's problems with your child, spouse, partner, family member or friend. There is a better way, and together we will find that way. I will work with you to meet your specific needs. I am licensed in NY, TX and FL.
Are you feeling down? Are there relationship issues in your life? Perhaps there's problems with your child, spouse, partner, family member or friend. There is a better way, and together we will find that way. I will work with you to meet your specific needs. I am licensed in NY, TX and FL.
(346) 567-5950 View (346) 567-5950
Photo of Ash Compton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Ash Compton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
A trauma-focused, relational Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in depth and existential traditions. I work together with clients to create and reach goals and commit to them inquisitively. We will employ myriad methods, including visual, expressive, and somatic modalities to enhance coping skills, make meaning, and foster change- all with a gentle, open approach. I work well with persons undergoing stress, anxiety, depression, existential concerns, and unease. We will together build a compassionate and curious container to undertake this work. It is an honor to work with you to reveal a more vibrant, resilient self.
A trauma-focused, relational Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in depth and existential traditions. I work together with clients to create and reach goals and commit to them inquisitively. We will employ myriad methods, including visual, expressive, and somatic modalities to enhance coping skills, make meaning, and foster change- all with a gentle, open approach. I work well with persons undergoing stress, anxiety, depression, existential concerns, and unease. We will together build a compassionate and curious container to undertake this work. It is an honor to work with you to reveal a more vibrant, resilient self.
(469) 848-4568 View (469) 848-4568
Photo of Tricia Miller, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Tricia Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, M, Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77079
In addition, I often work with clients who face relationship concerns, life transitions, anxiety/depression, postpartum depression/anxiety, family conflict, work issues, health issues, and trauma.
Are you seeking a big change in your life? Is there something or someone that is preventing you from experiencing happiness or joy in your life? Therapy can be an empowering, therapeutic, and enriching experience that can CHANGE.YOUR.LIFE. I help clients navigate the most difficult hardships in their life, offer a positive perspective, and support clients in life-changing events/transition times. For every client that walks through my door, I help ease emotional burdens and provide a safe and special sanctuary for clients to be themselves free of judgement.
In addition, I often work with clients who face relationship concerns, life transitions, anxiety/depression, postpartum depression/anxiety, family conflict, work issues, health issues, and trauma.
Are you seeking a big change in your life? Is there something or someone that is preventing you from experiencing happiness or joy in your life? Therapy can be an empowering, therapeutic, and enriching experience that can CHANGE.YOUR.LIFE. I help clients navigate the most difficult hardships in their life, offer a positive perspective, and support clients in life-changing events/transition times. For every client that walks through my door, I help ease emotional burdens and provide a safe and special sanctuary for clients to be themselves free of judgement.
(713) 999-4654 View (713) 999-4654
Photo of Jon Ryan Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Jon Ryan Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Braunfels, TX 78130  (Online Only)
What do you hope would be better about yourself, about your life, about your marriage, about your family? This is my chief focus as a therapist. I get to the heart of what you really want and hope for in the first session, beginning with the end in mind. I believe hope is an essential mechanism for change in human beings. Hope drives us to accomplish the greatest feats in our lives. I have assisted people in striving for hope during my times in ministry, youth work, crisis response and in the counseling setting. I work with individuals, couples and families. I especially enjoy helping couples get back to having a hopeful marriage.
What do you hope would be better about yourself, about your life, about your marriage, about your family? This is my chief focus as a therapist. I get to the heart of what you really want and hope for in the first session, beginning with the end in mind. I believe hope is an essential mechanism for change in human beings. Hope drives us to accomplish the greatest feats in our lives. I have assisted people in striving for hope during my times in ministry, youth work, crisis response and in the counseling setting. I work with individuals, couples and families. I especially enjoy helping couples get back to having a hopeful marriage.
(830) 202-5977 View (830) 202-5977
Photo of Dorie M Hoffart, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Dorie M Hoffart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I offer a wide array of theoretical orientations including Adlerian therapy, relational therapy, Play therapy, CBT, DBT, family therapy, couples therapy and others.
"Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it life?" - Mary Oliver. There is more. As your therapist, my hope is that the journey we embark on together through your individual story, will offer you a solid foundation for growth, healing, and positive change. I bring an authentic, humorous, empathetic warmth while also challenging you to show up fully and bring your most present self. Through the therapeutic relationship and with you, the expert of your own life, we will access your strengths to navigate each moment.
I offer a wide array of theoretical orientations including Adlerian therapy, relational therapy, Play therapy, CBT, DBT, family therapy, couples therapy and others.
"Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it life?" - Mary Oliver. There is more. As your therapist, my hope is that the journey we embark on together through your individual story, will offer you a solid foundation for growth, healing, and positive change. I bring an authentic, humorous, empathetic warmth while also challenging you to show up fully and bring your most present self. Through the therapeutic relationship and with you, the expert of your own life, we will access your strengths to navigate each moment.
(281) 475-4620 View (281) 475-4620
Photo of Alan Nguyen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Alan Nguyen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77030
My background includes working with those who are experiencing relationship discord, family conflict, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping with a chronic illness, grief and loss of a loved one, and/or difficulty with life transitions.
Everyone is faced with obstacles at some point in their lives. Sometimes these challenges bring up different emotions or you feel “stuck” and you find yourself having a difficult time processing them. They may even be affecting your work/school, relationship, family, or day-to-day activities. I provide a safe space to work through these challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort where we work together to navigate through difficult emotions, patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to problems, and any obstacles in the way of change for the better.
My background includes working with those who are experiencing relationship discord, family conflict, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping with a chronic illness, grief and loss of a loved one, and/or difficulty with life transitions.
Everyone is faced with obstacles at some point in their lives. Sometimes these challenges bring up different emotions or you feel “stuck” and you find yourself having a difficult time processing them. They may even be affecting your work/school, relationship, family, or day-to-day activities. I provide a safe space to work through these challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort where we work together to navigate through difficult emotions, patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to problems, and any obstacles in the way of change for the better.
(430) 206-1355 View (430) 206-1355
Photo of DIANA M Chavez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayette County, TX
DIANA M Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I would love to help you out and have experience in the following specialities: Trauma, depression, anxiety, work, family and relationship stressors, LGBTQ, identity issues, grieving and loss, ADHD, Bi Polar, Borderline Personality and other personality disorders, cultural issues, anger, women's issues, spirituality, adolescents.
Listening, empowering & being present with my clients is what I am passionate about. I have about 7 years of counseling & clinical experience.My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents & individuals all ages including geriatrics. Some of the therapeutic modalities I have used with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, traumas or other mental health issues are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Strength Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused therapy. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach. I will help guide you & assist you in coming up with strategies to help conquer your life.
I would love to help you out and have experience in the following specialities: Trauma, depression, anxiety, work, family and relationship stressors, LGBTQ, identity issues, grieving and loss, ADHD, Bi Polar, Borderline Personality and other personality disorders, cultural issues, anger, women's issues, spirituality, adolescents.
Listening, empowering & being present with my clients is what I am passionate about. I have about 7 years of counseling & clinical experience.My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents & individuals all ages including geriatrics. Some of the therapeutic modalities I have used with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, traumas or other mental health issues are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Strength Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused therapy. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach. I will help guide you & assist you in coming up with strategies to help conquer your life.
(214) 380-2435 View (214) 380-2435
Photo of Roslyn A Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Roslyn A Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP, DBT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified 'Pre- Marital and Blended Family' Facilitator.
Are relationship challenges, parenting stress, bullying, anxiety, Military life issues, depression, work related problems, unhealthy coping skills, lack of value in yourself, boundaries difficulties, social awkwardness, and angry outbursts interrupting your life. Did you know that receiving help is just a phone call away. Are you Active Duty Military or a family member of an active duty Soldier. Did you know that there is non-medical counseling through Military One Source? Seeking counseling through Military One Source is free and confidential it allow soldiers and family members to seek treatment outside of your installation.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified 'Pre- Marital and Blended Family' Facilitator.
Are relationship challenges, parenting stress, bullying, anxiety, Military life issues, depression, work related problems, unhealthy coping skills, lack of value in yourself, boundaries difficulties, social awkwardness, and angry outbursts interrupting your life. Did you know that receiving help is just a phone call away. Are you Active Duty Military or a family member of an active duty Soldier. Did you know that there is non-medical counseling through Military One Source? Seeking counseling through Military One Source is free and confidential it allow soldiers and family members to seek treatment outside of your installation.
(254) 845-7704 View (254) 845-7704
Photo of Amy Coldwell in Fayette County, TX
Amy Coldwell
LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77079
Some of my specialties include Trauma & PTSD, history of abuse, women’s issues, couples counseling, relational issues, parenting & family issues, life transitions, adoption work, attachment issues, anxiety, grief, and depression.
Everybody has a story. My passion is to walk with you in yours. During our work together, my goal is to help you find your voice and empower you to embrace a life of freedom and fulfillment. I take a collaborative approach that helps you weave together your unique strengths, culture, spirituality, relationships, and experiences. My additional training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has carved out a trauma-informed lens for working with clients of all ages.
Some of my specialties include Trauma & PTSD, history of abuse, women’s issues, couples counseling, relational issues, parenting & family issues, life transitions, adoption work, attachment issues, anxiety, grief, and depression.
Everybody has a story. My passion is to walk with you in yours. During our work together, my goal is to help you find your voice and empower you to embrace a life of freedom and fulfillment. I take a collaborative approach that helps you weave together your unique strengths, culture, spirituality, relationships, and experiences. My additional training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has carved out a trauma-informed lens for working with clients of all ages.
(281) 843-9352 View (281) 843-9352
Photo of Stacey Lavoro Rexrode, Psychologist in Fayette County, TX
Stacey Lavoro Rexrode
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613  (Online Only)
I take pride in my ability to relate to a large population, and I enjoy working with clients 12 years of age and up. My clients over the years have had: depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment difficulty, as well as teenagers with a variety of school, peer, family, and self-esteem issues. I work best with clients who are motivated for change, but also understand that teenagers often come to therapy at the urging of parents and may be resistant at first. I welcome women's issues, veteran's issues, LGBTQ issues, those who are just "stuck", going through a life transition or folks who have been in and out of therapy for years.
I take pride in my ability to relate to a large population, and I enjoy working with clients 12 years of age and up. My clients over the years have had: depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment difficulty, as well as teenagers with a variety of school, peer, family, and self-esteem issues. I work best with clients who are motivated for change, but also understand that teenagers often come to therapy at the urging of parents and may be resistant at first. I welcome women's issues, veteran's issues, LGBTQ issues, those who are just "stuck", going through a life transition or folks who have been in and out of therapy for years.
(512) 886-5530 View (512) 886-5530
Photo of Rhonda D Dyer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Rhonda D Dyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Canyon Lake, TX 78133  (Online Only)
When you need help with life's challenges, whether it be parenting, relationships, children's behavior problems or issues holding you back from you or your family's full potential, please give me a call. I can help you learn how to cope with life's challenges and the feelings and behaviors that accompany them. Together, I can help you understand the issues and offer ideas to balance your life and restore relationships effected by your challenges. I can offer insight and ideas for resiliency for you and your family.
When you need help with life's challenges, whether it be parenting, relationships, children's behavior problems or issues holding you back from you or your family's full potential, please give me a call. I can help you learn how to cope with life's challenges and the feelings and behaviors that accompany them. Together, I can help you understand the issues and offer ideas to balance your life and restore relationships effected by your challenges. I can offer insight and ideas for resiliency for you and your family.
(512) 572-4281 View (512) 572-4281
Photo of Jessica Pass Haskell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Jessica Pass Haskell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
With 15+ years as a marriage and family therapist, I guide individuals like you toward self-discovery, aimed at elevating all aspects of your life.
Feeling stuck in your relationships despite success elsewhere? As a big-vision individual, you're constantly evolving, yet overthinking keeps you from connecting. Sound familiar? Let's break free from this cycle together. Join me on a journey to unlock your potential and cultivate meaningful connections.
With 15+ years as a marriage and family therapist, I guide individuals like you toward self-discovery, aimed at elevating all aspects of your life.
Feeling stuck in your relationships despite success elsewhere? As a big-vision individual, you're constantly evolving, yet overthinking keeps you from connecting. Sound familiar? Let's break free from this cycle together. Join me on a journey to unlock your potential and cultivate meaningful connections.
(936) 282-5269 x5 View (936) 282-5269 x5
Photo of Scott A Harpst, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayette County, TX
Scott A Harpst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
I am an experienced mental health and life transitions counselor and psychotherapist with 25+ years of experience. I have trained in brief and family therapy and Ericksonian psychotherapy and offer hypnosis as an adjunct to therapy. My style is synthesis of many approaches and techniques that I have created over the years which really works. I see children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
I am an experienced mental health and life transitions counselor and psychotherapist with 25+ years of experience. I have trained in brief and family therapy and Ericksonian psychotherapy and offer hypnosis as an adjunct to therapy. My style is synthesis of many approaches and techniques that I have created over the years which really works. I see children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
(512) 645-2019 View (512) 645-2019
Photo of Trisha Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Fayette County, TX
Trisha Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MEd
Verified Verified
Cypress, TX 77429
I am here to support you in your journey of life regardless of what chapter that may currently be. I offer counseling for children and teenagers who may need an outlet as they mitigate through the difficulties of growing up, counseling for individuals needing to overcome stress and depression, as well as for couples and marriages needing to improve their relationship or just have healthy check ins. Does your family need help improving their communication? I can assist empower you in any and all of the above.
I am here to support you in your journey of life regardless of what chapter that may currently be. I offer counseling for children and teenagers who may need an outlet as they mitigate through the difficulties of growing up, counseling for individuals needing to overcome stress and depression, as well as for couples and marriages needing to improve their relationship or just have healthy check ins. Does your family need help improving their communication? I can assist empower you in any and all of the above.
(281) 916-8490 View (281) 916-8490
Photo of Beatriz Anel Al-Saigh, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Beatriz Anel Al-Saigh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
I am a bilingual therapist who works primarily from a Solution Focused Therapy approach or strengths based point of view. I take interest in helping individuals control their anger, impulses, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts or behaviors. As for couples, I focus on what they want, know the importance of not taking sides, and make the process fun with activities that foster exploration and growth. I have over 8 years of experience conducting intense family counseling with children and teens who were placed in foster care, treatment centers or correctional facilities because their behavior was out of control.
I am a bilingual therapist who works primarily from a Solution Focused Therapy approach or strengths based point of view. I take interest in helping individuals control their anger, impulses, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts or behaviors. As for couples, I focus on what they want, know the importance of not taking sides, and make the process fun with activities that foster exploration and growth. I have over 8 years of experience conducting intense family counseling with children and teens who were placed in foster care, treatment centers or correctional facilities because their behavior was out of control.
(830) 620-1175 View (830) 620-1175
Photo of Lindsay Racino, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fayette County, TX
Lindsay Racino
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
I am happy talk with you about how counseling may benefit you or your family.
Accepting New Clients as of March 2024! I have a heart for supporting children, adolescents, and young adults during challenging seasons of growth. I know that relationships are fundamental to the success of the therapeutic process, therefore building a safe and trusting relationship with my clients is essential. I view the therapy process as uniquely as I view the individuals and families I work with. I aim to customize my approach to meet the needs of each of my clients.
I am happy talk with you about how counseling may benefit you or your family.
Accepting New Clients as of March 2024! I have a heart for supporting children, adolescents, and young adults during challenging seasons of growth. I know that relationships are fundamental to the success of the therapeutic process, therefore building a safe and trusting relationship with my clients is essential. I view the therapy process as uniquely as I view the individuals and families I work with. I aim to customize my approach to meet the needs of each of my clients.
(512) 967-0872 View (512) 967-0872
Photo of Kimberly Morris, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Fayette County, TX
Kimberly Morris
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
I help clients become unstuck and break free of perceived limitations through compassionate exploration of narratives, identity, and family systems, cultivating a stronger and more loving sense of self, building a personalized framework for coping through life’s stressors, and helping clients heal and let go of that which does not serve them anymore.
Being a human is hard. Therapy and finding a good fit in a counselor is hard. You deserve a space that recognizes your unique story, journey, and needs. My counseling is holistic, compassion-focused, trauma-informed, and attachment based. I believe gaining trust for yourself and for your cultivated relationships is a stop on the path towards wellness. Showing up to counseling takes strength, so I trust your feedback in session. I love forming a strong, safe therapeutic relationship with clients that is full of authenticity.
I help clients become unstuck and break free of perceived limitations through compassionate exploration of narratives, identity, and family systems, cultivating a stronger and more loving sense of self, building a personalized framework for coping through life’s stressors, and helping clients heal and let go of that which does not serve them anymore.
Being a human is hard. Therapy and finding a good fit in a counselor is hard. You deserve a space that recognizes your unique story, journey, and needs. My counseling is holistic, compassion-focused, trauma-informed, and attachment based. I believe gaining trust for yourself and for your cultivated relationships is a stop on the path towards wellness. Showing up to counseling takes strength, so I trust your feedback in session. I love forming a strong, safe therapeutic relationship with clients that is full of authenticity.
(214) 612-0138 View (214) 612-0138

See more therapy options for Fayette County

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.