Photo of www.raquelgarciapsychotherapy.com, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
www.raquelgarciapsychotherapy.com
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
I offer Individual, Couples and Family Psychotherapy, in English and Spanish. I honor the principles of compassion, openness, acceptance, non judgment, equality for all. I use inquiry and mindfulness of emotions, thoughts and body to welcome and receive what wants to be seen; consider the multigenerational, biological, psychosocial and internal aspects of the human being as a way to better understand ourselves. I use Mindfulness, Attachment Focused therapy, (EFT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatics, EMDR, transpersonal modalities. I offer EFT intensives for couples and families, and workshops for couples
I offer Individual, Couples and Family Psychotherapy, in English and Spanish. I honor the principles of compassion, openness, acceptance, non judgment, equality for all. I use inquiry and mindfulness of emotions, thoughts and body to welcome and receive what wants to be seen; consider the multigenerational, biological, psychosocial and internal aspects of the human being as a way to better understand ourselves. I use Mindfulness, Attachment Focused therapy, (EFT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatics, EMDR, transpersonal modalities. I offer EFT intensives for couples and families, and workshops for couples
(415) 234-4692 View (415) 234-4692
Photo of Karen Marie Forsthoff, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Karen Marie Forsthoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck and unhappy? Are you struggling in your work or family life? Do you want more from your relationships? If so, it might be time to reach out to a professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-compassion. It's the beginning of the healing process. Whether you choose to engage in Individual, Couple, or Family Therapy together we can find a way to restore a sense of hope and well-being. Please contact me for more information on how therapy can help you reach your goals.
Are you feeling stuck and unhappy? Are you struggling in your work or family life? Do you want more from your relationships? If so, it might be time to reach out to a professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-compassion. It's the beginning of the healing process. Whether you choose to engage in Individual, Couple, or Family Therapy together we can find a way to restore a sense of hope and well-being. Please contact me for more information on how therapy can help you reach your goals.
(628) 257-8065 View (628) 257-8065
Photo of Nina F Raff, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Nina F Raff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Addiction causes everyone to swirl around it, like circling a drain. How would you like to keep loving your partner or family member, but not be sucked into shaping your life around them? If you are the person with addiction, how would you like to feel free? I can help you learn to float and not be dragged down. Breathe fresh air. Become a master swimmer. I understand that suffocating feeling, and work with you to help you find yourself again, whether you are the family member or the person with addiction.
Addiction causes everyone to swirl around it, like circling a drain. How would you like to keep loving your partner or family member, but not be sucked into shaping your life around them? If you are the person with addiction, how would you like to feel free? I can help you learn to float and not be dragged down. Breathe fresh air. Become a master swimmer. I understand that suffocating feeling, and work with you to help you find yourself again, whether you are the family member or the person with addiction.
(415) 446-1323 View (415) 446-1323
Photo of Heather Bradley, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Heather Bradley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I use my training in EMDR, Internal Family Systems and somatic therapy to help people process unresolved traumas, decrease anxiety, and improve their overall mood, relationship to themselves and others.
Video and Phone Sessions available to all California Residents - A lot has changed about life as we know it. As someone who usually is able to manage, support others, and be on top of things you may now be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and even unsure what to do. The ways you know to take care and succeed are not available now or have deeply changed. People may even be reaching to you for help. Yet, you yourself are feeling scared, worried and isolated. You also need a safe space to process, make sense of what's happening, and only have to pay attention to you. I can help.
I use my training in EMDR, Internal Family Systems and somatic therapy to help people process unresolved traumas, decrease anxiety, and improve their overall mood, relationship to themselves and others.
Video and Phone Sessions available to all California Residents - A lot has changed about life as we know it. As someone who usually is able to manage, support others, and be on top of things you may now be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and even unsure what to do. The ways you know to take care and succeed are not available now or have deeply changed. People may even be reaching to you for help. Yet, you yourself are feeling scared, worried and isolated. You also need a safe space to process, make sense of what's happening, and only have to pay attention to you. I can help.
(415) 524-7502 View (415) 524-7502
Photo of Diana Halfmann, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Diana Halfmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I listen with the intent of thoroughly understanding your concerns, unhealthy patterns, what might be keeping you stuck, as well as your vision for what you want more of in your life. I'm trained in and offer mindfulness practices, somatic interventions, CBT, expressive arts, as well as have a deep understanding of family systems and attachment styles so you will be able to understand your adaptive strategies from the past and make the changes in order to live your highest potential. I'm gender affirming and LGBTQ+ ally.
I listen with the intent of thoroughly understanding your concerns, unhealthy patterns, what might be keeping you stuck, as well as your vision for what you want more of in your life. I'm trained in and offer mindfulness practices, somatic interventions, CBT, expressive arts, as well as have a deep understanding of family systems and attachment styles so you will be able to understand your adaptive strategies from the past and make the changes in order to live your highest potential. I'm gender affirming and LGBTQ+ ally.
(415) 524-7921 View (415) 524-7921
Photo of Laura Rose, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Laura Rose
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I work with individuals and couples who are seeking to transform their inner and relational conflicts into opportunities for growth and life change. I have seen deep transformation take place in clients when they begin to learn compassion for themselves and begin to address the source of their symptoms so that true and lasting change can occur. Clients I work with most are those suffering from mood disorders, complex trauma, PTSD, midlife transitions, and relationship issues. I also offer support to family members of individuals with mood disorders, PTSD and ADD/ADHD. I also offer clinical supervision to associates.
I work with individuals and couples who are seeking to transform their inner and relational conflicts into opportunities for growth and life change. I have seen deep transformation take place in clients when they begin to learn compassion for themselves and begin to address the source of their symptoms so that true and lasting change can occur. Clients I work with most are those suffering from mood disorders, complex trauma, PTSD, midlife transitions, and relationship issues. I also offer support to family members of individuals with mood disorders, PTSD and ADD/ADHD. I also offer clinical supervision to associates.
(415) 335-4199 View (415) 335-4199
Photo of Jay M Seiff-Haron, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Jay M Seiff-Haron
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Stress wearing you down? I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an empirically validated model for helping couples and families to turn conflicts into opportunities for connection. I also employ both EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems) with individuals, have worked extensively with cultural differences at home and professionally, and am a custody evaluator. I specialize in working with interracial, interfaith or LGBT families, as well as parenting and services for children ages 1-7. My practice is poly-friendly and has a social justice orientation.
Stress wearing you down? I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an empirically validated model for helping couples and families to turn conflicts into opportunities for connection. I also employ both EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems) with individuals, have worked extensively with cultural differences at home and professionally, and am a custody evaluator. I specialize in working with interracial, interfaith or LGBT families, as well as parenting and services for children ages 1-7. My practice is poly-friendly and has a social justice orientation.
(415) 574-0973 View (415) 574-0973
Photo of Valerie Crawford, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Valerie Crawford
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
This expertise also underpins my work with individuals who want to improve their relationships with partners, family and friends.
I work with my clients in a supportive and engaged way to achieve real personal growth and confidence. I help clients heal anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles and unhealthy patterns. I believe we all have within us what we need to flourish -- a nurturing therapeutic relationship can unlock your capacity to heal and thrive. With the support you've been longing for, you can feel better and more confident, more connected in your relationships, and be more successful. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, depending on clients' needs. My orientation is relational, experiential, based in brain science.
This expertise also underpins my work with individuals who want to improve their relationships with partners, family and friends.
I work with my clients in a supportive and engaged way to achieve real personal growth and confidence. I help clients heal anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles and unhealthy patterns. I believe we all have within us what we need to flourish -- a nurturing therapeutic relationship can unlock your capacity to heal and thrive. With the support you've been longing for, you can feel better and more confident, more connected in your relationships, and be more successful. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, depending on clients' needs. My orientation is relational, experiential, based in brain science.
(415) 390-2872 View (415) 390-2872
Photo of Adrian Rivera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Adrian Rivera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
I have specialized in Child, Adolescent, and Family psychotherapy since 2004 with an emphasis on Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Therapy.
Some people struggle for weeks, months, or even years before considering psychotherapy. And it makes sense — it's hard to confide in a stranger and can take a while to find the right fit. We want authenticity and experience in a therapist but also someone relatable and easy to talk with. When couples counseling, family therapy, or child/adolescent support is needed, the search may seem even more daunting. We need a clinician with the interpersonal skills, temperament, and adaptability to forge a meaningful connection with our partners, children, and the networks who support them.
I have specialized in Child, Adolescent, and Family psychotherapy since 2004 with an emphasis on Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Therapy.
Some people struggle for weeks, months, or even years before considering psychotherapy. And it makes sense — it's hard to confide in a stranger and can take a while to find the right fit. We want authenticity and experience in a therapist but also someone relatable and easy to talk with. When couples counseling, family therapy, or child/adolescent support is needed, the search may seem even more daunting. We need a clinician with the interpersonal skills, temperament, and adaptability to forge a meaningful connection with our partners, children, and the networks who support them.
(510) 901-5736 View (510) 901-5736
Photo of Heidi Xue, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Heidi Xue
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I also specialize in couples/family therapy.
Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.
I also specialize in couples/family therapy.
Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.
(415) 534-9538 View (415) 534-9538
Photo of Christi Gallon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Christi Gallon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I also have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing relationship/family issues, divorce, and LGBTQ challenges.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
I also have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing relationship/family issues, divorce, and LGBTQ challenges.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
(415) 818-9787 View (415) 818-9787
Photo of Lydia R Adkins, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lydia R Adkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
If you have questions about your child’s emotional or behavioral health and would like support for your child or family, please give me a call or send an email.
Children and families today are facing unprecedented stressors and complexities that can lead to conflict, anxiety and depression. However, timely responsive intervention can build resilience; enhance family wellbeing; and support healthy development. I work with children from birth through adolescence both individually or within their caregiving relationships to recognize inherent strengths and to develop new skills needed to cope with challenges when they arise . I also provide family therapy, parent consultation and support, and consultation to schools.
If you have questions about your child’s emotional or behavioral health and would like support for your child or family, please give me a call or send an email.
Children and families today are facing unprecedented stressors and complexities that can lead to conflict, anxiety and depression. However, timely responsive intervention can build resilience; enhance family wellbeing; and support healthy development. I work with children from birth through adolescence both individually or within their caregiving relationships to recognize inherent strengths and to develop new skills needed to cope with challenges when they arise . I also provide family therapy, parent consultation and support, and consultation to schools.
(415) 449-2813 View (415) 449-2813
Photo of Lacey Jimenez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lacey Jimenez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is eclectic, utilizing and blending various therapeutic techniques including- Cognitive Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, and Personal Centered therapies as well as drawing ideas from Attachment Theory.
Feeling anxious or depressed is a reasonable reaction to the unreasonable levels of stress that young people deal with. My work is aimed at helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I'm not here to tell you that you need to change. You might have behaviors you want to change, and I will support and assist for sure, but it's important that you know that your core self is whole and loveable, just the way you are. The work in therapy is about going from knowing that to believing it in your bones.
My approach to therapy is eclectic, utilizing and blending various therapeutic techniques including- Cognitive Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, and Personal Centered therapies as well as drawing ideas from Attachment Theory.
Feeling anxious or depressed is a reasonable reaction to the unreasonable levels of stress that young people deal with. My work is aimed at helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I'm not here to tell you that you need to change. You might have behaviors you want to change, and I will support and assist for sure, but it's important that you know that your core self is whole and loveable, just the way you are. The work in therapy is about going from knowing that to believing it in your bones.
(415) 494-8937 View (415) 494-8937
Photo of Sterling Walker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
(415) 980-8479 View (415) 980-8479
Photo of Pauline Jarakian, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Pauline Jarakian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I am a longstanding Marriage Family and Child psychotherapist with extensive experience working with all traumas, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship difficulties. I'm committed to being a culturally competent therapist, my practice is diverse and includes individuals, families, adults, adolescents, children and couples of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. I specialize in working with postpartum depression and infant parent therapy with mothers and babies. I supervise for MFT interns at USF's Family and Child Center and am an Adjunct Professor in USF's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology.
I am a longstanding Marriage Family and Child psychotherapist with extensive experience working with all traumas, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship difficulties. I'm committed to being a culturally competent therapist, my practice is diverse and includes individuals, families, adults, adolescents, children and couples of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. I specialize in working with postpartum depression and infant parent therapy with mothers and babies. I supervise for MFT interns at USF's Family and Child Center and am an Adjunct Professor in USF's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology.
(415) 418-7476 View (415) 418-7476
Photo of Brittney Green, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Brittney Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, IFS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.
Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.
(415) 968-1269 View (415) 968-1269
Photo of Ken Stamper, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ken Stamper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Please contact me for a consultation on how I can help you or your family.
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
Please contact me for a consultation on how I can help you or your family.
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
(628) 214-5147 View (628) 214-5147
Photo of Janelle Klaas, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Janelle Klaas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
Internal Family Systems is like the laser surgery of therapy--going straight to the heart of buried issues and resolving inner conflict quickly and effectively.
Let's work together to clear the obstacles in the way of living your best life. If you feel ready to find insight into your patterns, heal old wounds, and develop new more effective ways of being in the world and in your relationships, I'd love to support you. I'll collaborate with you to process stuck emotions, gain clarity on your goals and values, and find empowerment and freedom to move forward in your life. Some therapists work mysteriously or are a "blank slate;" I like to be open, direct, and informative while always bringing my warmth and empathy so you can feel supported.
Internal Family Systems is like the laser surgery of therapy--going straight to the heart of buried issues and resolving inner conflict quickly and effectively.
Let's work together to clear the obstacles in the way of living your best life. If you feel ready to find insight into your patterns, heal old wounds, and develop new more effective ways of being in the world and in your relationships, I'd love to support you. I'll collaborate with you to process stuck emotions, gain clarity on your goals and values, and find empowerment and freedom to move forward in your life. Some therapists work mysteriously or are a "blank slate;" I like to be open, direct, and informative while always bringing my warmth and empathy so you can feel supported.
(408) 816-1154 View (408) 816-1154
Photo of Jill Fishman, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jill Fishman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
Are you struggling in a relationship? Are you struggling to understand why you feel depressed or angry most of the time? Meaningful relationships are central to happiness. This can pertain to any relationship you find difficult and/or challenging. Dating, marriage, children, divorce, work, extended family, college, career choices are all areas that can be overwhelming and create stress in individuals, couples and families. Counseling provides help in areas where you are feeling stuck and presents healthy alternatives to stay connected to your goals and the important people in your life.
Are you struggling in a relationship? Are you struggling to understand why you feel depressed or angry most of the time? Meaningful relationships are central to happiness. This can pertain to any relationship you find difficult and/or challenging. Dating, marriage, children, divorce, work, extended family, college, career choices are all areas that can be overwhelming and create stress in individuals, couples and families. Counseling provides help in areas where you are feeling stuck and presents healthy alternatives to stay connected to your goals and the important people in your life.
(415) 689-4797 View (415) 689-4797
Photo of Carrie Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Carrie Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? These are just a few of the issues I am experienced in treating as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984). I offer psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals.
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? These are just a few of the issues I am experienced in treating as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984). I offer psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals.
(415) 969-9429 View (415) 969-9429

See more therapy options for San Francisco

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.