Photo of Gianna Lishman (Sentinel Mental Health Inc), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Gianna Lishman (Sentinel Mental Health Inc)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Helena, MT 59601
I am a trauma-informed child, teen and family therapist who is deeply committed to empowering my clients with the knowledge and skills they need to heal wholeheartedly. I treat both the brain and the body and believe that all behavior is communication. Often times, the challenging behaviors we see in ourselves and our children reflects underlying neurobiological processes related to trauma, unmet needs, and lagging social-emotional skills. As a therapist, it is an honor to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
I am a trauma-informed child, teen and family therapist who is deeply committed to empowering my clients with the knowledge and skills they need to heal wholeheartedly. I treat both the brain and the body and believe that all behavior is communication. Often times, the challenging behaviors we see in ourselves and our children reflects underlying neurobiological processes related to trauma, unmet needs, and lagging social-emotional skills. As a therapist, it is an honor to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
(406) 382-3107 View (406) 382-3107
Photo of Featherstone Counseling Associates, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Featherstone Counseling Associates, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59718  (Online Only)
After the initial romance is over, all couples enter disillusionment and power struggles in which they play out painful emotional dynamics that are unconsciously generated from family of origin.
NEW availability for online short term relationship counseling program called Real Dialogue/Dialogue Couples Therapy. Specializing in romantic/married partners, estranged adult children & their parents, adult siblings & colleagues/co-workers who find themselves mired in repetitive conflict without resolution. Learn how to resolve these issues with improved communication, better listening skills, and how to negotiate & compromise a resolution with respect. Gain a deeper understanding of yourself & each other and learn how to remain open & curious as your relationship continues to grow and evolve.
After the initial romance is over, all couples enter disillusionment and power struggles in which they play out painful emotional dynamics that are unconsciously generated from family of origin.
NEW availability for online short term relationship counseling program called Real Dialogue/Dialogue Couples Therapy. Specializing in romantic/married partners, estranged adult children & their parents, adult siblings & colleagues/co-workers who find themselves mired in repetitive conflict without resolution. Learn how to resolve these issues with improved communication, better listening skills, and how to negotiate & compromise a resolution with respect. Gain a deeper understanding of yourself & each other and learn how to remain open & curious as your relationship continues to grow and evolve.
(808) 518-2108 View (808) 518-2108
Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy
Counselor, LCPC, LCSW, SWLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missoula, MT 59801
We offer Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Authentic Movement, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Hakomi, Circle of Security, Group Therapy, Couples Therapy, Individual and Family Therapy.
Life can feel a bit too much at times. Here at Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy we can offer our presence to help you slow down, reconnect with your body, your feelings, and what you want to believe about yourself. We can help you work through the patterns physically and in relationships where you feel pain and that hold you back from the life you want to live. We work with Trauma and PTSD, Attachment and Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Family issues, and a longing to connect with something much bigger than yourself.
We offer Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Authentic Movement, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Hakomi, Circle of Security, Group Therapy, Couples Therapy, Individual and Family Therapy.
Life can feel a bit too much at times. Here at Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy we can offer our presence to help you slow down, reconnect with your body, your feelings, and what you want to believe about yourself. We can help you work through the patterns physically and in relationships where you feel pain and that hold you back from the life you want to live. We work with Trauma and PTSD, Attachment and Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Family issues, and a longing to connect with something much bigger than yourself.
(406) 412-2502 View (406) 412-2502
Photo of Meadow Nilles (Sentinel Mental Health), Pre-Licensed Professional in Montana
Meadow Nilles (Sentinel Mental Health)
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, SWLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
Have you been struggling with communication with your children and/or other loved ones? Do you feel disconnected or more distant than you would like in your important relationships? Do you worry about how you or your child are coping with challenges, obstacles or life transitions? Developing strong connection and coping skills can be an amazing relief for individuals and for the whole family. I am passionate about supporting children, teens, adults and older adults through challenging times in their lives. Together we can work through current struggles, while building skills and knowledge to help manage future challenges.
Have you been struggling with communication with your children and/or other loved ones? Do you feel disconnected or more distant than you would like in your important relationships? Do you worry about how you or your child are coping with challenges, obstacles or life transitions? Developing strong connection and coping skills can be an amazing relief for individuals and for the whole family. I am passionate about supporting children, teens, adults and older adults through challenging times in their lives. Together we can work through current struggles, while building skills and knowledge to help manage future challenges.
(406) 319-3441 View (406) 319-3441
Photo of Christy Franklin Professional Services, Counselor in Montana
Christy Franklin Professional Services
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Kalispell, MT 59901
I help adults and parents of struggling children with ADD/ADHD and ASD and provide marriage and family therapy to be utilizing EFT, a gold standard model for treating relationships and also focus on perinatal and postpartum issues.
Looking for a therapist can be difficult, finding one that is good fit can be even harder. I am from the Flathead Valley, I grew up here and I am as real as it gets. If you are looking for a therapist that "gets it" and will "get you," you have come to the right place. Having difficulty in your relationships? I am an Emotionally Focused trained therapist, the gold standard when treating marriage, couples and family, and relationships in general. Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, racing thoughts, PTSD, depression, childhood and adulthood trauma, perinatal and postpartum issues, the loss of a loved one or a pet? I can help!
I help adults and parents of struggling children with ADD/ADHD and ASD and provide marriage and family therapy to be utilizing EFT, a gold standard model for treating relationships and also focus on perinatal and postpartum issues.
Looking for a therapist can be difficult, finding one that is good fit can be even harder. I am from the Flathead Valley, I grew up here and I am as real as it gets. If you are looking for a therapist that "gets it" and will "get you," you have come to the right place. Having difficulty in your relationships? I am an Emotionally Focused trained therapist, the gold standard when treating marriage, couples and family, and relationships in general. Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, racing thoughts, PTSD, depression, childhood and adulthood trauma, perinatal and postpartum issues, the loss of a loved one or a pet? I can help!
(406) 407-9479 View (406) 407-9479
Photo of Lisa Brubaker, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Lisa Brubaker, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ennis, MT 59729
I have over 15 years experience helping people in individual, family, and group therapies, to deal with a wide variety of issues.
I offer telemental health sessions via computer, iPad type devices, smart phone, and telephone. Change is possible in a positive therapeutic relationship where feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can be examined, understood and challenged in a safe and respectful way. As a psychotherapist it is my role to assist with this process of exploration and vulnerability. It is a privilege to be trusted with people's hopes and dreams for a more satisfying, balanced life.
I have over 15 years experience helping people in individual, family, and group therapies, to deal with a wide variety of issues.
I offer telemental health sessions via computer, iPad type devices, smart phone, and telephone. Change is possible in a positive therapeutic relationship where feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can be examined, understood and challenged in a safe and respectful way. As a psychotherapist it is my role to assist with this process of exploration and vulnerability. It is a privilege to be trusted with people's hopes and dreams for a more satisfying, balanced life.
(406) 282-0743 View (406) 282-0743
Photo of David Bennett Stube, Counselor in Montana
David Bennett Stube
Counselor, PhD, LCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missoula, MT 59801
Family and our love life can be a big psychodynamic force for better or worse.
I counsel people and families. I have 4 specialty areas, (1) trauma recovery, including PTSD and loss, (2) couples, (3) emotions like anxiety, anger, depression, and (4) children and teens. (1) When dealing with trauma, grief and heartbreak, I encourage adults to heal again to be lovers with a heart of a warrior, see www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjdICFdnkhE (2) I counsel couples by myself or with my wife, Julie Ann Nardi, LCC--a couple counseling couples. See gardencitycouples.com. (3) emotional healing brings about new ways of thinking and acting (CBT). (4) Play, art, family, and music are for great ways for kids.
Family and our love life can be a big psychodynamic force for better or worse.
I counsel people and families. I have 4 specialty areas, (1) trauma recovery, including PTSD and loss, (2) couples, (3) emotions like anxiety, anger, depression, and (4) children and teens. (1) When dealing with trauma, grief and heartbreak, I encourage adults to heal again to be lovers with a heart of a warrior, see www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjdICFdnkhE (2) I counsel couples by myself or with my wife, Julie Ann Nardi, LCC--a couple counseling couples. See gardencitycouples.com. (3) emotional healing brings about new ways of thinking and acting (CBT). (4) Play, art, family, and music are for great ways for kids.
(406) 578-1930 View (406) 578-1930
Photo of Christine King, Marriage & Family Therapist in Montana
Christine King
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, PsyD, LMFT, LCPC
Verified Verified
Missoula, MT 59803
I offer individual, couples and family therapy.
A broken heart. It is what finally brings many people to counseling. If you have experienced a traumatic event, it is likely that most of your relationships have been affected. Some may be estranged or have ended. The pain of the original trauma compounds with each loss: relationships, jobs, motivation to participate in activities you used to enjoy. Perhaps your health has suffered.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy.
A broken heart. It is what finally brings many people to counseling. If you have experienced a traumatic event, it is likely that most of your relationships have been affected. Some may be estranged or have ended. The pain of the original trauma compounds with each loss: relationships, jobs, motivation to participate in activities you used to enjoy. Perhaps your health has suffered.
(406) 452-1663 View (406) 452-1663
Photo of Andrea Strizich, MSW, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Andrea Strizich, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
Missoula, MT 59802
With youth, I serve those affected by family and school conflicts, trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, grief, LBGTQI youth.
I have an inclusive practice where I care for clients presenting with diverse issues. These include elderly, adults, young adults, youth, and families. In my 30+ years of experience, I have worked in a variety of settings engaging in diverse practice using an eclectic approach with individualized interventions. I believe that individuals have the ability to heal and grow within the context of relationships. I emphasize a framework of building a strong relationship of trust and safety.
With youth, I serve those affected by family and school conflicts, trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, grief, LBGTQI youth.
I have an inclusive practice where I care for clients presenting with diverse issues. These include elderly, adults, young adults, youth, and families. In my 30+ years of experience, I have worked in a variety of settings engaging in diverse practice using an eclectic approach with individualized interventions. I believe that individuals have the ability to heal and grow within the context of relationships. I emphasize a framework of building a strong relationship of trust and safety.
(406) 412-3564 View (406) 412-3564
Photo of William Evans, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
William Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Helena, MT 59601
I am a LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, and have been in practice for over 30 years. I hold a MA degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago, and a MSW in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver. I have served as president of the National Association of Social Workers, Montana Chapter, and on several national NASW committees. After serving as director of the local mental health center and teaching part time in the Sociology Department at Carroll College, I started my own private practice: Adult and Child Counseling Service.
I am a LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, and have been in practice for over 30 years. I hold a MA degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago, and a MSW in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver. I have served as president of the National Association of Social Workers, Montana Chapter, and on several national NASW committees. After serving as director of the local mental health center and teaching part time in the Sociology Department at Carroll College, I started my own private practice: Adult and Child Counseling Service.
(406) 412-2158 View (406) 412-2158
Photo of Andrew Klement, Counselor in Montana
Andrew Klement
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Butte, MT 59701
Andrew enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family, and couples therapy to address a wide variety of issues such as: Depression Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders and more.
Andrew has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. Andrew's heart and passion is to help people clarify the immense confusion which can arise when they enter their internal worlds. So often we avoid looking at what is inside for fear that it will distress, sadden, or overwhelm us. I believe my job as a Counselor is to help you to discover, understand, and accept what is there, and to help you make sense of the process and the outcome, and ultimately, to find peace.
Andrew enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family, and couples therapy to address a wide variety of issues such as: Depression Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders and more.
Andrew has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. Andrew's heart and passion is to help people clarify the immense confusion which can arise when they enter their internal worlds. So often we avoid looking at what is inside for fear that it will distress, sadden, or overwhelm us. I believe my job as a Counselor is to help you to discover, understand, and accept what is there, and to help you make sense of the process and the outcome, and ultimately, to find peace.
(406) 848-0204 View (406) 848-0204
Photo of Jesse King, Marriage & Family Therapist in Montana
Jesse King
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Missoula, MT 59803
My clinical focus is helping people adjust to life transitions, recover from trauma, overcome emotional distress, and learn new behaviors to cope. I am a Veteran, and have provided counseling services to military members and their families for 20 years. My education is based on an understanding of neuroscience and the human systems it supports such as language, attachment, cognition, and behavior. I am considerate of culture, identity, and intersectionality. I utilize Systemic, Cognitive, Behavioral, Attachment, Family Systems, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, and Solution-Focused interventions to reach client goals.
My clinical focus is helping people adjust to life transitions, recover from trauma, overcome emotional distress, and learn new behaviors to cope. I am a Veteran, and have provided counseling services to military members and their families for 20 years. My education is based on an understanding of neuroscience and the human systems it supports such as language, attachment, cognition, and behavior. I am considerate of culture, identity, and intersectionality. I utilize Systemic, Cognitive, Behavioral, Attachment, Family Systems, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, and Solution-Focused interventions to reach client goals.
(406) 272-8757 View (406) 272-8757
Photo of LaTresha Garrison: Anxiety Depression Relationship, Marriage & Family Therapist in Montana
LaTresha Garrison: Anxiety Depression Relationship
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LCPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Dillon, MT 59725  (Online Only)
Do you feel overwhelmed or are you having difficulty focusing? Are you less motivated at work or losing interest in activities that you found enjoyable? Distraction on the job, insomnia or sleeping too much, or withdrawing from family are signs that you may need help managing anxiety and stress. In therapy, you can expect to build coping skills that can help you feel calmer and more in control of your emotions. We will provide tools to help you enjoy and succeed as a professional, as a parent, and in your relationships. Parenting, marriage, career success, and balancing them are all hard. I am looking forward to helping!
Do you feel overwhelmed or are you having difficulty focusing? Are you less motivated at work or losing interest in activities that you found enjoyable? Distraction on the job, insomnia or sleeping too much, or withdrawing from family are signs that you may need help managing anxiety and stress. In therapy, you can expect to build coping skills that can help you feel calmer and more in control of your emotions. We will provide tools to help you enjoy and succeed as a professional, as a parent, and in your relationships. Parenting, marriage, career success, and balancing them are all hard. I am looking forward to helping!
(406) 204-0476 View (406) 204-0476
Photo of Rainya Taylor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Rainya Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals, children, and families. I became a therapist to help people navigate through difficult experiences in life and to help make positive choices in order to live a healthier, happier life. I am commitment to helping my clients find solutions to real life issues. My areas of specialty include parenting education, anxiety and depression, oppositional and defiant behaviors, trauma, anger, and family therapy.
I work with individuals, children, and families. I became a therapist to help people navigate through difficult experiences in life and to help make positive choices in order to live a healthier, happier life. I am commitment to helping my clients find solutions to real life issues. My areas of specialty include parenting education, anxiety and depression, oppositional and defiant behaviors, trauma, anger, and family therapy.
(406) 948-0063 View (406) 948-0063
Photo of Hayley Allen-Blakney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Hayley Allen-Blakney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Waitlist for new clients
I pull from a wide range of techniques including internal family systems, EMDR, CBT and DBT and integrate these approaches in trauma work and anxiety treatment.
I'm glad to have you visit my page. My philosophy is to meet each person where they are and to provide support in navigating their journey. I work from the understanding our early attachment experiences impact us throughout our life journey. Working with anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma is my passion. I have a holistic approach and look at all the areas of a person's life (such as medical needs, finances and other environmental factors) in determining how to best support them. I am evidence-based and utilize research and ongoing training to shape my practice.
I pull from a wide range of techniques including internal family systems, EMDR, CBT and DBT and integrate these approaches in trauma work and anxiety treatment.
I'm glad to have you visit my page. My philosophy is to meet each person where they are and to provide support in navigating their journey. I work from the understanding our early attachment experiences impact us throughout our life journey. Working with anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma is my passion. I have a holistic approach and look at all the areas of a person's life (such as medical needs, finances and other environmental factors) in determining how to best support them. I am evidence-based and utilize research and ongoing training to shape my practice.
(406) 412-1947 View (406) 412-1947
Photo of Hillary Funk Welzenbach, Counselor in Montana
Hillary Funk Welzenbach
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missoula, MT 59801
Offering in person indoor and outdoor sessions as well as telehealth. If we have a chance to work together I will offer you my presence and attention. We will work together to help you see yourself more clearly, make choices that support your healthy growth, and address your goals so that your experience of life is more positive. I see families, couples, and individual adults. I have experience helping folks with personal growth, depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, marriage issues, divorce, parenting, family conflict. I also offer movement therapy groups using The Discipline of Authentic Movement.
Offering in person indoor and outdoor sessions as well as telehealth. If we have a chance to work together I will offer you my presence and attention. We will work together to help you see yourself more clearly, make choices that support your healthy growth, and address your goals so that your experience of life is more positive. I see families, couples, and individual adults. I have experience helping folks with personal growth, depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, marriage issues, divorce, parenting, family conflict. I also offer movement therapy groups using The Discipline of Authentic Movement.
(406) 564-4009 View (406) 564-4009
Photo of KWCounseling, PLLC, Counselor in Montana
KWCounseling, PLLC
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LPC, CACIII, NCC
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59405  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My training taught me to identify and treat mental health and addiction disorders, including marriage and family issues.
Which path you choose will either allow you to experience peace and contentment or leave you feeling so overwhelmed as you struggle with feelings of frustration, doubt, anger, sadness, anxiety, shame, guilt, fear, or hopelessness. You are not broken, in need of fixing. Instead, you are deeply hurt and in need of care. Identifying some of these emotions may make you unsure what to do next. Rest assured, you are not alone. Many have felt the same but have found more efficient ways to heal through seeking help in the search for the cause.
My training taught me to identify and treat mental health and addiction disorders, including marriage and family issues.
Which path you choose will either allow you to experience peace and contentment or leave you feeling so overwhelmed as you struggle with feelings of frustration, doubt, anger, sadness, anxiety, shame, guilt, fear, or hopelessness. You are not broken, in need of fixing. Instead, you are deeply hurt and in need of care. Identifying some of these emotions may make you unsure what to do next. Rest assured, you are not alone. Many have felt the same but have found more efficient ways to heal through seeking help in the search for the cause.
(406) 285-2880 View (406) 285-2880
Photo of Dennis William Muri, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montana
Dennis William Muri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
I was born and raised in southeastern Montana, lived in Seattle for fifteen years, and returned to be closer to family. I am a survivor of trauma, have worked as a special education teacher in Seattle for twelve years, and have worked as a Licensed Psychotherapist and Licensed Addictions Counselor in Billings since 2004. My passions are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), people with special needs, grief/loss, the elderly, veterans, and helping people in crisis in general. I understand how addiction impacts people in crises. I specialize in improving communication. I inform my practice with brain research. Hope is everything.
I was born and raised in southeastern Montana, lived in Seattle for fifteen years, and returned to be closer to family. I am a survivor of trauma, have worked as a special education teacher in Seattle for twelve years, and have worked as a Licensed Psychotherapist and Licensed Addictions Counselor in Billings since 2004. My passions are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), people with special needs, grief/loss, the elderly, veterans, and helping people in crisis in general. I understand how addiction impacts people in crises. I specialize in improving communication. I inform my practice with brain research. Hope is everything.
(406) 204-4896 View (406) 204-4896
Photo of Jonathan C Angel, Counselor in Montana
Jonathan C Angel
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
My work with individuals and their families is based on a life time of personal and family experience learning to live with serious mental illness. I have spent much of my adult life involved in research through the National Institute of Mental Health, advocating for families and individuals through the National Alliance on Mental Illness and working with the most vulnerable populations through the Mental Health Center PACT program. I believe that everyone is capable of meaningful recovery through the pursuit of education, healing, and personal growth.
My work with individuals and their families is based on a life time of personal and family experience learning to live with serious mental illness. I have spent much of my adult life involved in research through the National Institute of Mental Health, advocating for families and individuals through the National Alliance on Mental Illness and working with the most vulnerable populations through the Mental Health Center PACT program. I believe that everyone is capable of meaningful recovery through the pursuit of education, healing, and personal growth.
(406) 876-4936 View (406) 876-4936
Photo of Brian Schuppe, Counselor in Montana
Brian Schuppe
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
Do you find yourself in many high conflict situations at home, work, and in the community? Military, educational, and life experiences have resulted in my deep knowledge base for working with adults who've experienced trauma and stress. I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These modalities assist in providing well-rounded counseling services for those with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, relationship, career, parenting, and family issues.
Do you find yourself in many high conflict situations at home, work, and in the community? Military, educational, and life experiences have resulted in my deep knowledge base for working with adults who've experienced trauma and stress. I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These modalities assist in providing well-rounded counseling services for those with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, relationship, career, parenting, and family issues.
(406) 284-0969 View (406) 284-0969
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.