Family Therapy in Carson City, NV

Photo of William Jenkins, DEd, Psychologist
William Jenkins
Psychologist, DEd
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89703
I train and supervise therapists, served on the Nevada Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners, and am a licensed psychologist.
My interest is in helping people make significant positive changes in their lives. We have designed an especially attractive office and now added telehealth. Not only do I provide traditional counseling and therapy for individuals of all ages and families, but I also offer services to achieve optimal performance and wellness. Whenever appropriate, these services are complimented with the use of innovative technologies. For example, since 1992 I have used EEG biofeedback for brain training to manage attention and memory difficulties, migraine headaches, head injures, addictions, pain, depression, and anxiety.
I train and supervise therapists, served on the Nevada Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners, and am a licensed psychologist.
My interest is in helping people make significant positive changes in their lives. We have designed an especially attractive office and now added telehealth. Not only do I provide traditional counseling and therapy for individuals of all ages and families, but I also offer services to achieve optimal performance and wellness. Whenever appropriate, these services are complimented with the use of innovative technologies. For example, since 1992 I have used EEG biofeedback for brain training to manage attention and memory difficulties, migraine headaches, head injures, addictions, pain, depression, and anxiety.
(775) 302-9249 View (775) 302-9249
Photo of Stephanie Wolfe, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Stephanie Wolfe
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701  (Online Only)
My experience and expertise provides me with tools from DBT, CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, addiction, and attachment approaches to help adolescents and adults achieve best outcomes.
Life can feel chaotic. Whether you are considering your first time in treatment, continuing or returning to treatment, my goal is to provide you with the platform and skills to effectively evaluate, identify and create solutions to help you. It’s important to remember that therapy is not always about ‘fixing’ a problem. Sometimes, it is about learning how to work with the problem by creating awareness, strengthening insight, developing or broadening skills you already have. It is a joint effort between the therapist and the client, working together, to impact change and bring balance to what may otherwise feel out of control.
My experience and expertise provides me with tools from DBT, CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, addiction, and attachment approaches to help adolescents and adults achieve best outcomes.
Life can feel chaotic. Whether you are considering your first time in treatment, continuing or returning to treatment, my goal is to provide you with the platform and skills to effectively evaluate, identify and create solutions to help you. It’s important to remember that therapy is not always about ‘fixing’ a problem. Sometimes, it is about learning how to work with the problem by creating awareness, strengthening insight, developing or broadening skills you already have. It is a joint effort between the therapist and the client, working together, to impact change and bring balance to what may otherwise feel out of control.
(619) 547-0613 View (619) 547-0613
Photo of Barry C Barmann, PhD, Psychologist
Barry C Barmann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
My theoretical orientation consists of short-term, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) protocols, incorporating the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP); Psycho-education; Motivational Interviewing; and Family Accommodation Strategies.
My approach to working with those who have an anxiety disorder is best described as "evidenced-based," "solution focused," and short-term in nature (i.e., 10-15 sessions). This is NOT "talk therapy", which can last for years, is incredibly expensive, and generally goes nowhere. My sessions employ a "Cognitive-Behavior Therapy" (CBT) emphasis, along with psycho-education concerning the condition being treated. I want those I work with to have a solid understanding of their condition (e.g., OCD, Chronic Worry, Panic, etc.), and their treatment protocol. Sessions typically last up to 1.5 hours, using state-of-the-art skills training.
My theoretical orientation consists of short-term, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) protocols, incorporating the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP); Psycho-education; Motivational Interviewing; and Family Accommodation Strategies.
My approach to working with those who have an anxiety disorder is best described as "evidenced-based," "solution focused," and short-term in nature (i.e., 10-15 sessions). This is NOT "talk therapy", which can last for years, is incredibly expensive, and generally goes nowhere. My sessions employ a "Cognitive-Behavior Therapy" (CBT) emphasis, along with psycho-education concerning the condition being treated. I want those I work with to have a solid understanding of their condition (e.g., OCD, Chronic Worry, Panic, etc.), and their treatment protocol. Sessions typically last up to 1.5 hours, using state-of-the-art skills training.
(775) 297-4213 View (775) 297-4213
Photo of Robyn E Davis, MFT, NCC, NCSC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robyn E Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89701
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in trauma treatment for kids and adults using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Sandtray Therapy.
Currently accepting new clients! Many of us find ourselves learning to cope with the present while simultaneously working to process the past. If you're looking for a therapist that can help you do both, please reach out today!
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in trauma treatment for kids and adults using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Sandtray Therapy.
Currently accepting new clients! Many of us find ourselves learning to cope with the present while simultaneously working to process the past. If you're looking for a therapist that can help you do both, please reach out today!
(775) 655-2043 View (775) 655-2043
Photo of Jessica Crane - Little Almond, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Little Almond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
If you are thinking about reaching out for support for yourself, your child, or your family, let’s connect.
You realize you need help, but you’re not sure you or your kid is the sit-on-a-couch-and-talk-about-it type? Are you looking for results, change, and relief? Something different? Something worthwhile? If you’re struggling with explosive behaviors, arguments, aggression, extreme fears, attachment challenges, birth or medical trauma, nightmares, or flashbacks, I can help. The pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, or social and academic pressure can be unbearable. If you have no idea how you found yourself here or know exactly what this is the result of, I'm confident that we can uncover strengths and come out the other side.
If you are thinking about reaching out for support for yourself, your child, or your family, let’s connect.
You realize you need help, but you’re not sure you or your kid is the sit-on-a-couch-and-talk-about-it type? Are you looking for results, change, and relief? Something different? Something worthwhile? If you’re struggling with explosive behaviors, arguments, aggression, extreme fears, attachment challenges, birth or medical trauma, nightmares, or flashbacks, I can help. The pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, or social and academic pressure can be unbearable. If you have no idea how you found yourself here or know exactly what this is the result of, I'm confident that we can uncover strengths and come out the other side.
(775) 587-1421 View (775) 587-1421
Photo of Lauren McCarthy, MA, MFT, CADCI, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lauren McCarthy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CADCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89701
Lauren is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor Intern. With an interest and concentration in trauma informed practices, Lauren believes in a person-centered therapeutic approach, having client needs and goals at the forefront of treatment. She is certified in Crisis Disaster and Trauma Training through Association for Advanced Training in Behavioral Sciences as well as having received her first certificate of completion for EMDR training and will be pursuing full certification in 2023.
Lauren is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor Intern. With an interest and concentration in trauma informed practices, Lauren believes in a person-centered therapeutic approach, having client needs and goals at the forefront of treatment. She is certified in Crisis Disaster and Trauma Training through Association for Advanced Training in Behavioral Sciences as well as having received her first certificate of completion for EMDR training and will be pursuing full certification in 2023.
(775) 269-5104 View (775) 269-5104
Photo of Kristi L Berg, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristi L Berg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89701
Chances are that you have come here looking for someone to support you and your family through the rockier parts of life. Kristi is a well-trained, committed professional who specializes in working with children and their families to regain balance at home and school. She believes that, as humans, we all come to a place where we need someone understanding and compassionate that can provide guidance. Sometimes a professional with knowledge and experience in child development, attachment difficulties and the importance of play is just what you need. That's where Kristi and the staff at Journey Within can help!
Chances are that you have come here looking for someone to support you and your family through the rockier parts of life. Kristi is a well-trained, committed professional who specializes in working with children and their families to regain balance at home and school. She believes that, as humans, we all come to a place where we need someone understanding and compassionate that can provide guidance. Sometimes a professional with knowledge and experience in child development, attachment difficulties and the importance of play is just what you need. That's where Kristi and the staff at Journey Within can help!
(775) 364-1057 View (775) 364-1057
Photo of Dr. Lisa Keating, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Lisa Keating
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89703
In my experience, therapy can bring about real and lasting change. My approach to therapy is integrative: we will consider all the relevant biological, psychological and environmental influences upon your well-being. We will focus on the changes you want to make and help you develop the life you want to live. I have been in practice as a licensed psychologist for the past 30 years. Since 2001, I have practiced and lived in Carson City where I have raised my family. I work with individuals ages 16 to 75 years old.
In my experience, therapy can bring about real and lasting change. My approach to therapy is integrative: we will consider all the relevant biological, psychological and environmental influences upon your well-being. We will focus on the changes you want to make and help you develop the life you want to live. I have been in practice as a licensed psychologist for the past 30 years. Since 2001, I have practiced and lived in Carson City where I have raised my family. I work with individuals ages 16 to 75 years old.
(775) 244-2528 View (775) 244-2528
Photo of Jeffrey w Davis - Children & Family Counseling, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Children & Family Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
The younger the child the more important it is that the parent(s) and family be an active partner in the therapy.
Our mission is to advocate for couples, children and families with mental and behavioral health needs, To ensure that each client is provided with the means necessary to gain independence, self esteem, better coping and problem solving skills to reach their fullest potential in social and emotional growth. Life events such as parental job loss, family stress, health issues, divorce, domestic violence, frequent anger and hostility between parents, step-parenting, single parenting without support, to name only a few, can derail healthy development and create a cascade of escalating behavior problems at home and in the community.
The younger the child the more important it is that the parent(s) and family be an active partner in the therapy.
Our mission is to advocate for couples, children and families with mental and behavioral health needs, To ensure that each client is provided with the means necessary to gain independence, self esteem, better coping and problem solving skills to reach their fullest potential in social and emotional growth. Life events such as parental job loss, family stress, health issues, divorce, domestic violence, frequent anger and hostility between parents, step-parenting, single parenting without support, to name only a few, can derail healthy development and create a cascade of escalating behavior problems at home and in the community.
(775) 990-4883 View (775) 990-4883
Photo of Josee A. Perrine - Sierra Counseling & Neurotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sierra Counseling & Neurotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89703
Josee' Perrine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in the mental health field as a Mental Health Counselor and clinical supervisor. She is the recipient of a Senatorial Award for her work with families. She has a strong background working with individuals who have severe mental illness; schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and personality disorders, as well as mood disorders, anxiety and PTSD. In addition to her clinical work, she was an instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno, teaching classes in family interaction.
Josee' Perrine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in the mental health field as a Mental Health Counselor and clinical supervisor. She is the recipient of a Senatorial Award for her work with families. She has a strong background working with individuals who have severe mental illness; schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and personality disorders, as well as mood disorders, anxiety and PTSD. In addition to her clinical work, she was an instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno, teaching classes in family interaction.
(775) 387-0947 View (775) 387-0947
Photo of Whitney Tynes, MSEd, MMFT, MFT-I, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Whitney Tynes
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MSEd, MMFT, MFT-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89701
While I mostly work with children, teens, and their families using a combination of play therapy, parenting skills, and family sessions.
Life's journey can be rough, but no one has to do it alone. My goal is to help clients find hope, healing, and peace while making the changes they want to see in their lives. While accomplishing this is never easy, it can be done by focusing on clients' strengths, learning self-compassion, and building a solid support system.
While I mostly work with children, teens, and their families using a combination of play therapy, parenting skills, and family sessions.
Life's journey can be rough, but no one has to do it alone. My goal is to help clients find hope, healing, and peace while making the changes they want to see in their lives. While accomplishing this is never easy, it can be done by focusing on clients' strengths, learning self-compassion, and building a solid support system.
(775) 522-5727 View (775) 522-5727
Photo of Carolina Alvarez, MA, MFT-I, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Carolina Alvarez
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA, MFT-I
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89703
You are right! Your mental health is a priority and you have reached the first step. I work through various approaches however maintaining one that is driven by genuine empowerment. I come from a place of empathy, respect, and every skill that will aid you in feeling safe and secure. I have experience working with those who struggle with anxiety and depression and plan to expand my knowledge and experience in time. I have experience working in family settings as well and allowing every voice in a unit to be heard. Working together to build the healthiest community is a pivotal priority in my practice.
You are right! Your mental health is a priority and you have reached the first step. I work through various approaches however maintaining one that is driven by genuine empowerment. I come from a place of empathy, respect, and every skill that will aid you in feeling safe and secure. I have experience working with those who struggle with anxiety and depression and plan to expand my knowledge and experience in time. I have experience working in family settings as well and allowing every voice in a unit to be heard. Working together to build the healthiest community is a pivotal priority in my practice.
(775) 258-3548 View (775) 258-3548
Photo of Taryn Heart - Relationship Consultants, MA
Relationship Consultants
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89706  (Online Only)
We can also help you find a new way to be in your family, with your kids, your parents, your partners and roommates in an ever-changing dynamic.
As an agency we have been supporting people via online sessions, with everything that falls “outside the box”. If you are encountering relationship problems, you may have found that it is easier to procrastinate rather than to seek the relationship advice and tools that you need. You may have even been waiting to seek consulting or coaching services for years. Meanwhile your relationship difficulties have only been getting worse. Our consulting services are designed to help you communicate better and make sustainable changes that will benefit you and your family throughout your lives to come back to loving one another.
We can also help you find a new way to be in your family, with your kids, your parents, your partners and roommates in an ever-changing dynamic.
As an agency we have been supporting people via online sessions, with everything that falls “outside the box”. If you are encountering relationship problems, you may have found that it is easier to procrastinate rather than to seek the relationship advice and tools that you need. You may have even been waiting to seek consulting or coaching services for years. Meanwhile your relationship difficulties have only been getting worse. Our consulting services are designed to help you communicate better and make sustainable changes that will benefit you and your family throughout your lives to come back to loving one another.
(775) 346-6593 View (775) 346-6593
Photo of Monica B Campbell - Eft With Couples, LMFT, ATR-P, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica B Campbell - Eft With Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89703
Accepting Partners and Family clients only at this time. Are you hoping there is an easier way to feel connected and secure with your partner or family? I help frustrated, scared and lonely couples and parents communicate peacefully and effectively, and create trusting and deeply bonded relationships. We work together so you can learn how to safely share your most vulnerable needs and feelings, and confidently show up as your best self with each other. We go slowly through the places you feel stuck, creating a different way of talking to each other so you know you are heard and your challenges matter.
Accepting Partners and Family clients only at this time. Are you hoping there is an easier way to feel connected and secure with your partner or family? I help frustrated, scared and lonely couples and parents communicate peacefully and effectively, and create trusting and deeply bonded relationships. We work together so you can learn how to safely share your most vulnerable needs and feelings, and confidently show up as your best self with each other. We go slowly through the places you feel stuck, creating a different way of talking to each other so you know you are heard and your challenges matter.
(775) 235-0655 View (775) 235-0655
Photo of Dana R. Anderson Psyd, PsyD, Psychologist
Dana R. Anderson Psyd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carson City, NV 89703
Clinical & forensic psychological evaluations may include immigration, personal injury, competency to stand trial, family law, civil law, criminal ofences, sex offender evaluations, insanity, sentencing recommendations, risk assessment, bonding assessments, parental termination, adoption, and more.
Dr. Dana Anderson is a renowned Forensic Psychologist, providing comprehensive psycho-legal evaluations within the court justice system. Guided by court orders and penal codes, she delivers precise assessments for specific legal queries. Her expert insights and recommendations assist in fair judicial decision-making. Whether privately retained or court-appointed, Dr. Anderson upholds professionalism and integrity in every case. Dr. Anderson specializes in clinical forensic psychological evaluations and provides annual contracts for law firms and government agencies.
Clinical & forensic psychological evaluations may include immigration, personal injury, competency to stand trial, family law, civil law, criminal ofences, sex offender evaluations, insanity, sentencing recommendations, risk assessment, bonding assessments, parental termination, adoption, and more.
Dr. Dana Anderson is a renowned Forensic Psychologist, providing comprehensive psycho-legal evaluations within the court justice system. Guided by court orders and penal codes, she delivers precise assessments for specific legal queries. Her expert insights and recommendations assist in fair judicial decision-making. Whether privately retained or court-appointed, Dr. Anderson upholds professionalism and integrity in every case. Dr. Anderson specializes in clinical forensic psychological evaluations and provides annual contracts for law firms and government agencies.
(530) 451-0679 View (530) 451-0679
Photo of John Charles Friel - Clearlife, PhD, Psychologist
Clearlife
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89706
Trained extensively in family systems, ecological systemic therapy, working with adults from painful families, resolving childhood trauma, and in-depth family-of-origin work.
1-12 hour sessions for busy couples, using conflict to grow, learning to identify and express feelings, enhancing sexuality, working with sexual conflicts. Conduct men's therapy groups. Also work extensively with addictions and co-dependency
Trained extensively in family systems, ecological systemic therapy, working with adults from painful families, resolving childhood trauma, and in-depth family-of-origin work.
1-12 hour sessions for busy couples, using conflict to grow, learning to identify and express feelings, enhancing sexuality, working with sexual conflicts. Conduct men's therapy groups. Also work extensively with addictions and co-dependency
(775) 636-6037 View (775) 636-6037
Photo of John C. Friel, PhD, Psychologist
John C. Friel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
GO TO http://www.clearlife.com FOR A DETAILED BIO, FEES, PAPERWORK, COUPLES THERAPY ASSUMPTIONS, AND 3-1/2-DAY CLEARLIFE THERAPY INTENSIVES JOHN C. FRIEL, PH.D. specializes in intensive couples therapy (4-12-hour sessions), sexual issues, men’s therapy groups, and adult and family issues, including family reconciliation work and trauma resolution. He and his wife, MN psychologist Linda Friel, are the NY Times best selling authors of 8 books, including Adult Children: The Secrets of Dysfunctional Families, The 7 Worst Things (Good) Parents Do, and The 7 Best Things (Happy) Couples Do.
GO TO http://www.clearlife.com FOR A DETAILED BIO, FEES, PAPERWORK, COUPLES THERAPY ASSUMPTIONS, AND 3-1/2-DAY CLEARLIFE THERAPY INTENSIVES JOHN C. FRIEL, PH.D. specializes in intensive couples therapy (4-12-hour sessions), sexual issues, men’s therapy groups, and adult and family issues, including family reconciliation work and trauma resolution. He and his wife, MN psychologist Linda Friel, are the NY Times best selling authors of 8 books, including Adult Children: The Secrets of Dysfunctional Families, The 7 Worst Things (Good) Parents Do, and The 7 Best Things (Happy) Couples Do.
(775) 238-3904 View (775) 238-3904
Photo of Mary Bouse Barmann, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Bouse Barmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
I use a short-term treatment approach with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) , Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Psychoeducation, Behavioral Activation and Relationship and Family Therapy.
I work with people experiencing chronic anxiety that is eroding confidence, happiness, relationship quality, and fills your life with stress, doubt, and despair. I'll collaborate with you to create meaningful shifts in thought, feeling, action. My approach is short-term, evidenced-based, solution-focused and emphasizes Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. Our work together is designed to produce a solid understanding of your concern, identify core beliefs, key values, goals, and create innovative action plans to help you face fears, accept reasonable uncertainty, and deal effectively with anxiety so you move closer to the life you want.
I use a short-term treatment approach with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) , Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Psychoeducation, Behavioral Activation and Relationship and Family Therapy.
I work with people experiencing chronic anxiety that is eroding confidence, happiness, relationship quality, and fills your life with stress, doubt, and despair. I'll collaborate with you to create meaningful shifts in thought, feeling, action. My approach is short-term, evidenced-based, solution-focused and emphasizes Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. Our work together is designed to produce a solid understanding of your concern, identify core beliefs, key values, goals, and create innovative action plans to help you face fears, accept reasonable uncertainty, and deal effectively with anxiety so you move closer to the life you want.
(844) 541-1019 View (844) 541-1019
Photo of Amanda Giles, MA, MFT, NCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Giles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
I specialize in working with teens and families to help them process individual and family conflicts and work toward creating a cohesive family unit.
Therapy is a process of growth and exploration to increase understanding and clarification of personal experiences. I help individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts to build self-efficacy and empathy to move forward. I work hard to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can continue to grow.
I specialize in working with teens and families to help them process individual and family conflicts and work toward creating a cohesive family unit.
Therapy is a process of growth and exploration to increase understanding and clarification of personal experiences. I help individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts to build self-efficacy and empathy to move forward. I work hard to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can continue to grow.
(775) 346-6750 View (775) 346-6750
Photo of Dustin Braun - Braun Psychological Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Braun Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Carson City, NV 89701
I specialize in working with children/adolescents in individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 17 years of education, training, and professional experience in providing psychological services for individuals, couples, and families. I believe that therapy should consist of creating a safe and supportive environment to promote personal growth. Having worked in a variety of settings, I have a breadth of experience and training to treat persons across the lifespan with differing mental health needs. I believe that the process of therapy, whether individual, family, or couples therapy, is a collaborative effort in which I join with you to find the path that best suits your needs.
I specialize in working with children/adolescents in individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 17 years of education, training, and professional experience in providing psychological services for individuals, couples, and families. I believe that therapy should consist of creating a safe and supportive environment to promote personal growth. Having worked in a variety of settings, I have a breadth of experience and training to treat persons across the lifespan with differing mental health needs. I believe that the process of therapy, whether individual, family, or couples therapy, is a collaborative effort in which I join with you to find the path that best suits your needs.
(775) 581-4019 View (775) 581-4019
1

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.