Photo of Frances Field, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Brooklyn, NY
Frances Field
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT-LP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201  (Online Only)
No one can tell what's really going on. You are doing everything to try and keep it ALL under control: your job, relationships with family and friends, and your relationship with your partner. But inside, your thoughts are racing, its hard for you to take a deep breath and concentrate, you can't sleep well and your constantly overwhelmed. You are not sure how much more you can take.
No one can tell what's really going on. You are doing everything to try and keep it ALL under control: your job, relationships with family and friends, and your relationship with your partner. But inside, your thoughts are racing, its hard for you to take a deep breath and concentrate, you can't sleep well and your constantly overwhelmed. You are not sure how much more you can take.
(917) 935-4942 View (917) 935-4942
Photo of Leah Cerf, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Leah Cerf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11222  (Online Only)
I work with people struggling with relationship and attachment issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, toxic family patterns, boundary-setting, professional burnout, identity building, and chronic illness.
If you are feeling stuck and overwhelmed, you came to the right place. Together, we'll gain insight into what's getting in your way to restore balance to your life. I'll help you identify distorted thinking, modify beliefs, alter behavior, and relate to yourself and others in a way that feels easeful and gratifying. I am warm, non-judgmental, and direct—no subject is off limits, and humor is welcome! My style is integrative, merging evidence-based therapies with alternative “new-wave" therapies, honoring the connection between mind, body and spirit. I am strengths-based, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirmative, and nonpathologizing.
I work with people struggling with relationship and attachment issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, toxic family patterns, boundary-setting, professional burnout, identity building, and chronic illness.
If you are feeling stuck and overwhelmed, you came to the right place. Together, we'll gain insight into what's getting in your way to restore balance to your life. I'll help you identify distorted thinking, modify beliefs, alter behavior, and relate to yourself and others in a way that feels easeful and gratifying. I am warm, non-judgmental, and direct—no subject is off limits, and humor is welcome! My style is integrative, merging evidence-based therapies with alternative “new-wave" therapies, honoring the connection between mind, body and spirit. I am strengths-based, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirmative, and nonpathologizing.
(646) 849-4490 View (646) 849-4490
Photo of Kate Lowe, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Kate Lowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11242  (Online Only)
I am a NY State licensed psychotherapist with a MSW from Columbia University. Since 2003, I have been helping individuals and families understand and manage anxiety, depression & other mood disorders, relationship and career challenges, life transitions, sexual & gender identity, family dynamics, chronic illness, grief & loss. Through a holistic, psychodynamic approach, I combine principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and stress management. I strive to help my clients feel supported, contained and challenged to enhance their awareness and coping skills, reach their goals and fulfill their potential.
I am a NY State licensed psychotherapist with a MSW from Columbia University. Since 2003, I have been helping individuals and families understand and manage anxiety, depression & other mood disorders, relationship and career challenges, life transitions, sexual & gender identity, family dynamics, chronic illness, grief & loss. Through a holistic, psychodynamic approach, I combine principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and stress management. I strive to help my clients feel supported, contained and challenged to enhance their awareness and coping skills, reach their goals and fulfill their potential.
(347) 609-7439 View (347) 609-7439
Photo of Elizabeth Bistrong, Psychologist in Brooklyn, NY
Elizabeth Bistrong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Bistrong is detail-oriented in her approach to assessment, treatment, and recommendations, with high sensitivity to each family’s context and stressors.
Dr. Bistrong is licensed psychologist in New York. She is a pediatric neuropsychologist at NYU Langone Rusk Rehabilitation where she provides assessments for children with congenital and acquired brain and central nervous system insults. She also sees assessment clients in her Private Practice, located in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Dr. Bistrong obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in Clinical Psychology in 2019. She then completed a residency and two year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Henry Ford Health System in pediatric neuropsychology.
Bistrong is detail-oriented in her approach to assessment, treatment, and recommendations, with high sensitivity to each family’s context and stressors.
Dr. Bistrong is licensed psychologist in New York. She is a pediatric neuropsychologist at NYU Langone Rusk Rehabilitation where she provides assessments for children with congenital and acquired brain and central nervous system insults. She also sees assessment clients in her Private Practice, located in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Dr. Bistrong obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in Clinical Psychology in 2019. She then completed a residency and two year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Henry Ford Health System in pediatric neuropsychology.
(718) 808-9182 View (718) 808-9182
Photo of Lauri Nagel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Lauri Nagel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Drawing from my background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and dance/movement therapy, I use an eclectic approach tailored to your individual needs to help you overcome obstacles to leading a richer, more satisfying, and more meaningful life. Some of the things I can help you with are: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family stressors, managing chronic illness, caregiver stress, body image, self-esteem, life transitions, artist's issues and creative blocks, panic attacks, trauma, and life changes.
Drawing from my background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and dance/movement therapy, I use an eclectic approach tailored to your individual needs to help you overcome obstacles to leading a richer, more satisfying, and more meaningful life. Some of the things I can help you with are: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family stressors, managing chronic illness, caregiver stress, body image, self-esteem, life transitions, artist's issues and creative blocks, panic attacks, trauma, and life changes.
(646) 583-1421 View (646) 583-1421
Photo of Gabriel Most, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Gabriel Most
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215  (Online Only)
These are challenging fast-moving times. The demands from family, career, social and romantic relationships can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. How do we find the time to excel in our professional lives and simultaneously make room for healthy loving connections with those that are important to us? How do we manage our anxiety, sadness, and grief in real-time when we are feeling angry, confused, isolated, and perhaps abusing alcohol, drugs to numb the overwhelming sense of fear, depression, or frustration we feel in our lives? How do we live our best lives and gravitate toward healthier connections and decision making?
These are challenging fast-moving times. The demands from family, career, social and romantic relationships can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. How do we find the time to excel in our professional lives and simultaneously make room for healthy loving connections with those that are important to us? How do we manage our anxiety, sadness, and grief in real-time when we are feeling angry, confused, isolated, and perhaps abusing alcohol, drugs to numb the overwhelming sense of fear, depression, or frustration we feel in our lives? How do we live our best lives and gravitate toward healthier connections and decision making?
(347) 905-4597 View (347) 905-4597
Photo of Santos Vales, Psychologist in Brooklyn, NY
Santos Vales
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11231  (Online Only)
Life experiences can bring pain and conflict resulting in depression, anxiety and coping with substances. I frequently hear the expression of loneliness, emptiness and feeling unfulfilled in people's lives and the sadness, disappointment and anger over relationships with themselves, partners, family and friends that fail to satisfy those needs. Experience has taught me that feeling heard and understood generates a sense of hope and stimulates movement toward insight through exploration and examination of one's inner life. Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers the framework and space for this work, leading to corrective emotional experiences and a more satisfying life and relationships.
Life experiences can bring pain and conflict resulting in depression, anxiety and coping with substances. I frequently hear the expression of loneliness, emptiness and feeling unfulfilled in people's lives and the sadness, disappointment and anger over relationships with themselves, partners, family and friends that fail to satisfy those needs. Experience has taught me that feeling heard and understood generates a sense of hope and stimulates movement toward insight through exploration and examination of one's inner life. Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers the framework and space for this work, leading to corrective emotional experiences and a more satisfying life and relationships.
(718) 757-2073 View (718) 757-2073
Photo of Henni Fisher, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Henni Fisher, LCSW, BCD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11229
I am a highly trained psychoanalytically oriented Clinical Social Work Psychotherapist, with over a quarter century of experience. I work with different theoretical approaches according to the needs of my clients (Every one is different). I treat people with anxiety disorder, depression, mourning issues, bi-polar illness, life transitions, relationship issues and work related concerns. I specialize in treatment with adults 21 and over, many of whom are caregivers for family members.
I am a highly trained psychoanalytically oriented Clinical Social Work Psychotherapist, with over a quarter century of experience. I work with different theoretical approaches according to the needs of my clients (Every one is different). I treat people with anxiety disorder, depression, mourning issues, bi-polar illness, life transitions, relationship issues and work related concerns. I specialize in treatment with adults 21 and over, many of whom are caregivers for family members.
(347) 708-9247 View (347) 708-9247
Photo of Margaret (Malgorzata ) Salmieri, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Margaret (Malgorzata ) Salmieri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201
If you are an Adult Child of a Dysfunctional Family, a person struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Medical Conditions, Addiction, or issues related to Aging and End of Life, I might be the right therapist for you.
If you are reading my post, it means that you have reached the point where you are looking to improve some aspects of your life or make a complete metamorphosis. You may be seeking inner peace, acceptance of yourself and others or ready to fulfill your potential. I don’t expect you to pronounce or spell my first name, you can call me Margaret like everybody else in the U.S. But I do expect that you will be honest with yourself, open minded to change (which is not always easy) and collaborate with me during the process. I have been working in the field for over 30 years, in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings.
If you are an Adult Child of a Dysfunctional Family, a person struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Medical Conditions, Addiction, or issues related to Aging and End of Life, I might be the right therapist for you.
If you are reading my post, it means that you have reached the point where you are looking to improve some aspects of your life or make a complete metamorphosis. You may be seeking inner peace, acceptance of yourself and others or ready to fulfill your potential. I don’t expect you to pronounce or spell my first name, you can call me Margaret like everybody else in the U.S. But I do expect that you will be honest with yourself, open minded to change (which is not always easy) and collaborate with me during the process. I have been working in the field for over 30 years, in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings.
(929) 470-1856 View (929) 470-1856
Photo of Dr. Lara DiCarlo, Psychologist in Brooklyn, NY
Dr. Lara DiCarlo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am Dr. Lara DiCarlo, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I have prioritized working with marginalized communities over the past decade as a psychotherapist. People most often come to me for concerns with anxiety, chronic illness, depression, identity, life transitions, perinatal period, and relationships (attachment, family, peer, romantic, sexual). I primarily offer individual therapy for late teens and adults of all ages, with a specialization in working with young adults. My approach is warm, engaging, empowering, and collaborative. I also offer appointments for gender affirming letters and personality/psychopathology assessment.
I am Dr. Lara DiCarlo, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I have prioritized working with marginalized communities over the past decade as a psychotherapist. People most often come to me for concerns with anxiety, chronic illness, depression, identity, life transitions, perinatal period, and relationships (attachment, family, peer, romantic, sexual). I primarily offer individual therapy for late teens and adults of all ages, with a specialization in working with young adults. My approach is warm, engaging, empowering, and collaborative. I also offer appointments for gender affirming letters and personality/psychopathology assessment.
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Photo of Naethra Sreekrishna, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Naethra Sreekrishna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11209  (Online Only)
Whether family, couples, or individual therapy, my first priority is to make you feel safe, supported, and seen in our therapeutic relationship.
Are you an immigrant or child of immigrants stuck in painful relationships over clashing expectations and feeling unseen? Are you the “high achiever” or “caretaker” but have to hide parts of yourself and can’t shake the underlying fear that something isn’t right? Are you curious about how intergenerational experiences influence your identities, decisions, and struggles? You may have sought relief from the conflict, anxiety, and shame but not in the healthiest ways. You may finally be considering therapy to stop avoiding, stop suffering, and start healing. You’ve come to the right place.
Whether family, couples, or individual therapy, my first priority is to make you feel safe, supported, and seen in our therapeutic relationship.
Are you an immigrant or child of immigrants stuck in painful relationships over clashing expectations and feeling unseen? Are you the “high achiever” or “caretaker” but have to hide parts of yourself and can’t shake the underlying fear that something isn’t right? Are you curious about how intergenerational experiences influence your identities, decisions, and struggles? You may have sought relief from the conflict, anxiety, and shame but not in the healthiest ways. You may finally be considering therapy to stop avoiding, stop suffering, and start healing. You’ve come to the right place.
(646) 681-2779 View (646) 681-2779
Photo of Shoshanna Paperny, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Shoshanna Paperny
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11222
While our personal histories may inform our current struggles, it does not define who we are, or who we may become. Using an client-centred approach, I believe strongly in the power of self-efficacy, attachment theory, developmental psychology, family systems and neuroscience. Guiding my practice with trauma informed care, I assist clients in developing their unique resilience story. This begins with relational connection, warmth and radical acceptance co-created in the therapeutic environment.
While our personal histories may inform our current struggles, it does not define who we are, or who we may become. Using an client-centred approach, I believe strongly in the power of self-efficacy, attachment theory, developmental psychology, family systems and neuroscience. Guiding my practice with trauma informed care, I assist clients in developing their unique resilience story. This begins with relational connection, warmth and radical acceptance co-created in the therapeutic environment.
(347) 970-5296 View (347) 970-5296
Photo of Emma Novick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Emma Novick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11232  (Online Only)
Do you think your relationship with your parents needs adjustment? Have you found it challenging to assert your adulthood in their eyes? You might be noticing a shift in how you navigate life compared to past generations in your family. This new approach might lead to ongoing conflicts as you strive to assert yourself as an adult. Perhaps you've struggled to connect with a therapist and establish a genuine relationship with them. I'm here to offer authentic support in addressing these emotions. My aim is to empower you to advocate for yourself effectively. Together, we'll explore your needs and work on your communication skills.
Do you think your relationship with your parents needs adjustment? Have you found it challenging to assert your adulthood in their eyes? You might be noticing a shift in how you navigate life compared to past generations in your family. This new approach might lead to ongoing conflicts as you strive to assert yourself as an adult. Perhaps you've struggled to connect with a therapist and establish a genuine relationship with them. I'm here to offer authentic support in addressing these emotions. My aim is to empower you to advocate for yourself effectively. Together, we'll explore your needs and work on your communication skills.
(646) 762-5348 View (646) 762-5348
Photo of Alexis Samelson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Alexis Samelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11222  (Online Only)
I believe psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to be deeply known and understood. By talking with a compassionate and fully engaged therapist about our lives, we develop insights that can be difficult to reach on our own. The self-understanding that grows from this process helps us gain relief from emotional turmoil, change restrictive patterns, and create more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals seeking help with anxiety and depression in the face of various challenges, including grief, traumatic experiences, career change, family and relationship conflict, low confidence, illness, and questions about identity.
I believe psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to be deeply known and understood. By talking with a compassionate and fully engaged therapist about our lives, we develop insights that can be difficult to reach on our own. The self-understanding that grows from this process helps us gain relief from emotional turmoil, change restrictive patterns, and create more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals seeking help with anxiety and depression in the face of various challenges, including grief, traumatic experiences, career change, family and relationship conflict, low confidence, illness, and questions about identity.
(917) 909-5032 View (917) 909-5032
Photo of Megan Corry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Megan Corry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11242  (Online Only)
My clients are dealing with life changes, relationship issues, divorce, infertility issues, overwhelming schedules, depression, anxiety and family discord.
The therapeutic relationship is one that can bring great change and growth. I deeply invest in my clients and the work we do so to create the change you want and need. You goals will always lead but I am not a quiet therapist. I work with adults, couples and families in all forms. You will learn concrete tools to impact and improve your daily life so you can reach your goals. Trust is key and I will be a safe space for you to process your feelings and thoughts. Life is full of twists and turns.I will work with you to manage and grow from them.
My clients are dealing with life changes, relationship issues, divorce, infertility issues, overwhelming schedules, depression, anxiety and family discord.
The therapeutic relationship is one that can bring great change and growth. I deeply invest in my clients and the work we do so to create the change you want and need. You goals will always lead but I am not a quiet therapist. I work with adults, couples and families in all forms. You will learn concrete tools to impact and improve your daily life so you can reach your goals. Trust is key and I will be a safe space for you to process your feelings and thoughts. Life is full of twists and turns.I will work with you to manage and grow from them.
(646) 849-6061 View (646) 849-6061
Photo of Talia Master, Psychologist in Brooklyn, NY
Talia Master
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11217  (Online Only)
Perhaps you feel like you don't fit in or are struggling to figure out who you are or what is important to you. Or something, either concrete or intangible, isn't working in your life or just feels "off." Perhaps you are sad, anxious, struggling with a loss, infertility, chronic illness, or having difficulty with a family situation or relationship. I provide a compassionate and safe space to explore these challenges, allowing you to focus on what gives your life purpose and meaning. We will work on two levels- gaining insight, while also learning tools and strategies to reduce your pain.
Perhaps you feel like you don't fit in or are struggling to figure out who you are or what is important to you. Or something, either concrete or intangible, isn't working in your life or just feels "off." Perhaps you are sad, anxious, struggling with a loss, infertility, chronic illness, or having difficulty with a family situation or relationship. I provide a compassionate and safe space to explore these challenges, allowing you to focus on what gives your life purpose and meaning. We will work on two levels- gaining insight, while also learning tools and strategies to reduce your pain.
(646) 679-5372 View (646) 679-5372
Photo of Michael J Skinner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Michael J Skinner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Michael Skinner, LCSW has 25 years experience in the mental health field. He works with toddlers, children, adolescents, adults and families. He has trained in family therapy, infant toddler mental health and developmental issues, child and adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Child and Adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He also has experience working with veterans, NYC Police Officers and Fire Fighters.
Michael Skinner, LCSW has 25 years experience in the mental health field. He works with toddlers, children, adolescents, adults and families. He has trained in family therapy, infant toddler mental health and developmental issues, child and adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Child and Adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He also has experience working with veterans, NYC Police Officers and Fire Fighters.
(646) 630-7314 View (646) 630-7314
Photo of Katherine Landis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Katherine Landis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11206  (Online Only)
Life can be stressful and overwhelming. Friends and family are all going through their own stressors, and it can be easy to feel unseen, unheard, and invalidated. You deserve a safe space to feel supported where you can speak freely, be validated, process your thoughts and trauma, and grow toward the person, partner, or family member you want to be. Therapy is just that place, and I’m so glad you have taken the first step of your healing journey by reading this page.
Life can be stressful and overwhelming. Friends and family are all going through their own stressors, and it can be easy to feel unseen, unheard, and invalidated. You deserve a safe space to feel supported where you can speak freely, be validated, process your thoughts and trauma, and grow toward the person, partner, or family member you want to be. Therapy is just that place, and I’m so glad you have taken the first step of your healing journey by reading this page.
(347) 434-2774 View (347) 434-2774
Photo of Helen Schwartz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Helen Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, R
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Contact 718-921-3518 or 347-203-4333 for individual, couples as well as family psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Patients that I meet with will receive a full range of psychotherapy services. I provide parenting counseling, relationship counseling, cognitive therapy, group therapy, psychoanalysis, and anger management. Psychotherapy is available for issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse as well as eating disorders, couples therapy, individual and family therapy. HIV pre and post counseling, postpartum depression, court mandated treatment, phobias/panic attack, autism, Asperger, ADHD/ ADD, and OCD are a few of the presenting issues I specialize in with over 40 years of experience.
Contact 718-921-3518 or 347-203-4333 for individual, couples as well as family psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Patients that I meet with will receive a full range of psychotherapy services. I provide parenting counseling, relationship counseling, cognitive therapy, group therapy, psychoanalysis, and anger management. Psychotherapy is available for issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse as well as eating disorders, couples therapy, individual and family therapy. HIV pre and post counseling, postpartum depression, court mandated treatment, phobias/panic attack, autism, Asperger, ADHD/ ADD, and OCD are a few of the presenting issues I specialize in with over 40 years of experience.
(347) 493-2661 View (347) 493-2661
Photo of Vaughan (Dini) Evanier, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
Vaughan (Dini) Evanier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11218
I have been a licensed clinical psychotherapist since 1993. I've worked for Catholic Charities and the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services and started private practice in 2013. I emphasize psychodynamic psychotherapy (I studied at the Psychoanalytic Institute of California), but shape my approach to each individual client and his or her needs and goals. My work has centered on mature adults with mental, emotional or physical disorders, but I have treated clients of all ages and diagnoses. I develop an empathic connection with each client, bringing about a firm relationship and lasting change.
I have been a licensed clinical psychotherapist since 1993. I've worked for Catholic Charities and the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services and started private practice in 2013. I emphasize psychodynamic psychotherapy (I studied at the Psychoanalytic Institute of California), but shape my approach to each individual client and his or her needs and goals. My work has centered on mature adults with mental, emotional or physical disorders, but I have treated clients of all ages and diagnoses. I develop an empathic connection with each client, bringing about a firm relationship and lasting change.
(718) 557-9089 View (718) 557-9089
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.