Family Therapy in Milwaukee, WI

Photo of Dr. Joanne L. Barian Psy.D.HP. (Dr. Jo), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Dr. Joanne L. Barian Psy.D.HP. (Dr. Jo)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyDHP, MSW, LCSW, NCCAP, AAMFT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53227  (Online Only)
I am currently practicing as an MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, w/ a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy, & a sub-specialty in substance abuse issues & addiction.
Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be. Creating profound Peace, Love, Deep Fulfillment, & Spiritual Transformation and tapping into one's natural born potential. It Is Never Too Late To Be What You Were Meant To Become. BE – The best version of your Highest Self DO – The next “right thing” in becoming your “Authentic Self." HAVE – A new found freedom within yourself, to create the peace, love, happiness & fulfillment.
I am currently practicing as an MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, w/ a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy, & a sub-specialty in substance abuse issues & addiction.
Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be. Creating profound Peace, Love, Deep Fulfillment, & Spiritual Transformation and tapping into one's natural born potential. It Is Never Too Late To Be What You Were Meant To Become. BE – The best version of your Highest Self DO – The next “right thing” in becoming your “Authentic Self." HAVE – A new found freedom within yourself, to create the peace, love, happiness & fulfillment.
(414) 501-2759 View (414) 501-2759
Photo of Anita Astley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Anita Astley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Anita Astley is the founder and CEO of "Building Healthy Relationships" LLC and published author of “Unfuck Your Life and Relationships" (Simon & Schuster). She is a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in helping people navigate life's challenges including basic communication issues to depression, anxiety, emotional and physical intimacy issues, separation and divorce, conflict resolution, and infidelity to name a few. Ms.Astley is "solution focused" and believes there is a "solution" to every problem and arriving there successfully is possible through professional guidance & support.
Anita Astley is the founder and CEO of "Building Healthy Relationships" LLC and published author of “Unfuck Your Life and Relationships" (Simon & Schuster). She is a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in helping people navigate life's challenges including basic communication issues to depression, anxiety, emotional and physical intimacy issues, separation and divorce, conflict resolution, and infidelity to name a few. Ms.Astley is "solution focused" and believes there is a "solution" to every problem and arriving there successfully is possible through professional guidance & support.
(262) 300-7231 View (262) 300-7231
Photo of American Behavioral Clinics in Milwaukee, WI
American Behavioral Clinics
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Throughout your life, biological factors such as your genes or brain chemistry, life experiences, such as trauma or abuse, or a family history of mental health problems may very well impact your thinking, mood and behavior.
American Behavioral Clinics is an outpatient treatment facility that specializes in psychiatric and behavioral health services for children, teens, and adults. As a center of mental health excellence, we continually remove barriers to ensure quick access to the right care for our clients. We empower every individual with the opportunity to receive a full continuum of recovery-oriented and compassionate care that is built around our industry leading experts. Our clinical team delivers specialized treatment for people who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, addiction issues, and more.
Throughout your life, biological factors such as your genes or brain chemistry, life experiences, such as trauma or abuse, or a family history of mental health problems may very well impact your thinking, mood and behavior.
American Behavioral Clinics is an outpatient treatment facility that specializes in psychiatric and behavioral health services for children, teens, and adults. As a center of mental health excellence, we continually remove barriers to ensure quick access to the right care for our clients. We empower every individual with the opportunity to receive a full continuum of recovery-oriented and compassionate care that is built around our industry leading experts. Our clinical team delivers specialized treatment for people who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, addiction issues, and more.
(414) 420-1681 View (414) 420-1681
Photo of Avian Psychotherapy, Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Avian Psychotherapy
Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202
My practice is half children and half adults. Having fostered and adopted myself, I am particularly skilled to assist foster and adoptive family needs. I also use play, expressive arts, sand tray and music to assist in therapy. First responders, gender non conforming, clients with anxiety, depression, thought and mood disorders, are particularly welcome. I am located in the east side of Milwaukee near the lake.
My practice is half children and half adults. Having fostered and adopted myself, I am particularly skilled to assist foster and adoptive family needs. I also use play, expressive arts, sand tray and music to assist in therapy. First responders, gender non conforming, clients with anxiety, depression, thought and mood disorders, are particularly welcome. I am located in the east side of Milwaukee near the lake.
(414) 312-5260 View (414) 312-5260
Photo of David C Low, Marriage & Family Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
David C Low
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSE, MA, LPC, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specifically trained to provide couples counseling, family therapy and mediation.
Are you concerned that your relationship is drifting apart and you can't seem to get back that romantic love, friendship, closeness, emotional connection, comfort, support, and intimacy? Do you feel stuck again and again in similar misunderstanding and hurtful arguments, not being able to resolve your differences? Have your efforts to solve your relationship problems left you feeling so resentful, checked out, disheartened, disappointed and worn down and you are realizing that you are tired of feeling so alone and don't want to keep living like this? If you answered, “yes” to any of the above, I would like to help.
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specifically trained to provide couples counseling, family therapy and mediation.
Are you concerned that your relationship is drifting apart and you can't seem to get back that romantic love, friendship, closeness, emotional connection, comfort, support, and intimacy? Do you feel stuck again and again in similar misunderstanding and hurtful arguments, not being able to resolve your differences? Have your efforts to solve your relationship problems left you feeling so resentful, checked out, disheartened, disappointed and worn down and you are realizing that you are tired of feeling so alone and don't want to keep living like this? If you answered, “yes” to any of the above, I would like to help.
(414) 939-9645 View (414) 939-9645
Photo of Dr. Brittany Mathews, Psychologist in Milwaukee, WI
Dr. Brittany Mathews
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53222  (Online Only)
, family, community, culture), and I flexibly adapt treatment to meet each individual’s needs.
Dr. Mathews specializes in providing holistic evidence-based (a fancy way of saying treatment that works!) psychology services for adolescents (ages 10-25) in Wisconsin with anxiety and depression through her private practice, MindKind, LLC. Dr. Mathews works as a team with adolescents and their families, schools, and medical providers to improve symptoms of anxiety or depression by flexibly adapting science-backed psychology treatments to meet each client's individual needs. Dr. Mathews aspires to embody mindfulness and loving kindness on a daily basis and to share a compassionate, mindful presence with others through her work.
, family, community, culture), and I flexibly adapt treatment to meet each individual’s needs.
Dr. Mathews specializes in providing holistic evidence-based (a fancy way of saying treatment that works!) psychology services for adolescents (ages 10-25) in Wisconsin with anxiety and depression through her private practice, MindKind, LLC. Dr. Mathews works as a team with adolescents and their families, schools, and medical providers to improve symptoms of anxiety or depression by flexibly adapting science-backed psychology treatments to meet each client's individual needs. Dr. Mathews aspires to embody mindfulness and loving kindness on a daily basis and to share a compassionate, mindful presence with others through her work.
(262) 747-2336 View (262) 747-2336
Photo of AMRI Counseling Services, Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
AMRI Counseling Services
Counselor, PhD, DSW, LPC, CSAC, CTTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Services include Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Drug & Alcohol Testing, Marriage & Family Therapy, Anger Management, Medical & Medication Services, Pharmacy Services, Daily Living Skills, Parenting, Offender Reentry Programs and more.
Providing Quality Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, medical/medication services, pharmacy services, and family support services such as housing, daily living skills, educational/ academic services, parenting and nurturing to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. ***We accept most ALL insurances and private pay*** Call us at 414-455-3879 or email us at clinic@amricounseling.com to schedule an appointment.
Services include Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Drug & Alcohol Testing, Marriage & Family Therapy, Anger Management, Medical & Medication Services, Pharmacy Services, Daily Living Skills, Parenting, Offender Reentry Programs and more.
Providing Quality Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, medical/medication services, pharmacy services, and family support services such as housing, daily living skills, educational/ academic services, parenting and nurturing to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. ***We accept most ALL insurances and private pay*** Call us at 414-455-3879 or email us at clinic@amricounseling.com to schedule an appointment.
(414) 501-7312 x801 View (414) 501-7312 x801
Photo of Amy Lynn Kerznar, Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Amy Lynn Kerznar
Counselor, MS, LPC, SACIT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53227  (Online Only)
I grew up with the detrimental effects of trauma, pain, and substance use in my family and all around me.
Many people with trauma or PTSD also suffer from substance use issues . Feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, grief, depression, loneliness, feeling judged, and misunderstood are very normal. You may not trust the world around you and may not know how to cope with symptoms of trauma alone and will instead seek to numb your emotional turmoil. Both are lonely and isolating issues. Substance use is an outward manifestation of your pain and with supportive trauma and substance use counseling combined, your addiction can be treated as well as the underline symptoms that cause the need to numb your emotions and avoid your reality.
I grew up with the detrimental effects of trauma, pain, and substance use in my family and all around me.
Many people with trauma or PTSD also suffer from substance use issues . Feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, grief, depression, loneliness, feeling judged, and misunderstood are very normal. You may not trust the world around you and may not know how to cope with symptoms of trauma alone and will instead seek to numb your emotional turmoil. Both are lonely and isolating issues. Substance use is an outward manifestation of your pain and with supportive trauma and substance use counseling combined, your addiction can be treated as well as the underline symptoms that cause the need to numb your emotions and avoid your reality.
(262) 383-4468 View (262) 383-4468
Photo of Sydney A Snyder, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Sydney A Snyder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, SAC-IT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Are you struggling with adjusting to change, coping with stress or navigating conflict? As a result, has this left you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Has shame, guilt or negative self-talk been impacting you? Do you need help creating boundaries with your partner, family, or friends? As a therapist, I believe in the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” My role is to help you explore areas of concern, develop coping skills, and gain insight about yourself. A primary focus of my practice is teaching self-compassion to help fill up your cup when life is feeling too difficult to navigate on your own.
Are you struggling with adjusting to change, coping with stress or navigating conflict? As a result, has this left you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Has shame, guilt or negative self-talk been impacting you? Do you need help creating boundaries with your partner, family, or friends? As a therapist, I believe in the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” My role is to help you explore areas of concern, develop coping skills, and gain insight about yourself. A primary focus of my practice is teaching self-compassion to help fill up your cup when life is feeling too difficult to navigate on your own.
(414) 246-4907 View (414) 246-4907
Photo of Blanche C Brown -- Your Best Self Therapy LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Blanche C Brown -- Your Best Self Therapy LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPC, ATRL
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53222
I am a licensed psychotherapist/ marriage and family therapist who embraces the entire family system working with individuals, couples, and families.
What concerns are you struggling with that have negatively impacted your life? Have feelings of anxiety and depression become too overwhelming to manage? Or, are you a couple facing challenges causing you to question your commitment to each other? The person you are most intimate with may not know what you need in the relationship. Does your family fail to realize the unique connection they have with one another? Is there blaming and resentment because of unresolved conflicts? I am a compassionate professional who is invested in you and here to support you during your healing process
I am a licensed psychotherapist/ marriage and family therapist who embraces the entire family system working with individuals, couples, and families.
What concerns are you struggling with that have negatively impacted your life? Have feelings of anxiety and depression become too overwhelming to manage? Or, are you a couple facing challenges causing you to question your commitment to each other? The person you are most intimate with may not know what you need in the relationship. Does your family fail to realize the unique connection they have with one another? Is there blaming and resentment because of unresolved conflicts? I am a compassionate professional who is invested in you and here to support you during your healing process
(414) 800-8297 View (414) 800-8297
Photo of Betsy Meinecke, Marriage & Family Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Betsy Meinecke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSMFT, LMFT, LMT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53212
I believe there are a myriad of ways to be a family, and actively affirm "nontraditional" relationship structures (e.
Our worldviews are made up of stories: about ourselves, others, the ways we engage with people, and the ways we move through the world. I'm fascinated by the mutual influence of individual perspective and shared experience, as well as the ways societal norms both limit and support individuals and relationships. How are you influencing and being influenced by others? What aspects of your story do you wish were different? How do you want to be known, and move through the world? "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer! Let's explore and see what we discover.
I believe there are a myriad of ways to be a family, and actively affirm "nontraditional" relationship structures (e.
Our worldviews are made up of stories: about ourselves, others, the ways we engage with people, and the ways we move through the world. I'm fascinated by the mutual influence of individual perspective and shared experience, as well as the ways societal norms both limit and support individuals and relationships. How are you influencing and being influenced by others? What aspects of your story do you wish were different? How do you want to be known, and move through the world? "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer! Let's explore and see what we discover.
(414) 251-1549 View (414) 251-1549
Photo of Sohail M Majeed, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Sohail M Majeed
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MFT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Additionally, I specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Is your anger getting in your way? Do you miss the closeness you once had with your partner? Are you afraid that the divorce may be on the horizon? Are your children struggling in school? Are you feeling sad? Is your child ignoring you ? Are you worried? Is life over whelming you? ***** If the answer is YES, I CAN HELP YOU REGAIN THE CONTROL YOU ONCE HAD OVER YOUR LIFE. ***** Please visit my website relationship-counseling-milwaukee.com
Additionally, I specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Is your anger getting in your way? Do you miss the closeness you once had with your partner? Are you afraid that the divorce may be on the horizon? Are your children struggling in school? Are you feeling sad? Is your child ignoring you ? Are you worried? Is life over whelming you? ***** If the answer is YES, I CAN HELP YOU REGAIN THE CONTROL YOU ONCE HAD OVER YOUR LIFE. ***** Please visit my website relationship-counseling-milwaukee.com
(414) 436-2544 View (414) 436-2544
Photo of Devon Armstrong, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Devon Armstrong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, APSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53212
I offer insight into the family and societal structures we internalize and explore the rules we impose on ourselves.
Hello hello! I work either in-person w/nature in local parks or virtually via zoom! If we walk or sit together, we'll work following your lead with gentle nudges into the abyss (metaphorically, unless you enjoy muddy!), seeing through blinders, and remembering accomplishments. As for me? I'm a human reclaiming my humanity. I'm recovering from the dominating social order of straight, cis-white men steeped in racism, sexism, patriarchy, homophobia, colonialism, ableism and all the oppressions dreaming of a radically anti-capitalist, queer and environmental society. (deeply & vaguely spiritual, not religious). Break all the rules!
I offer insight into the family and societal structures we internalize and explore the rules we impose on ourselves.
Hello hello! I work either in-person w/nature in local parks or virtually via zoom! If we walk or sit together, we'll work following your lead with gentle nudges into the abyss (metaphorically, unless you enjoy muddy!), seeing through blinders, and remembering accomplishments. As for me? I'm a human reclaiming my humanity. I'm recovering from the dominating social order of straight, cis-white men steeped in racism, sexism, patriarchy, homophobia, colonialism, ableism and all the oppressions dreaming of a radically anti-capitalist, queer and environmental society. (deeply & vaguely spiritual, not religious). Break all the rules!
(414) 240-8415 View (414) 240-8415
Photo of Young Family Counseling, LLC, Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Young Family Counseling, LLC
Counselor, LPC, MSCP
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
While we continue to learn and adapt from changes this past year, I want provide a safe space for you and your family to take care of mental health and overall wellbeing. COVID19 has brought us to assess and evaluate our everyday lives and the things that are difficult to handle, yet completely out of our control. Whether its for your kiddo that doesn't understand whats going on, sibling fights, learning to co-exist with your partner or need time to process and grow for yourself- I am here. My person-centered approach allows you to navigate our journey within the comfort of your own setting- pets welcome to join!
While we continue to learn and adapt from changes this past year, I want provide a safe space for you and your family to take care of mental health and overall wellbeing. COVID19 has brought us to assess and evaluate our everyday lives and the things that are difficult to handle, yet completely out of our control. Whether its for your kiddo that doesn't understand whats going on, sibling fights, learning to co-exist with your partner or need time to process and grow for yourself- I am here. My person-centered approach allows you to navigate our journey within the comfort of your own setting- pets welcome to join!
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Photo of Judy Lauwasser-Bruett, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Judy Lauwasser-Bruett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53224  (Online Only)
Extensively trained with Dick Schwartz/ internal family systems/parts work and Terry Real and Relational Life Therapy.
Has your relationship been shaken by an affair? Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed, confused? Do you worry and wonder if you and your relationship can survive the overwhelming sense of betrayal? An affair rocks the foundation of a relationship. No one thinks it can happen to them or that they can survive the intense emotions of infidelity.
Extensively trained with Dick Schwartz/ internal family systems/parts work and Terry Real and Relational Life Therapy.
Has your relationship been shaken by an affair? Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed, confused? Do you worry and wonder if you and your relationship can survive the overwhelming sense of betrayal? An affair rocks the foundation of a relationship. No one thinks it can happen to them or that they can survive the intense emotions of infidelity.
(262) 395-7807 x103 View (262) 395-7807 x103
Photo of Olive Branch Therapy and Family Services LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Olive Branch Therapy and Family Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Sometimes life can get chaotic and you don't know which direction to go or who to turn to. Whether you are dealing with family issues, parenting challenges, career transitions, or everyday anxiety, Olive Branch Therapy and Family Services LLC is here to help. An olive branch represents peace, and if you are ready to find peace in your life, we are here to help.
Sometimes life can get chaotic and you don't know which direction to go or who to turn to. Whether you are dealing with family issues, parenting challenges, career transitions, or everyday anxiety, Olive Branch Therapy and Family Services LLC is here to help. An olive branch represents peace, and if you are ready to find peace in your life, we are here to help.
(414) 626-0404 x53207 View (414) 626-0404 x53207
Photo of Clayton Lennon Sims, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milwaukee, WI
Clayton Lennon Sims
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Whether you’re working through personal storms, trying to patch things up with family, or kicking habits that don’t do you any favors, my support is here to help you find your strength and break free.
Feeling stuck at a crossroads, tangled up in your past, or just trying to figure out the real you? I’m here to journey through these big, messy life questions with you. It’s not all about the tough stuff like figuring out your place in the world, dealing with heavy experiences, or feeling like you’re floating without direction. We’re in this together. My approach is a bit like mixing deep heart-to-hearts with swapping stories around a campfire. We’ll dive into exploring life’s big puzzles and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.
Whether you’re working through personal storms, trying to patch things up with family, or kicking habits that don’t do you any favors, my support is here to help you find your strength and break free.
Feeling stuck at a crossroads, tangled up in your past, or just trying to figure out the real you? I’m here to journey through these big, messy life questions with you. It’s not all about the tough stuff like figuring out your place in the world, dealing with heavy experiences, or feeling like you’re floating without direction. We’re in this together. My approach is a bit like mixing deep heart-to-hearts with swapping stories around a campfire. We’ll dive into exploring life’s big puzzles and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.
(414) 877-8197 View (414) 877-8197
Photo of Alev Ildiz, Psychologist in Milwaukee, WI
Alev Ildiz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical interests include identity development, family and relationship concerns, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Sometimes the way you relate to yourself and others no longer aligns with who you truly are, your values or how you envisioned your life. You may feel disconnected from yourself and others. You may feel anxious or misunderstood, and start to question your worth or love. To cope, you wear a mask to hide parts of yourself, which creates feelings of tension within yourself and with others. What if you lived your life according to your values while accepting and expressing your genuine self? I create a judgement free, safe therapeutic space where you can explore, understand and find your authentic self.
My clinical interests include identity development, family and relationship concerns, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Sometimes the way you relate to yourself and others no longer aligns with who you truly are, your values or how you envisioned your life. You may feel disconnected from yourself and others. You may feel anxious or misunderstood, and start to question your worth or love. To cope, you wear a mask to hide parts of yourself, which creates feelings of tension within yourself and with others. What if you lived your life according to your values while accepting and expressing your genuine self? I create a judgement free, safe therapeutic space where you can explore, understand and find your authentic self.
(262) 537-5458 View (262) 537-5458
Photo of Kim Wagner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Kim Wagner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting issues, stress management, family relationships and adjusting to major life changes.
Life can be challenging and I believe people are resilient. I use a holistic, strength-based approach to meet children, adolescents and adults where they are at and create a safe, non-judgmental space to work through hardships.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting issues, stress management, family relationships and adjusting to major life changes.
Life can be challenging and I believe people are resilient. I use a holistic, strength-based approach to meet children, adolescents and adults where they are at and create a safe, non-judgmental space to work through hardships.
(262) 587-6202 View (262) 587-6202
Photo of Shawna Reiter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milwaukee, WI
Shawna Reiter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53215
My name is Shawna Reiter, and I was born to advocate for people. I started with an education in treating substance use disorders and worked my way up to a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. I then got a master's in social work and became credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am dually credentialed to treat substance use disorders and all types of mental illnesses.
My name is Shawna Reiter, and I was born to advocate for people. I started with an education in treating substance use disorders and worked my way up to a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. I then got a master's in social work and became credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am dually credentialed to treat substance use disorders and all types of mental illnesses.
(414) 877-8070 View (414) 877-8070
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.