Family Therapy in Montgomery County, MD

Photo of Pam Herrick, Marriage & Family Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Pam Herrick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCM816
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
My previous professional experience in management and education as well as my personal experience raising a large family and volunteering in my community have shown me the power and strength of families and of belonging in communities of choice as well as the importance of supporting one another through struggle.
Our connections to one another and the communities we work and play in are foundational to our health and well-being. It is through relationship that we learn about ourselves and how best to be in relationship with others. At times, stress can threaten to overwhelm, priorities can become unclear and uncertainties can mount. We all benefit from a consistent and trusting relationship in which to identify our feelings, thoughts and behaviors, to be supported in our efforts to determine and utilize our own strengths and resources, to build our coping strategies, and begin to create the change we choose to work on in any stage of life
My previous professional experience in management and education as well as my personal experience raising a large family and volunteering in my community have shown me the power and strength of families and of belonging in communities of choice as well as the importance of supporting one another through struggle.
Our connections to one another and the communities we work and play in are foundational to our health and well-being. It is through relationship that we learn about ourselves and how best to be in relationship with others. At times, stress can threaten to overwhelm, priorities can become unclear and uncertainties can mount. We all benefit from a consistent and trusting relationship in which to identify our feelings, thoughts and behaviors, to be supported in our efforts to determine and utilize our own strengths and resources, to build our coping strategies, and begin to create the change we choose to work on in any stage of life
(301) 417-5032 View (301) 417-5032
Photo of Caron Starobin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Caron Starobin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Olney, MD 20832
We have expertise working with neurodivergent & neurotypical children, teens, couples, and family members.
Starobin Counseling collectively offers over 30 years of experience providing counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process and help people repair and strengthen their relationships. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections with other people. Therapy helps people understand feelings, listen to their best thinking, and helps people gain new or alternative perspectives. We help people strengthen their own vitality and repair difficult ruptures to unlock their capacity for meaningful connections.
We have expertise working with neurodivergent & neurotypical children, teens, couples, and family members.
Starobin Counseling collectively offers over 30 years of experience providing counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process and help people repair and strengthen their relationships. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections with other people. Therapy helps people understand feelings, listen to their best thinking, and helps people gain new or alternative perspectives. We help people strengthen their own vitality and repair difficult ruptures to unlock their capacity for meaningful connections.
(301) 273-7346 View (301) 273-7346
Photo of Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Kensington, MD 20895
I enjoy working with a diverse group of clients with a wide variety of presenting concerns in individual, couple, and family therapy.
I am a warm, supportive, and enthusiastic therapist ready to help you heal and overcome your challenges. I have extensive experience helping couples with various issues in all stages of life. Issues include concerns about commitment, communication, trust, intimacy, sex, mental/physical illness, parenting, infidelity, infertility, grief/loss, etc. I also love helping individuals who are struggling with any moods, behaviors, or thoughts that are a burden and difficult to manage alone. I am also the owner of Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates. We are a group of highly skilled mental health therapists ready to help.
I enjoy working with a diverse group of clients with a wide variety of presenting concerns in individual, couple, and family therapy.
I am a warm, supportive, and enthusiastic therapist ready to help you heal and overcome your challenges. I have extensive experience helping couples with various issues in all stages of life. Issues include concerns about commitment, communication, trust, intimacy, sex, mental/physical illness, parenting, infidelity, infertility, grief/loss, etc. I also love helping individuals who are struggling with any moods, behaviors, or thoughts that are a burden and difficult to manage alone. I am also the owner of Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates. We are a group of highly skilled mental health therapists ready to help.
(240) 201-2601 View (240) 201-2601
Photo of Shira Benhorin, Psychologist in Montgomery County, MD
Shira Benhorin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Hello! I'm Dr. Shira Benhorin and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children (3+), adolescents, and families with a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and social concerns, including behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, ADHD, school challenges, social difficulties, and parent-child challenges. I offer individual and family therapy, as well as parent training sessions. I also specialize in working with children with Feeding Disorders/ARFID (extreme food selectivity, limited oral intake), and LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Hello! I'm Dr. Shira Benhorin and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children (3+), adolescents, and families with a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and social concerns, including behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, ADHD, school challenges, social difficulties, and parent-child challenges. I offer individual and family therapy, as well as parent training sessions. I also specialize in working with children with Feeding Disorders/ARFID (extreme food selectivity, limited oral intake), and LGBTQ+ youth and families.
(240) 453-4755 View (240) 453-4755
Photo of Inna Zusman, Pre-Licensed Professional in Montgomery County, MD
Inna Zusman
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850
Are you feeling like something is very wrong in your life? Are you experiencing a sense of loneliness, emptiness, or anger towards family members? You are not alone. I know that there is a way to make you feel better. I admire my clients' courage to acknowledge and address these challenges. It can be painful to admit and deal with all of these frustrating and contradictory emotions. It can even lead to physical pain and other issues. I am here to help you. I know that there is a way to make you feel better.
Are you feeling like something is very wrong in your life? Are you experiencing a sense of loneliness, emptiness, or anger towards family members? You are not alone. I know that there is a way to make you feel better. I admire my clients' courage to acknowledge and address these challenges. It can be painful to admit and deal with all of these frustrating and contradictory emotions. It can even lead to physical pain and other issues. I am here to help you. I know that there is a way to make you feel better.
(301) 381-3083 View (301) 381-3083
Photo of Maimuna Tareq, Marriage & Family Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Maimuna Tareq
Marriage & Family Therapist, LGMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Are you navigating the complexities of relationships while juggling cultural and personal identity? I understand the unique challenges individuals and families face, particularly within the South Asian and Muslim communities. Whether you're an individual, a couple, or a family, I start from a place of understanding and meet you where you are. I practice from a narrative therapy perspective, fostering trust and engagement essential for a transformative therapeutic experience.
Are you navigating the complexities of relationships while juggling cultural and personal identity? I understand the unique challenges individuals and families face, particularly within the South Asian and Muslim communities. Whether you're an individual, a couple, or a family, I start from a place of understanding and meet you where you are. I practice from a narrative therapy perspective, fostering trust and engagement essential for a transformative therapeutic experience.
(240) 332-0686 View (240) 332-0686
Photo of Julian R Harris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Julian R Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20906  (Online Only)
Have you been looking for a therapist effective at working with and affirming individuals along the gender spectrum, or who identify as transgender? For many individuals our work is an exploration of identity expression, or focused on the loss associated with rejection by significant persons, or family estrangement.
Life can create challenges ranging from minor to major, brief to long term and even the most resilient, sturdy individuals will benefit from an empathic and non-judgemental ear during those times. Do you feel lonely, sad, or that no one understands you? I provide clients therapy that is evidence based, and focuses on your strengths to help you get back to feeling and functioning at your best.
Have you been looking for a therapist effective at working with and affirming individuals along the gender spectrum, or who identify as transgender? For many individuals our work is an exploration of identity expression, or focused on the loss associated with rejection by significant persons, or family estrangement.
Life can create challenges ranging from minor to major, brief to long term and even the most resilient, sturdy individuals will benefit from an empathic and non-judgemental ear during those times. Do you feel lonely, sad, or that no one understands you? I provide clients therapy that is evidence based, and focuses on your strengths to help you get back to feeling and functioning at your best.
(240) 219-8650 View (240) 219-8650
Photo of Anne Lipp, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Anne Lipp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20901
I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Brief Strategic Family Therapy.
I help people in the midst or aftermath of life’s upheavals, when the ways they coped with stress are no longer sufficient. People I help are seeking support with: difficult feelings and situations such as relationship strain, divorce, retirement, empty nest, illness, death and loss. Learning or practicing new skills or strategies to get through a challenging time. Conflict and self-criticism. Anxiety, depression and trauma. Inner conflict related to sexual orientation or gender identity, or that of a loved one. A roller coaster of emotions, such as anger, rage, and blame. Developing healthier ways of coping.
I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Brief Strategic Family Therapy.
I help people in the midst or aftermath of life’s upheavals, when the ways they coped with stress are no longer sufficient. People I help are seeking support with: difficult feelings and situations such as relationship strain, divorce, retirement, empty nest, illness, death and loss. Learning or practicing new skills or strategies to get through a challenging time. Conflict and self-criticism. Anxiety, depression and trauma. Inner conflict related to sexual orientation or gender identity, or that of a loved one. A roller coaster of emotions, such as anger, rage, and blame. Developing healthier ways of coping.
(240) 213-9586 x5 View (240) 213-9586 x5
Photo of V. Jan Freeman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
V. Jan Freeman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I am an experienced therapist who finds real joy in helping one person/couple/family at a time regain control of their life, improve their situation, find a better path, or understand who they really are at the deepest levels along with core relationship patterns. I have 37 years of clinical experience and specialized postgraduate training in a variety of approaches.. Trauma is a primary specialty though I am trained to address a range of problems. I want you to feel safe and comfortable when we meet so developing a trusting relationship will be important. My style is interactive; you will decide if I'm a good fit for what you need.
I am an experienced therapist who finds real joy in helping one person/couple/family at a time regain control of their life, improve their situation, find a better path, or understand who they really are at the deepest levels along with core relationship patterns. I have 37 years of clinical experience and specialized postgraduate training in a variety of approaches.. Trauma is a primary specialty though I am trained to address a range of problems. I want you to feel safe and comfortable when we meet so developing a trusting relationship will be important. My style is interactive; you will decide if I'm a good fit for what you need.
(301) 579-0108 View (301) 579-0108
Photo of Melissa Murphy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Melissa Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
I have advanced training treating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, family issues, identity issues, couples therapy, sexual/pelvic pain disorders.
Now accepting NEW clients — Feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief are totally normal responses in these difficult times. My goal as a therapist is to guide clients through whatever is keeping them from living their happiest lives — whether the issue is more recent/due to COVID, or a deeper issue that has been draining someone’s energy for years (or a lifetime). I operate from a collaborative, strengths-based perspective to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I help clients develop strategies to mitigate OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma/PTSD symptoms that interfere with their well-being.
I have advanced training treating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, family issues, identity issues, couples therapy, sexual/pelvic pain disorders.
Now accepting NEW clients — Feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief are totally normal responses in these difficult times. My goal as a therapist is to guide clients through whatever is keeping them from living their happiest lives — whether the issue is more recent/due to COVID, or a deeper issue that has been draining someone’s energy for years (or a lifetime). I operate from a collaborative, strengths-based perspective to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I help clients develop strategies to mitigate OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma/PTSD symptoms that interfere with their well-being.
(301) 900-3284 View (301) 900-3284
Photo of Mario Lagman, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Mario Lagman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I work with adolescents,adults, and couples using the Family Systems approach by considering individual relationships between family members in the context of the whole. This means that I take into account my clients' emotional and relational history, in addition to observing present interactions. This collaboration of information from both the past and present is important in helping each person realize that he/she contributes to the way his/her life functions. It is my goal to help individuals recognize the impact of their unique roles in the family so that they may improve the quality of their interpersonal relationships.
I work with adolescents,adults, and couples using the Family Systems approach by considering individual relationships between family members in the context of the whole. This means that I take into account my clients' emotional and relational history, in addition to observing present interactions. This collaboration of information from both the past and present is important in helping each person realize that he/she contributes to the way his/her life functions. It is my goal to help individuals recognize the impact of their unique roles in the family so that they may improve the quality of their interpersonal relationships.
(301) 278-8190 View (301) 278-8190
Photo of Dr. Carlos J. Carmona-Goyena, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Dr. Carlos J. Carmona-Goyena
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
I am best positioned to serve individuals and families navigating challenges such as family conflicts, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, somatic concerns, and life challenges.
Welcome! With over 18 years of experience and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology granted at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, I am eager to start working together... You desire more than just relief from your symptoms; you seek understanding, connection, and lasting change. You want to rebuild your relationships, find peace within yourself, and develop the resilience to face life's challenges. You would be motivated by a deep desire for personal growth and a commitment to building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I am best positioned to serve individuals and families navigating challenges such as family conflicts, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, somatic concerns, and life challenges.
Welcome! With over 18 years of experience and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology granted at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, I am eager to start working together... You desire more than just relief from your symptoms; you seek understanding, connection, and lasting change. You want to rebuild your relationships, find peace within yourself, and develop the resilience to face life's challenges. You would be motivated by a deep desire for personal growth and a commitment to building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
(240) 670-1843 View (240) 670-1843
Photo of Melissa Melendez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Melissa Melendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Hi! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, grieving, self-esteem, social skills, and relationship issues. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to incorporate cultural competence in my therapeutic practice. I believe it’s crucial to provide psychotherapy and preventative services to clients from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of potential warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health disorders.
Hi! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, grieving, self-esteem, social skills, and relationship issues. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to incorporate cultural competence in my therapeutic practice. I believe it’s crucial to provide psychotherapy and preventative services to clients from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of potential warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health disorders.
(301) 769-7528 View (301) 769-7528
Photo of Paula Howie, Art Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Paula Howie
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
I am both an art therapist and licensed professional counselor in private practice in Washington, DC. I teach courses to graduate students in art therapy and counseling. Although I specialize in helping both children and adults with issues of trauma, family, and relationship, people bring a wide range of concerns from personal growth to serious mental illness. Before entering private practice, I directed an activities therapy department in an army medical center where military members and their families were hospitalized for personality and mental disorders. At this facility, I also worked with children and adolescents on a medical ward.
I am both an art therapist and licensed professional counselor in private practice in Washington, DC. I teach courses to graduate students in art therapy and counseling. Although I specialize in helping both children and adults with issues of trauma, family, and relationship, people bring a wide range of concerns from personal growth to serious mental illness. Before entering private practice, I directed an activities therapy department in an army medical center where military members and their families were hospitalized for personality and mental disorders. At this facility, I also worked with children and adolescents on a medical ward.
(240) 949-6779 View (240) 949-6779
Photo of Melanie Eisman Garber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Melanie Eisman Garber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817  (Online Only)
I am an individual and family therapist that works primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults. My practice integrates traditional psychotherapy with a myriad of techniques to help clients channel their inner strength and make positive and desired changes in their lives. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) while also utilizing mindfulness, strengths-based and eclectic approaches to therapy. I am extremely passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and adults dealing with life transitions, relationship, peer issues and failure to launch.
I am an individual and family therapist that works primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults. My practice integrates traditional psychotherapy with a myriad of techniques to help clients channel their inner strength and make positive and desired changes in their lives. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) while also utilizing mindfulness, strengths-based and eclectic approaches to therapy. I am extremely passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and adults dealing with life transitions, relationship, peer issues and failure to launch.
(240) 594-8645 View (240) 594-8645
Photo of Harold DuBois, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Harold DuBois
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20855
I am a clinical social worker with seven years of specialized experience in helping clients with relationship and parenting issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse. I'm also a retired US Navy Veteran with 25 years of active service and was a licensed foster parent in Maryland and California. My therapy style is goal oriented, flexible and collaborative.
I am a clinical social worker with seven years of specialized experience in helping clients with relationship and parenting issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse. I'm also a retired US Navy Veteran with 25 years of active service and was a licensed foster parent in Maryland and California. My therapy style is goal oriented, flexible and collaborative.
(240) 557-3564 View (240) 557-3564
Photo of Cynthia Post, Psychologist in Montgomery County, MD
Cynthia Post
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Family relationships, couples, divorce and related step-family issues are all strong areas of interest.
How do you go from feeling overwhelmed and lost to clarity and a solid sense of self? Contemplating this journey informs my work as a psychotherapist. In my experience, the single most important factor that leads to significant change is the development of a trusting client-therapist relationship. This allows trust in new possibilities,and seeing yourself differently and considering this new sense of self. I liken therapy to reorganizing heavy furniture in a room and in some cases getting rid of pieces. The furniture represents the client's view of self. With acceptance and empathic curiosity, change can begin.
Family relationships, couples, divorce and related step-family issues are all strong areas of interest.
How do you go from feeling overwhelmed and lost to clarity and a solid sense of self? Contemplating this journey informs my work as a psychotherapist. In my experience, the single most important factor that leads to significant change is the development of a trusting client-therapist relationship. This allows trust in new possibilities,and seeing yourself differently and considering this new sense of self. I liken therapy to reorganizing heavy furniture in a room and in some cases getting rid of pieces. The furniture represents the client's view of self. With acceptance and empathic curiosity, change can begin.
(301) 587-7551 View (301) 587-7551
Photo of David B Sacks, Psychologist in Montgomery County, MD
David B Sacks
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
"Help! My stress is over the top!" Have you found yourself thinking this? Are you facing difficult circumstances? Is stress from events in the world, or concerns about oppression and privilege, affecting you and/or your relationships? Is it harder to meet your commitments to family, friends, and/or groups and causes you care about? I specialize in helping adults, adolescents and families draw upon their strengths, solve problems, and develop new understanding and new skills.
"Help! My stress is over the top!" Have you found yourself thinking this? Are you facing difficult circumstances? Is stress from events in the world, or concerns about oppression and privilege, affecting you and/or your relationships? Is it harder to meet your commitments to family, friends, and/or groups and causes you care about? I specialize in helping adults, adolescents and families draw upon their strengths, solve problems, and develop new understanding and new skills.
(301) 660-2117 View (301) 660-2117
Photo of Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CCTP-II, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
I am also specially trained in EMDR, DBT, internal family systems (IFS), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), all of which are effective in trauma treatment.
Certified trauma-informed therapist with training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and CPT. I specialize in work with adult/adolescent clients with a history of trauma, whether single incident or complex. These clients may present with PTSD, cPTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and more. My goal is to assist my clients with not only recovering after trauma, but enabling growth toward the person they want to be. I see survival as a strength, and the adaptations that allowed for that survival should be recognized as such to increase self-compassion and facilitate the next step.
I am also specially trained in EMDR, DBT, internal family systems (IFS), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), all of which are effective in trauma treatment.
Certified trauma-informed therapist with training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and CPT. I specialize in work with adult/adolescent clients with a history of trauma, whether single incident or complex. These clients may present with PTSD, cPTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and more. My goal is to assist my clients with not only recovering after trauma, but enabling growth toward the person they want to be. I see survival as a strength, and the adaptations that allowed for that survival should be recognized as such to increase self-compassion and facilitate the next step.
(240) 474-9205 View (240) 474-9205
Photo of Mina Dadvar Klein, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Mina Dadvar Klein
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, CAGS, MS
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Individuals seek treatment because they are in pain. Facing one's own weaknesses is difficult and opening up even more so-particularly for people whose cultural background and/or family upbringing discourges transparency /self-disclosure. My priority is to create a safe environment where my clients may confront, accept and change aspects of their lives they consider shameful and/or self-destructive. I have been invited as a guest speaker by a number of organizations and regularly offer seminars and work shops on such themes as self-esteem,communication skills, stress management and the challenges of being married/single and dating
Individuals seek treatment because they are in pain. Facing one's own weaknesses is difficult and opening up even more so-particularly for people whose cultural background and/or family upbringing discourges transparency /self-disclosure. My priority is to create a safe environment where my clients may confront, accept and change aspects of their lives they consider shameful and/or self-destructive. I have been invited as a guest speaker by a number of organizations and regularly offer seminars and work shops on such themes as self-esteem,communication skills, stress management and the challenges of being married/single and dating
(301) 530-4806 View (301) 530-4806

See more therapy options for Montgomery County

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.