family therapy for relationship challenges and change
When life changing events, family conflict, emotional distress, or communication problems become overwhelming, family therapy can help.
When a family is experiencing ongoing conflict, emotional distress, or significant changes in relationships, it can become difficult to know how to move forward. Conversations turn into arguments, family members feel misunderstood, and attempts to help may unintentionally make things worse.
Sometimes these challenges develop gradually. Other times, a significant event or change brings underlying family tensions to the surface. When the stress within a family becomes overwhelming, family therapy can provide a supportive space to slow down, understand what's happening, and begin creating new ways of relating to one another.
You don't have to wait until your family reaches a breaking point to seek support. Family therapy can be helpful when patterns of conflict or disconnection begin affecting the well-being of individual family members and the family as a whole. If you are ready to get started, contact me for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation today.
Why choose family therapy?
Parent-Teen Conflict and Communication Problems
Differences in communication, emotional processing, sensory needs, and executive functioning can contribute to family misunderstandings. Families caught in recurring arguments, misunderstandings, power struggles, and difficulty communicating needs may benefit from therapy. Family counseling for parents and teens can help family members better understand one another and reduce cycles of blame, frustration, and shame and learn more constructive ways to navigate disagreements.
Family therapy challenges I can help with:
Boundaries, Independence, and Family Transitions
Families may struggle when a teen becomes more independent or a young adult navigates college, work, relationships, or moving out. Parents can struggle to find the right balance between supporting autonomy while still providing scaffolding and safety. Therapy can help families renegotiate expectations, boundaries, and roles.
Family Support Following Hospitalization or Treatment
When a family member returns home after substance use treatment, psychiatric hospitalization, or a suicide attempt, the transition can bring a mix of relief, hope, uncertainty, and anxiety. Family members may be unsure how to move forward, rebuild trust, communicate about what happened, or provide support while navigating their own emotions. Family therapy can provide a space to process these experiences, strengthen communication, establish healthy boundaries, and develop a shared understanding of how to support the person's ongoing recovery and emotional well-being.
Initial conversation: Contact me to set up your complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. We will discuss what has been happening, what prompted your family to seek support, and what each person hopes will change.
Understand family dynamics: We will begin our work together by exploring recurring interactions, communication patterns, and the perspectives of different family members. Most conversations will happen as a family; there may be times when we connect individually or in smaller groups (e.g. parents, siblings) so that everyone has an opportunity to feel heard and understood.
Identify goals: We will work together to determine what your family wants to work toward, such as reducing conflict, improving communication, or rebuilding trust.
Work toward change: I will teach you new interpersonal skills to practice new ways of communicating, responding to difficult emotions, setting boundaries, and navigating disagreements. We will use these skills in sessions and I may provide homework for continued practice and learning between sessions.
Build on progress: Change takes time. Along the way, we will celebrate wins and review what is and is not working to continue to build stronger connections, improve communication patterns, and resolve conflicts.
What to Expect in Family Therapy
Family Therapy FAQs
Family therapy comes in all shapes and sizes and is customizable to fit your family’s needs. Some problems are solved in a few sessions, while others require longer ongoing work. Reach out to discuss your specific family’s situation and we can set a tentative timeline together.
How long does family therapy last?
My family therapy rate is $300 for 50 minute session and $350 for 90 minute sessions. Reduced fee spots are available on a limited basis.
How much does family therapy cost?
Get started by scheduling a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation today. Click here to fill out an inquiry form or email me madisondennislmft@gmail.com.
How do we get started?
Some family situations require intensive support. If you have a loved one who needs an intervention to get them into treatment, if you are processing a recent traumatic event or loss, if you have a family secret to share, or have limited time to reach your goals, a family therapy intensive may be right for you. You can learn more about family therapy intensives here.
What if our family needs more support?