"No Person has the power to have everything they want, but it is in their power not to want what they don't have , and to cheerfully put to good use what they do have ." - Senca...
Family Systems Therapy is an approach to family counseling founded by Psychiatrist and Researcher Dr. Murray Bowen in the 1960s. It relies on Bowen’s Family Systems theory, which states that systems, like families, consist of parts affected by one another. This structure means that each family member affects the behaviors of others.
Family Systems Therapy aims to identify these interlocking systems that might result in negative relational patterns and address the causes so family members can relate better to one another.
Family System theory posits that every person can benefit from examining the patterns from their family of origin or the family they grew up with during their formative years. For some people, this could include their biological family, their adoptive family, or other key caregivers present in their early childhood.
While most commonly used in family counseling, counselors also can use Family Systems Therapy in individual or couples counseling.
Your therapist will ask questions about your family of origin and might even ask you to complete a genogram, which is a diagram of your family relationships going back as far as possible. The genogram ranges in detail but usually includes names of ancestors and family members, births, marriages, deaths, and sometimes mental illnesses if known. From there, your counselor might ask you to recall your relationships with your parents and siblings.
Family Systems Therapy helps you understand how your family relationships from childhood impact you today. By identifying emotions you experienced when you were younger regarding the way your family dealt with life, you may begin to get more clarity about the patterns you currently maintain while relating to your family, friends, significant other, or other loved ones. Your therapist then will help you establish more positive, adaptive ways of relating to others, which ultimately leads to growth and healing.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Family Systems Therapy
Rhoda J.K. Counseling
Seattle
Washington
Rhoda J.K. Counseling
Seattle
Washington
I currently have openings for new clients and can continue weekly sessions through Teletherapy using video. I work primarily with teens and young adults, as well as their parents and caregivers. Many of us know the experience of being lost in yourself and your values. The impact of over-accommodating and adapting can often show up in anxiety, depression, and trauma. As a counselor, I work to di...
I am committed to providing a safe and confidential place where we can explore your challenges together, finding hope for the future. My goal is to help you uncover the places where you may be stuck individually or in relationship with others and then help you explore new paths to a more fulfilling life. I have a special interest and training in healing relationship distress and conflict using...
**NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS** Making a change can be a scary process, but with the guidance of the right person it can be just as rewarding. Therapy can help you overcome challenges, learn more about yourself, achieve goals, and increase satisfaction in your life. As a therapist, I provide a genuine, warm, and open environment that allows you to explore your difficulties, understand...
Nikimya Y Ligon
New York
New York
Nikimya Y Ligon
New York
New York
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. Let me help you live ON purpose and WITH purpose! As a licensed psychologist and solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating! Counseling and/or educational consultation for individuals, couples, families; childr...
Lynda has experience working with individuals, couples and families gain more insight and understanding regarding the origins associated with changes in moods, relationships, communication as well as ones overall view about their life. Lynda specializes in individual therapy; couples counseling; family trauma and conflict resolution; parent/child relational issues; communication skills and...
My focus is on Medicare populations as I am an LCSW. I am an Army veteran and provide services with adults/elderly who face medical, chronic pain, and endure trauma complications. I earned a Certified Addictions Counseling - Level II and interface with dual diagnosis populations. I have faith and provide Christian services due to local demographics, but also provide to an agnostic population. I...
Mary Lou Tabers, LMFT, PLLC
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
Mary Lou Tabers, LMFT, PLLC
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
The client I see is one that realizes there is a healthier way to have relationship with others, and I can show you how to find the person that you are, so others do not take away. You may be the client that feels stuck, and I can help you to process this transitional time, and will help you to find coping skills needed so you can direct your energies toward new goals. If you are a client griev...
If you or your family are suffering, struggling to connect, or to find stability and progress in life, the process of therapy can support your growth and self esteem through these challenges. I work primarily with teens, adults, and families on specific issues such as anxiety, emotional disregulation, a difficult transition, trauma or loss, career or academic changes, and relational stress such...
Counseling is a personal choice and takes strength and courage. I work to assist clients in finding solutions for healing in an individualized approach. I provide a non-judgmental, genuine and trustworthy environment for healing and change. I have experience working with a diverse population which includes working with children, adults, groups, couples and families. My client profile covers a w...
I enjoy working with clients to help establish personal identity, emotional healing, improved self esteem and self worth are my specialties. I work from the perspective of where the client is now and where they have been as to determine what their strengths are and areas of need. I also very much enjoy working with couples who have marital difficulties or have just grown apart because life has...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW-R) and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, (CASAC). My style is warm and collaborative and it's important to me that my clients feel they are safe and supported as well as able to explore their thoughts and feelings. I have successfully worked with children, adolescents, adults,couples and families to cope with issues of anxiety,...
Now, more than ever, life circumstances can create real barriers to our happiness. There are times we cannot see through the fog of depression, free ourselves from anxiety, or motivate ourselves to do basic tasks. The good news is, you made it here - identifying the need & seeking help are the most important steps towards change. My clients are intelligent people, looking to cultivate deeper...
Dr. Kelly M Lewis-Arthur
Atlanta
Georgia
Dr. Kelly M Lewis-Arthur
Atlanta
Georgia
Congratulations! You just made an important step in the change process and are on your way to positive growth and wellness. This is an essential ingredient in your future success! You are not alone. Healing and success are possible and I want to help you get there. Through empirically supported psychotherapy, coaching, evaluation and personal development, I will work with you to overcome advers...
Jessica Ketner
Columbus
Ohio
Jessica Ketner
Columbus
Ohio
I provide psychotherapy for couples, families, individual adults, adolescents and children. I collaborate with my clients, from an integrative client-centered approach, to treat a variety of mental, emotional and relational issues. I value the strengths that my clients bring with them to the therapy room and guide them to build on those attributes to create change in their lives. I work with...