Family Therapy in Houston, TX
Houston Therapy provides family therapy for families navigating conflict, communication breakdown, mental health challenges, life transitions, and relationship strain. Our licensed therapists work with the entire family system to create lasting, meaningful change.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy addresses emotional and behavioral problems by working with the family as a whole rather than treating one person in isolation. Sessions focus on the patterns, emotions, and dynamics that develop within the family system — and how those patterns affect each individual member.
The goal is not to assign blame but to help family members understand each other more deeply, communicate more effectively, and develop healthier ways of relating. Research consistently shows that family therapy produces better outcomes than individual therapy alone for a number of specific conditions, including eating disorders, adolescent behavioral issues, and substance use.
Who Is Family Therapy For?
Family therapy can help in a wide range of situations, including:
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Families navigating a member's mental health struggles or addiction
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Parent and child conflict or communication breakdown
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Blended family adjustment and stepfamily dynamics
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Divorce, separation, and co-parenting challenges
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Grief and loss affecting the family system
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Trauma that has impacted the whole family
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Eating disorders and related family dynamics
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Adolescent behavioral and emotional difficulties
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Family conflict around major life transitions
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Estrangement and efforts at reconciliation
What to Expect in Family Therapy
Sessions typically involve multiple family members meeting together with a therapist, though individual sessions may also be scheduled when helpful. The therapist works to create a safe, neutral space where all family members feel heard.
Early sessions focus on understanding each person's perspective and identifying the patterns that are creating difficulty. From there, the therapist works with the family to develop new tools for communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
Most families begin to notice meaningful change within 8 to 12 sessions, though the length of treatment depends on the complexity of the issues and the goals of the family.
Our Family Therapists
Houston Therapy has several clinicians with specialized training in family therapy:
Claire Cooper, LCSW completed a fellowship at The Menninger Clinic and has specialized training in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. She works with families navigating complex psychiatric presentations, grief, trauma, and early adulthood challenges. She is also Clinical Director of the Launch Comprehensive Program for young adults.
Kelly Birkhold, LCSW holds a dual master's degree in social work and marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisville and completed a fellowship at The Menninger Clinic. She brings extensive training in DBT and family systems approaches.
Kristina Nunez, Psy.D has specialized training in Emotion Focused Family Therapy and experience working with families navigating eating disorders.
All of our therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation.
Fees
Family therapy (50 minutes): $225 to $250 depending on clinician
Free 15-minute consultation available
Houston Therapy does not accept insurance. Reduced-fee slots are available for families who qualify. In-person sessions available in Houston; telehealth available for Texas residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every family member need to attend every session?
Not necessarily. Your therapist will work with you to determine which combination of sessions is most effective. Some sessions may include the full family, others may involve a subset of members or individual sessions alongside family work.
How is family therapy different from couples therapy?
Couples therapy focuses specifically on the relationship between two partners. Family therapy addresses the broader family system and can include parents, children, siblings, or other family members depending on the situation.
Can family therapy help if one member refuses to participate?
Yes. Even when not all family members are willing to attend, therapy with the members who do participate can create meaningful shifts in the family dynamic.
Do you offer family therapy via telehealth?
Yes. Family therapy is available via telehealth for Texas residents.
Get Started
Call 713-936-2561, schedule online, or contact us to request a free 15-minute consultation with one of our family therapists.