Family Therapy in Michigan | Counseling & Psychology

Family therapy helps families talk, solve problems, and feel safer with each other. If conflict, stress, or big life changes are hurting your home, you are not alone. Our Family Therapy in Michigan is for parents, kids, teens, couples, and caregivers who want better communication and fewer blowups. When the people you love feel far away, therapy can help you reconnect and set clear, respectful rules.

Signs You Might Benefit from Family Therapy

Families come to therapy for many reasons. You do not have to wait for things to feel “really bad.” If daily life feels tense, therapy can help.

• Constant arguing that does not get resolved
• Shut down or silence (people avoid each other, stop talking, or “walk on eggshells”)
• Parenting stress (different rules, power struggles, or feeling undermined)
• Behavior changes in a child or teen (anger, skipping school, lying, pulling away)
• Big transitions like divorce, blending families, a move, job loss, or a new baby
• Grief or loss that the family is struggling to talk about
• Health or mental health concerns affecting the whole family (depression, anxiety, substance use)
• Trust problems after broken promises, secrecy, or repeated conflict

How Family Therapy Can Help

Family therapy focuses on the pattern between people, not blaming one person. Benefits often include:

• Clearer, calmer communication
• Healthier boundaries and roles (who does what, and what is not okay)
• Better problem-solving and shared decision-making
• More teamwork between caregivers
• Support for kids and teens to feel heard and safe
• Tools for managing anger, stress, and strong emotions

Evidence-Based Approach

We use therapy methods that are backed by research and matched to your family’s needs. Strong studies show that family-based treatment can improve child and teen behavior, reduce conflict, and support mental health when the whole family learns skills together. The American Psychological Association (APA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) describe family-focused approaches as effective for many relationship and behavior concerns, especially when stress affects the whole system.

Family Systems Therapy (whole-family lens)

Family systems therapy looks at how each person affects the group. We map out patterns (like “pursue and withdraw” or “yell and shut down”) and teach new ways to respond. This helps families stop the same fight from repeating.

Structural Family Therapy (roles and boundaries)

This approach focuses on family roles and boundaries. For example, it can help when a child is “in the middle” of adult conflict, or when caregivers are not on the same page. The goal is a healthier structure where adults lead with teamwork and kids can be kids.

CBT-Informed Skills for Families (thoughts, feelings, actions)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills can be used in family work to reduce yelling, harsh words, and impulsive reactions. We practice simple tools like:

• Calm-down plans and time-outs that do not feel like punishment
• Replacing hurtful thoughts with more helpful ones
• Step-by-step problem solving
• Reward systems for kids that support consistency

Emotion-Focused and Attachment-Based Work (repair and closeness)

Some families need help with hurt feelings, trust, and emotional safety. Attachment-based work helps people share feelings in a safer way and learn how to repair after conflict. This is often helpful after betrayal, divorce stress, or long periods of disconnection.

Care Coordination and Michigan Licensing Standards

Your care is provided by clinicians who follow Michigan licensing standards (for example, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist). We follow state rules for ethics, confidentiality, documentation, and scope of practice. If your family needs more support—such as psychiatry, school coordination, or higher level care—we can discuss referrals and collaborate (with your written permission).

What to Expect

Starting therapy can feel scary, especially if your family has had a lot of conflict. We keep the process clear and respectful. Therapy is not about picking sides. It is about helping everyone feel heard and building a plan that works at home.

Step 1: Scheduling and paperwork

We gather basic information, review privacy practices, and explain how family sessions work. If a child or teen is involved, we also review consent and what information will be shared with caregivers, based on Michigan laws and ethical guidelines.

Step 2: Intake appointment (first session)

The intake is usually 50–60 minutes. We will ask about:

• What brings you in and what you want to change
• Family strengths (what has worked before)
• Recent stressors (school, work, health, custody changes)
• Safety concerns (self-harm, violence, substance use)
• Family goals you can measure (like fewer fights per week, better bedtime routine, improved co-parenting)

Step 3: Ongoing sessions

Sessions may include the whole family or smaller groups (caregivers only, siblings, parent-child). We will agree on who should attend which sessions and why. Many families start weekly and then move to every other week as things improve.

What we do in sessions

• Practice healthy communication (listening, validating, taking turns)
• Learn rules for fair fighting (no name-calling, no threats, breaks when needed)
• Create a home plan (routines, responsibilities, and consequences that are clear)
• Work on repair (how to apologize and rebuild trust)
• Build coping skills for stress, anxiety, or anger

Confidentiality and safety

We respect privacy and follow professional ethics and Michigan standards. We also must act to protect safety. If there is risk of harm to self or others, abuse or neglect concerns, or other urgent safety issues, we may need to take steps required by law. We will explain this clearly and answer questions.

Insurance and Payment

Many families use insurance for therapy. Coverage depends on your plan, your diagnosis codes, and whether the therapist is in-network. We can verify benefits when possible, but your insurance company makes the final decision about payment.

Common costs: copays, deductibles, and coinsurance

• Copay: a set amount you pay per visit (for example, $20–$60).
• Deductible: the amount you must pay before your plan starts paying (some plans apply this to therapy; some do not).
• Coinsurance: a percentage you pay after the deductible (for example, 10%–40%).

Mental health parity

Mental health parity laws generally require many health plans to cover mental health care in a similar way to medical care. This does not always mean “free,” but it can help reduce unfair limits. If coverage is denied, we can provide documentation when appropriate, and you can ask your plan about appeal steps.

Out-of-network and self-pay

If we are out-of-network, you may still have benefits. We can provide a superbill for you to submit, if offered. Self-pay options may be available for families who prefer to pay directly.

FAQ

Do all family members have to attend every session?

No. Some sessions work best with everyone present. Other sessions may be for caregivers only or for a parent and child together. We will make a plan based on your goals and what feels most helpful.

What if one person does not want to come?

This is common. We can start with the people who are willing. Change in one part of the family often helps the whole system. We can also talk about respectful ways to invite the other person without pressure or blame.

Is family therapy only for “serious” problems?

No. Family therapy can help with everyday stress, repeated arguments, school behavior issues, and life transitions. Getting help early can prevent problems from getting bigger.

How do you handle conflict during sessions?

We set clear ground rules for safety and respect. If a conversation gets too heated, we slow it down, take breaks, and help each person speak in a clear and calm way. The goal is not to “win” an argument, but to understand each other and find a plan that works at home.

Clinical references: Our care is informed by guidance and research summarized by the American Psychological Association (APA) and resources from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including evidence supporting family-based interventions for youth and relationship functioning.