Family Counseling and Therapy Columbus, Ohio

Early family life for each of us is the “DNA” and framework that lays the foundation for the course of the rest of our lives. Family systems therapy is a discipline and art form that has the highest regard for this inherent power in the family dynamic.  In family therapy change takes place rapidly and often in unexpected but surprisingly pleasant ways.

Early family life for each of us is the “DNA” and framework that lays the foundation for the course of the rest of our lives. Family systems therapy is a discipline and art form that has the highest regard for this inherent power in the family dynamic.  In family therapy change takes place rapidly and often in unexpected but surprisingly pleasant ways.

We help families thrive at every stage of life

Our Family Therapy Specialties

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Adoption is a lifelong journey that is unique in how it affects adoptees and their family members. While adoption is a beautiful way to build a family, it is built on loss for all members of the adoption triad: adoptee, birth parents and adoptive parents.
Counseling for adoption issues requires a specialized knowledge, training and skill-set.

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Approximately 1,300 new step-families are formed everyday in the United States.  Sixty-percent of those will end in divorce, usually within the first two years of marriage. Not surprising statistics, considering the unique struggles facing the blended family.

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Being involved in the court system with family matters can be stressful, time consuming, and expensive but there is reason for hope. Directions Counseling & Coaching counselors are experienced at helping families seeking services to satisfy the court….but more importantly we are passionate about helping you succeed in maximizing your relationships as a family, regardless of the past history of mistakes, heartaches, or broken relationships.

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Interventions are positive, solution-oriented services we offer to help families when a loved one is struggling with an addiction, compulsively damaging behavior, or other debilitating emotional condition that is ultimately affecting the whole family. Not all cases that are brought to us will result in an intervention.  We determine this based on an initial Family Consultation.

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Early family life for each of us is the “DNA” and framework that lays the foundation for the course of the rest of our lives. Family systems therapy is a discipline and art form that has the highest regard for this inherent power in the family dynamic.  In family therapy change takes place rapidly and often in unexpected but surprisingly pleasant ways.

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Parenting our children: one of the noblest and most challenging among all of life’s callings. Doing it well . . . that’s another matter, especially in the face of a complex culture, competing interests for your time, and a thousand potential land mines on your child’s road to adulthood.

Get help during difficult times

When is Family Therapy Recommended?

Family therapy can be used in a wide variety of circumstances, but the following is a brief list of typical situations where we recommend it:

As you can imagine, assembling several family members in one room with an outside party to talk about the family “rules,” strengths, weaknesses or current problems causes something deep to start taking place. The familiar patterns, which are often counterproductive or reinforcing the problem, begin to give way to the strengths that are emphasized by the family therapy process.

We love to help families regain their balance, mature, and find ways to move past difficult problems.

Helping families of all types and sizes

Who Can Benefit from Family Therapy?

Families with Young Children

Family therapy can help parents navigate the challenges of parenting young children, such as setting boundaries, managing behavior, and fostering healthy communication.

Families with Teenagers

Family therapy can help families navigate the unique challenges that come with raising teenagers, such as peer pressure, identity development, and conflict resolution.

Blended Families

Family therapy can help blended families build strong relationships and navigate the challenges that come with blending families, such as navigating different parenting styles and creating a sense of unity and belonging.

Multigenerational Families

Family therapy can help multigenerational families work through conflicts and improve communication between different generations.

Families with Mental Health or Addiction Challenges

Family therapy can help families navigate the challenges that come with mental health issues or addiction, such as improving understanding and support, setting healthy boundaries, and managing stress.

Couples Experiencing Relationship Challenges

Family therapy can help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust in their relationship.

Families Dealing with Grief or Loss

Family therapy can help families work through the grieving process and find support and understanding during a difficult time.

Get the most out of your sessions

What to Expect During Family Counseling

Family therapy is an empowering and transformative process that offers numerous possibilities for growth and healing within the family unit. During family therapy, individuals can expect a safe and supportive environment where they can openly express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns.

The therapist facilitates open communication, encouraging family members to listen to one another with empathy and understanding. Expectations often involve exploring family dynamics, identifying patterns of interaction, and gaining insight into underlying issues that contribute to conflicts. Collaboratively, families work towards establishing healthier communication patterns, strengthening relationships, and fostering a more harmonious environment.

The therapeutic journey may involve setting goals, developing effective problem-solving skills, and enhancing coping mechanisms. Ultimately, family therapy provides a platform for self-discovery, deepening connections, and creating lasting positive change within the family system.

Therapy supports the whole family

Family Counseling for Addressing Mental Health Challenges

Family therapy is a valuable approach that can effectively address a wide range of mental health conditions within the context of the family system. It provides support and healing not only for individuals with specific diagnoses but also for the entire family unit.

Family therapy can be beneficial in addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many others. By involving family members in the therapeutic process, it enables them to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and its impact on the individual and the family as a whole.

Family therapy focuses on improving communication, enhancing problem-solving skills, and strengthening relationships, all of which contribute to the overall mental well-being of each family member. It provides a platform for fostering empathy, reducing stigma, and creating a supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery.

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We listen to your needs

A Therapy Approach Tailor-made To Your Family

We offer a unique and personalized approach that is tailor-made to address the specific needs and dynamics of your family. Each family is distinct, with its own set of strengths, challenges, and communication patterns.

Our family therapists employ a range of techniques to create a therapeutic experience that is customized to your family’s circumstances. By understanding your family’s unique context, the therapist can determine the most effective approach to facilitate growth, healing, and improved functioning.

Structural Family Therapy

Strategic Family Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy

Collaborative Therapy

Emotion-Focused Therapy

Through collaborative and solution-focused techniques, the therapist actively involves every family member, encouraging shared decision-making and active participation. With this tailored approach, family therapy provides a supportive and transformative environment that promotes healthier relationships, improved communication, and overall family well-being.

Clinical Team

Find a Family Therapist in Columbus Ohio

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Anna Arsham

MSW, LSW
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Catherine Swope

LPCC-S
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Illyssa Sherman

LPCC
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Jacie Okojie

LPC
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John Swope

PhD, MDiv, MS
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Kate Kerscher

Counselor Trainee
Kristina 09 22 e1790089565249

Kristina Wilson

LPC
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Leslie Hansen

LPCC-S
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Peter Juskalian

MSEd, LPCC
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Sanda Gibson

PhD, LPCC-S
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Sherri Grimone

LISW-S
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Tricia Maynard

LISW-S
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Twyla Stanifer

LPC, ACC

Intentional Family Space

Family Therapy Rooms

Testimonials

What Our Counseling & Coaching Clients Say...

Overall Rating 5, 10 reviews on Google

I’ve gone through several counselors and was about ready to give up when a friend referred me to one of the counselors here. My life has truly changed as a result of the help I received. Don’t give up…not all counseling is the same. I just wish I would have called them years ago. The investment I made in myself was well worth every penny.
Anonymous
I met with Brian off and on for about 8 years. Great experience and he helped me develop the mental, emotional and spiritual tools I needed to succeed in life. He also helped me see my relationship with others from a very different perspective. Great experience and he’s been a great counselor through the years.
D.R.