Is Family Therapy Right For You?

Guest Blog By Marsha Evans, LPC

When it comes to individual therapy, I recommend finding a somatic therapist in San Francisco, or a dance therapist, to help on your healing path. But what if the problems are part of a system? We all grow up in families and our unique family system definitely shapes our mental health. Whether you are trying to address mental health as a new parent or trying to understand the family you came from, family therapy may be a good fit. I asked Marsha Evans, LPC, a practicing family therapist, some questions about family therapy to help readers understand what its benefits are and the role family therapy can play in supporting growth and change. Read below to find out more!

When is it a good idea to meet with a family therapist?

Meeting with a family therapist early on can be crucial. Parenting is challenging, and having a guide to help navigate the complexities of family dynamics as they evolve is invaluable. It's essential to acknowledge each family member's individuality within the family unit.

Why did you choose to be a family therapist in DC?

I chose to focus on family therapy because I believe that many individual issues stem from family interactions. I often wonder how different the world would be if family therapy were a standard practice for all families.

What kind of treatment do you provide?

I specialize in family constellation work, root cause therapy, and holistic psychotherapy, all aimed at illuminating and addressing family dynamics.

Do you have a specific approach when working with families?

My approach begins with understanding the family's personality as a whole. I start with a session that includes everyone, then focus on the parents to explore their upbringing and the beliefs about family they’ve carried into adulthood.

Is family therapy only available when all other options have been exhausted?

Absolutely not. Family therapy can be a starting point for many families to ensure all voices are heard and understood, sometimes even before issues escalate.

What can a family expect to leave with after working with you?

Families can expect to gain a deeper understanding, improved communication, and insight into family patterns that have been passed down. We work together to address and amend unhealthy dynamics.

How long have you been working as a family therapist?

I have been working with families for over 15 years.

Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?

My favorite clients are those who open up their world to me. They treat me as a guest and share insights into their lives, revealing underlying influences on their familial and social interactions.

What happens during a first appointment with you?

The first appointment is a consultation to gauge if clients are ready to commit to the process and feel comfortable working with me. We then create a genogram to understand the family dynamics spanning three generations.

What do you wish more people knew about family therapy?

I wish people understood that they carry both healthy and unhealthy dynamics from past generations. Recognizing these patterns can profoundly influence how they interact within their families today.

How can people learn more and contact you?

Visit my YouTube channel, MarshaListens, or my website at www.willowtreecounselingcenter.com.

What's one fun thing about you that most people don't know?

I love to laugh—it brings peace to my soul. Even when I'm feeling sad, upset, or disappointed, finding humor in a situation can change my entire outlook.