Family And Couples Psychotherapy

L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD

Psychiatrist located in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA

Family and couples therapy is an invaluable resource that can dramatically improve communication and conflict resolution in your closest relationships. Child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, offers family and couples psychotherapy counseling at his private practice in Los Angeles. To discover the many benefits of family and couples therapy, call to book an appointment today.

Family and Couples Psychotherapy Q & A

What is family therapy?

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on reducing conflict and distress by improving interactions and communication between family members. When offering family therapy, Dr. Willison targets systems and patterns that need to be adjusted rather than problems within the family members themselves.

What is couples therapy?

Also called marriage counseling, couples therapy helps all types of couples to improve their relationships by recognizing and resolving conflicts. Dr. Willison helps couples make mindful decisions about strengthening their relationships or deciding to go their separate ways.

Why would I need family therapy?

Family therapy can improve challenging relationships with your partner, children, or other members of your family. You may want to focus on specific issues, such as conflicts between parents and children.

The effects of mental illness and substance abuse on the entire family are two common reasons that people seek out family therapy. Dr. Willison can help the entire family cope with these issues while continuing to work with the affected individual on a one-on-one basis.

Why would I get couples therapy?

Dr. Willison works with all types of couples, regardless of their marital status or sexual orientation. Some couples seek counseling to strengthen their relationship and achieve a deeper understanding of their partner.

Other times, couples seek therapy for one or more of the following reasons:

  • Communication problems.
  • Conflicts about raising children.
  • Sexual difficulties.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Infidelity issues.

Typically, couples therapy involves both partners. However, one partner may choose to continue working with Dr. Willison on their own to address a specific issue.

What should I expect from family or couples therapy?

Dr. Willison is highly trained in couples and family therapy. During your counseling sessions, you can expect him to teach you skills to strengthen your relationship, including:

  • Healthy communication.
  • Effective problem solving.
  • Exploring family roles and behavior patterns.
  • Expressing emotions in a productive manner.

Couples and family therapy is typically a short-term treatment, though the number of sessions you need depends on your specific situation.

To learn more about solidifying your relationships with family or couples therapy, call the office of L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, to book an appointment today.

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