Family Therapy

Mom talking with adolescent looking at phone

Family Therapy Throughout California

In-Person Sessions Available in Oakland

Family therapy is often the best approach when the stresses and strains of everyday life, a singular traumatic event, or other life changes affect more than one family member. When emotional problems disrupt deeply intertwined lives, family counseling at Blue Sky Psychiatry can help restore balance.

Family Counseling

Family therapy is an active form of therapy that includes meeting with the family as a whole (or several members of the family) to identify themes and resolve conflicts.

Struggles

Often family therapy will arise due to one member’s struggles and symptoms. Family therapy allows the opportunity to observe how the system responds to those struggles. It also allows for examination of cultural and multi-generational expectations and influences.

Solutions

In every family there are often “subsystems” that respond differently under various circumstances. A focus of family therapy is to help integrate the system, clarify roles and expectations (current and generational), and help each member cope most effectively during life transitions.

What Happens in Family Therapy

Illness in the family, divorce, and other losses can disrupt family harmony. But even transitions that are often considered positive —like marriage, the birth of a child, a promotion, or moving closer together—can shift family dynamics in troubling ways. Family therapy provides a supportive space to help families navigate change, strengthen connections, and address stress or emotional challenges together.

Family therapy often begins with one member’s struggles, allowing the family system as a whole to be explored, including cultural and generational influences. Sessions focus on clarifying roles and expectations, improving communication, and fostering collaboration. Through this process, families gain insight, develop healthier ways to cope with change, and work together toward meaningful, lasting solutions.

Common Reasons Families Come to Counseling

Family counseling can help families navigate both expected and unexpected life changes while improving communication and connection. Therapy creates a safe environment where all family members can share their perspectives and work together toward solutions. Sessions are available virtually or in person for flexibility.

Families often seek counseling during situations such as:

  • Marriage or the birth of a child or grandchild
  • Divorce or family separation
  • Illness or death of a family member
  • Job loss or significant financial stress
  • Moving to a new city or country
  • Children struggling in school or with friendships
About Us
Common Reasons Families Come to Counseling

Why is Family Counseling Right for You?

An individual’s struggle with issues such as alcoholism, obesity, drug abuse or depression affects everyone in a household and often beyond. Dr. Joel Crohn brings parents, children and even extended family members into a joint therapy for conflict resolution to foster closer relationships and lasting change.

Start Communicating

Family counseling can open channels of communication to reveal the roots of a person’s conflicts. During the course of therapy, larger family issues are often uncovered and resolved.

Gain Insight

A troubled person may gain insight from the experience of family members who have undergone similar difficulties. Families may also learn how they unwittingly contribute to the problems of a sibling, parent or spouse.

Find Solutions

When conflicts are correctly identified and communicated, families are able to work on solutions together. This teamwork approach strengthens relationships among family members and helps avoid conflicts in the future.

Adjust to Changes in a Safe Place

When single parents marry, blended families can use counseling to ease the process of adjusting in a relaxed environment.

Offering family therapy for clients in:

Bay Area

Piedmont, Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Kensington, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Novato, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Fairfax and elsewhere in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and Marin County

Southern California

Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino, Granada Hills, Malibu, North Hills, Northridge, Oak Park, Pacific Palisades, Reseda, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Simi Valley, Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, Topanga, Van Nuys, West Hills, Westlake Village, Winnetka, Woodland Hills and elsewhere in Los Angeles County and Ventura County

“This important book combines modern social-scientific research and traditional Jewish wisdom to help couples resurrect the buried promises of friendship and responsibility, and the joy of love.”

Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
Author of For Those Who Can’t Believe

“An excellent resource for partners who are seeking to understand the blend of their two cultures…I highly recommend this book.”

Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School.

Patient Testimonials

Joel Crohn, the author of Mixed Matches is in private practice here in the east bay.. He is truly an expert at interfaith therapy.

Berkeley Parents Network Berkeley, California

Joel Crohn makes us laugh and then cry over the misunderstandings that develop in cross-cultural relationships–and then provides useful guidelines for couples to work out their relationships.

Monica McGoldrick, MSW Director of the Multicultural Family Institute.

Mixed Matches offers good advice for dealing with family members & friends when marrying someone of a different race or culture. The book is a must read for any individual involved in or considering a relationship/marriage with someone of a different race. Keep it as a guide. I love it.

D. Dominguez Amazon Review

Beyond the Chuppah is a much needed book that combines proven research on marital relationships with special insights on Jewish belief systems and very sound in terms of what really helps couples save and improve their marriages…this book is a lifesaver and truly a mitzvah.

Celia Falicov, Ph.D. Past President of American Family Therapy Academy

Dr. Joel Crohn is really good. At least call him and talk to him. He's good with teens and with families. Berkeley Parents Network

Berkeley Parents Network Berkeley, California