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

Frequently Asked Questions

Family therapy often raises questions, especially when you’re exploring support for your family, relationships, or household dynamics. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about our family therapy services, helping you understand what to expect and how to take the first step toward healthier communication and stronger connections.

1. What Is Family Therapy And How Does It Work?

Family therapy is a form of counseling that helps family members improve communication, strengthen relationships, and work through challenges together. Sessions focus on understanding family dynamics, identifying unhealthy patterns, and developing healthier ways to interact and support one another.

2. What Types Of Family Challenges Can Family Therapy Help Address?

Family therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, including communication problems, parent-child conflicts, divorce or separation, blended family adjustments, grief and loss, behavioral issues, mental health challenges, life transitions, and ongoing family tension.

3. Who Should Attend Family Therapy Sessions?

The participants depend on your family's unique situation and goals. Parents, children, siblings, and other family members may be invited to attend. Your therapist will help determine who should participate to create the most productive and supportive environment.

4. What Happens During A Typical Family Therapy Session?

During a session, family members have the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive setting. The therapist guides discussions, helps identify patterns of interaction, and teaches strategies to improve communication, understanding, and problem-solving.

5. Is Family Therapy Confidential?

Yes. Family therapy sessions are confidential, with certain legal and ethical exceptions related to safety concerns or mandatory reporting requirements. Your therapist will explain confidentiality policies during your initial appointment.

6. Do You Offer Virtual Or In-person Family Therapy Sessions?

We offer both virtual and in-person family therapy sessions whenever possible. This flexibility allows families to choose the option that best fits their schedules, comfort levels, and accessibility needs.

7. Can Family Therapy Help Improve Communication And Resolve Conflicts?

Absolutely. One of the primary goals of family therapy is to improve communication and help family members navigate disagreements in healthier ways. Families often learn practical tools for listening, expressing emotions, setting boundaries, and resolving conflicts constructively.

8. How Do I Know If My Family Could Benefit From Therapy?

If your family is experiencing frequent conflict, communication difficulties, emotional distance, major life changes, or challenges that seem difficult to resolve on your own, family therapy may be beneficial. Seeking support early can help prevent issues from becoming more disruptive over time.

9. How Long Does Family Therapy Typically Last?

The length of therapy varies based on your family's goals, concerns, and progress. Some families benefit from a few focused sessions, while others choose ongoing support to address more complex or long-term challenges.

10. What Cities Do You Serve For Family Therapy Services?

We provide family therapy services for individuals and families throughout Walnut Creek, Dublin, and surrounding East Bay communities. Virtual therapy options may also be available for clients throughout California.

We provide compassionate family therapy in Oakland, CA, helping families improve communication, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges together. Our experienced therapists offer personalized, evidence-based support for families facing conflict, major life transitions, parenting concerns, blended family dynamics, and other relationship challenges. Through a collaborative approach, we help family members build understanding, develop healthier interactions, and create a stronger foundation for lasting connection and well-being.

Blue Sky Psychiatry provides compassionate family therapy in Santa Monica, CA with evidence-based support for communication challenges, parenting stress, conflict resolution, and mental health concerns. In-person and telehealth therapy available throughout California.

Compassionate Family Therapy in Los Angeles, CA from Blue Sky Psychiatry. Evidence-based counseling, telehealth options, and personalized support for healthier family relationships.