Franklin Family Therapy

Franklin MA Family Therapy: Hope for Broken Relationships

Most people have heard the saying, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.” However, even though you don’t get to choose your family members, the amount of love and emotion shared between family members can be very intense. That is why some of the greatest joys and sorrows are exchanged between family members.

We come into this world and immediately become part of a family. The structure and dynamics of this family will influence who we are, what we become and, overall, shape the pattern and direction of our life. Our family shapes our language, customs, ceremonies and the culture that we identify with.

Therefore, when disagreements occur between family members, the level of emotional pain can be very severe. And because one can not exchange family members, an individual who finds him or herself in a confrontation with a family member may feel trapped and helpless. They may often feel powerless to change the situation. Abuse and injustices performed by family members can have long-lasting detrimental effects to our self-image and sense of identity.

Help from a Professional Family Therapist

That is why seeking the help of a professional therapist may be wise in these situations. A trained family therapist or counselor can help identify unhealthy dynamics or patterns of relating within the family structure. While helping to correct this, a family member can also be supportive and seek to meet the needs of each family member. The family therapist offers families a way to adjust unhealth patterns and develop or maintain healthier, more functional ways of relating.

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy and may also be known by other names such as:

  • couple and family therapy,
  • marriage and family therapy,
  • family systems therapy, and
  • family counseling.

What Does Family Therapy Address?

Family therapy deals with intimate relationships and involved analyzing the dynamics between those relationships, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, seeing where current dynamics and patterns are hurting members of that relationship and offer alternative structures or systems that can bring resolution and healing to those relationships. Family therapy also sees the family unit as an important part of an individual’s cognitive and emotional well-being.

There are different types of family therapies. But what they all have in common is a belief that, regardless how the presenting problem originally developed or whether family members consider the problem to be an individual or group issue, involving other family members in the resolution of the issue often benefits everyone involved to contributes to long-lasting results.These results are accomplished through the direct participation of the affected family members. A trained family therapist will have the skills to lead discussions in a way that focuses on the strengths, wisdom, and support of the wider system.

While early beginnings of family therapy tended to define a family in narrow terms, the field has evolved to include a broader concept of family. The family is now more commonly defined in terms of supportive, long-term roles and relationships between people whether or not the family members are by blood or marriage.

What Techniques are used in Family Therapy or Counseling?

Family therapist come from various schools of therapeutic practice and utilize a wide variety of methods and techniques. Types of therapies used may include:

  • Cognitive Therapy;
  • Behavior Therapy;
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy;
  • Interpersonal Therapy; or
  • Various techniques used in Individual Therapy.

The types of treatment used, and the techniques employed will depend on the specific problems presented by individual family members or the group dynamic of the family as a whole. For example, behavioral and/or emotional problems in children are common reasons to visit a family therapist. While the therapist may use behavioral strategies to address these conduct issues, these behaviors do not exist in a vacuum but within the context of a family’s structure.A trained and experienced family therapist will recognize this and develop a treatment plan that not only addresses the behavior but the family dynamics that may be maintaining the behavior.

What Does a Family Counselor Address?

Besides childhood conduct disorders, an experienced counselor will recognize other disorders or issues that may be the by-product of dysfunction systems within the family. These issues may include:

  • Mood Disorders such as depression and anxiety
  • Adolescent Rebellious Behavior
  • Substance abuse
  • LGBTQ issues
  • Domestic violence
  • Infertility
  • Marital conflicts
  • Grieving
  • PTSD
  • Undiagnosed ADHD

In order to treat these and other family issues, therapists must:

  • Observe how each family member interacts within the family unit;
  • Assess patterns of behaviors associated with the presenting problem;
  • Diagnose and treat psychological disorders within a family context;
  • Guide clients through transitional crises such as divorce or death;
  • Identify dysfunctional and conflicting incentive within the family structure;
  • Train family members in effective and constructive communication skills;
  • Help replace dysfunctional behaviors with healthy alternatives.

Help is Available Now

Family therapists at Thriveworks are leaders in their field. They are licensed and trained to deal specifically with the issues in your family and intricacies of relationships within them. You can put their expertise and experience to work for you and your family.

Thriveworks family therapists can help you develop the relationships that support a loving and supportive home life. Whatever the source of the issues in your relationships, everyone involved deserves to be treated with the respect and dignity that a Thriveworks counselor will provide. They also have the skills to help you and your family develop new, healthy ways to deal with problems and learn healthy communication.

Thriveworks does not have a waitlist and appointments are within 24 hours. So, call today at 617-360-7210. Thriveworks marriage counselors can help you and your partner create the healthy, loving, and respectful relationship that you both desire.

Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 18 5 1 18 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Insight and Support

★★★★★
I was pleased with the quick and easy access to services through the Thriveworks website. My own HMO had a long process and wait list during these times of Covid. I chose Jane Eagles to work with because I wanted a mature therapist with lots of experience. She was able to tune right into my situation and my goals for the sessions. She raised great questions for me to consider and always took time to reiterate the main takeaways of our time together. I appreciated her wisdom and clarity as well as her sense of humor.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Opened a New World of Healing

★★★★★
I can't speak any more highly of Thriveworks. Mikkah has truly been such an important person in my life since I started coming to therapy. I was skeptical at first, knowing that "the first therapist you see may not be the right 'fit' for you," but I was lucky enough to have immediately clicked with Mikkah. It took a bit of time for me to really open up and start to dig deep in my own emotion, but Mikkah was so patient and made me feel so comfortable. She truly has helped me identify a lot of different things I was feeling, but couldn't understand why. I originally came to therapy for adult ADD, recommended by my PCP, but I used therapy as a healthy outlet to start talking about things I have experienced that has caused my mental clarity to fog. Mikkah has truly been such a savior in my life and I can't express my gratitude I have for her. She is extremely professional but makes me feel so comfortable talking about literally anything - almost like we've been best friends for years, even though I just met her a few short months ago. I am so happy with how my therapy is going and I always leave a session feeling better than how I went in. Thank you Thriveworks and thank you especially to Mikkah! You are incredible!!
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Thriveworks

★★★★★
Greg has made a difference in my life , he’s very understanding of what I’ve be through, makes suggestions to help me deal with my anxiety and depression. We are very blessed , to have him as our counselor, these past few years .
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Dr Jane Eagles

★★★★★
As a close professional colleague for 20 years I have seen Jane Eagles assist many children, adolescents, and families with a variety of life challenges achieve improved health and well being. Dr Jane Eagles is insightful, knowledgable, kind, patient, and helpful. I highly recommend her.
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Dr. Jane Eagles

★★★★★
Jane is a highly skilled and experienced clinician who has worked with people of all ages. Combined with her empathy, dedication, and respect for those with whom she works, Jane has proven to be extremely effective in helping others work on and achieve their goals. Her professionalism is undisputed and I recommend Jane without any reservation.
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Jane Eagles

★★★★★
Jane is an experienced, dedicated counselor who has worked with all age groups. Her commitment to whomever she is assisting is exemplary. Her professionalism is of the highest quality; compassion, confidentiality and respect are at the forefront. A wonderful counselor who has my personal and professional admiration.
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Jim Gardner helped me immensely

★★★★★
Jim helped me get through a rough patch in my life. He has a lot of wisdom from his past and his experience as a gay man. I came to him crying everyday and mopey, and by the end I had really seen a huge change in my overall mental health. I was not in the area for very long and he was excellent at making sure I got as much as possible from my limited number of sessions. I would absolutely recommend him to people in their early twenties struggling with their transition into adulthood as well as anyone struggling with general anxiety and depression. jó, én hiányozni fogom!
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Honest & Supportive

★★★★★
Jim Gardner helped me through the darkest time in my life. He was direct & honest while being compassionate and supportive. It’s like talking to a life long friend. I felt like I could talk openly without judgement. So thankful for you Jim!
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Patient

★★☆☆☆
I wanted to chat to ask a question regarding insurance, a simple one I thought. The chat time said 2 minutes I waited longer and no response. A little discouraged now on getting a therapist.
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Comfort

★★★★★
Having the pleasure of working with Ralphi, the first word that comes to my mind is comfort. When I think of Ralphi, my heart smiles. She is a talented and experienced therapist who makes every person that comes through her door feel hopeful. I have observed her in action with her clientele, collaborated with her on family therapy, and admire her immense knowledge of the human condition and difficulties. There is always a hopeful path to take in Ralphi's approach to life. Lucky are the clients who have her as their therapist!
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Reviews

★★★★★
I have been seeing JIM Gardner for quite some time. He is a wonderful counselor who listens and cares. He has been a great help to me with many of my family problems and anxiety.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Todd Letitia is a great clinician!

★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Letitia for over 10 years. He is a skilled clinician and offers his patients support and encouragement. He is a dedicated professional who has many years of experience in the field.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Todd

★★★★★
I've had the pleasure of having Todd as a clinical supervisor and he was great!! He's very knowledgeable, insightful and most importantly he loves what he does. He has always been professional and ethical. Wonderful person to work with.
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Todd Letitia

★★★★★
I found Todd to be empathetic, understanding and receptive. He creates an environment where you can confide in someone without the fear of being judged.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Todd Letitia

★★★★★
Todd Letitia is an amazing clinician. He is extremely easy to talk to and makes you feel welcomed from day one.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Dr. Greg Handel

★★★★★
I have experienced Dr. Greg Handel to be a uniquely empathic and sensitive psychologist who brings clarity and hope for the challenges we face in our life journeys. The warmth and confidence that he exemplifies in his interactions distinguish him as a remarkable mental health clinician. All of these positive attributes contribute to the inspiration that allows one to believe that facing challenges and changes is doable. I may not like the thought of changes, but I can see them as less intimidating when reminded of my own strengths and capabilities. Dr. Handel reminds me that although I may need to sharpen them from time to time, I own these tools for success and joy in my life.
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Dr. Gregory Handel

★★★★★
Dr. Gregory Handel exemplifies the dignity and insight into human behavior that is required to provide caring and lasting help for others. His ability to listen and respond, to disstill often complex problems, and to offer a way forward is a welcome and refreshing approach. It can seem daunting today in our fast paced world to cut through the noise and listen to ourselves and our family and friends. Dr. Handel is someone I trust and I've always appreciated the feedback and support he provides.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Dr. Handel – Exceptional Character

★★★★★
Dr. Gregory Handel is not only an exceptional psychologist but is an exceptional human being as well. Always going above and beyond to provide support, care, and love for those in need. This man exemplifies all the right qualities of a counselor, he is patient, listens intently, and is honest, always. No matter what struggle or conflict you may have endure or are enduring, Dr. Greg Handel will always do everything in his power to help you through it. Filled with compassion, empathy, and wisdom, there is no one in the therapeutic industry better qualified.
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 2 Master Dr #1,
    Franklin, MA 02038

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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