Healthy and happy families can be some of the most enriching relationships in someone’s life. However, most families are not healthy or happy all the time. Families are impacted negatively by changing financial situations, new children, death and loss, divorce, and many more challenges. Walking alongside families through difficulty is an integral part of our work at Biltmore Psychology and Counseling. Family Counseling is available to all types and forms of families, as it is rare to find two families that are alike.
Our psychologists and counselors often apply Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) techniques in conjunction in working with families. EFT method has been found to be effective in helping families in distress recover and grow even after counseling has ended.
Every counselor at Biltmore Psychology and Counseling brings a holistic understanding of family dynamics to his or her practice, and all of our counseling services are applicable for LGBT families and communities.
Example Topics for Family Counseling:
Teletherapy & Video Counseling Sessions Available
Biltmore Psychology and Counseling offers teletherapy sessions as a way to participate in counseling without needing to be physically present at our office.
Request Appointment or Contact Us Below
Fill out the form below or call us at (480) 999-7070 for a free 10 minute consultation on how we can help.
Family Counseling FAQ
When Should You Seek Family Counseling?
Family therapy can be a helpful approach to almost any area of distress, conflict, or mental health concern. Yet, most commonly, people will keep family counseling for the following reasons:
- Parent-Child Conflict
- Sibling Conflict
- Support after a Traumatic Event
- Loss of Another Family Member
- Planning for an Aging Parent or Medical Issue
- Blended Family Dynamics and Step-Parenting
- Co-Parenting
- Behavioral or Mood Difficulties in a Child
- Communication Difficulties with Adult Children
- Politics and Family
- Parenting through Divorce
Learn more reasons why people seek family therapy.
What Can I Expect From Family Counseling?
For the first session, the family usually meets with their therapist together to discuss the family history, current challenges, unsuccessful attempts to heal, and the goals for therapy. The therapist will provide feedback on the strengths that he or she sees in the family and will propose a treatment plan.
In the following sessions, the therapist may meet with each person individually to gather a more in-depth personal history. Family counselors will usually state there are no secrets in family counseling. Any information shared in an individual session cannot be kept secret from the other family members.
Learn More: How to Prepare for Family Counseling Sessions
How Long Does Family Counseling Last?
By definition, short-term counseling is considered to be 12 sessions so most family counseling lasts between 12-24 sessions.
Factors that predict success and length of session:
- Timing – How recently was the injury or change to the family. Since time does not heal all wounds but instead causes them to fester, the greater the length of time between the incident and counseling, the greater the recovery.
- Motivation – Highly motivated family are usually able to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances and may be able to do so in substantially fewer sessions.
- Fit – Finding a therapist that the family connects with and feels understood by is key to a more brief and efficient therapy.
Will You Always See Us as a Family, or Will You Ever See Us Individually?
Most therapists will see each person individually for one session to gather a more in-depth personal history. Beyond this initial individual session, the future individual session will depend on the goals outlined. It is important to note that there are no secrets in family counseling, meaning that information shared individually cannot remain confidential from the other family members.
Can We Bring Our Child who Under the Age of 18 Into Our Family Sessions?
Each family has its own unique dynamic, structure and history. It is important that the family members that are committed to counseling are a consistent part of the counseling process. However, many topics may not be appropriate for childern under the age of 18. Therefore, BPC recommends that you discuss your situation directly with your therapist in the first session to determine if the participation of your minor childern is appropriate.
Does Insurance Cover Family Counseling?
Our office is out-of-network, so we do not accept insurance directly. However, if your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, we can provide you with a receipt so that you can bill your insurance directly.
Depending on the individual insurance plan, many will be reimbursed for a percentage of their payment. To determine if you have out-of-network mental health coverage, contact your insurance and ask about whether your plan includes out-of-network mental health coverage. Feel free to contact our office at (480) 999-7070 with any questions.
How Much Does Family Counseling Cost?
Each family has their own specific reason for coming to family counseling. So, the price for family counseling sessions vary, depending on the family’s needs. If you have questions about pricing, please contact our offices for pricing: (480) 999-7070
Meet our Team
DR. MELISSA ESTAVILLO, PsyD
Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
Practice Areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD / Trauma, Grief, Spiritual Integration, Medical Counseling
DR. AUDREY SESSIONS, PsyD
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.S. Mental Health Counseling, Walden University
Practice Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Emotional Regulation, LGBTQ+, Race-Based Stress, Military and Veteran-Related Issues, General Mental Health, Couples Counseling, Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion, Mindfulness
SUSAN SELF, LPC
M.S. Counseling and Human Services, University of Toledo
B.S. Psychology, Bowling Green State University
Practice Areas: Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling, Parenting, General Counseling, Anxiety and Depression, Individual Therapy, Career Decisions, Caring for Aging Relatives, Life Changes, Work/Life Stressors
NICOLE ELLIOTT, LPC
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Practice Areas: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt), Depression, Disability Counseling, Existential Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Gerontological Counseling, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling, Mindful Self-Compassion (Msc)
ELIZABETH FELIX, LPC
M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University
Practice Areas: Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief, Life Transitions, Women’s Focused Issues, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Depression, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling, Faith-based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling
HEATHER WHEELER, LCSW
Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University
B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University
Specialties: Anxiety, CBT, Depression, Grief Counseling, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ+, Mindfulness, Family Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Women-Focused Issues/New Mothers Counseling, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Our Location in Phoenix, AZ
We’re here for you.
Our family counselors apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ.
A 10-min consultation can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you. Call us today for a free phone consultation.
