Paula L. Casey, M.A., LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist - Art Therapist - Bellingham, WA
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What is Family Therapy?
 
The unit of treatment isn't just the person - even if only a single person is seen - it is the set of relationships in which the person is involved.

 

It is brief, solution-focused, specific with attainable goals, and designed with the "end in mind."

 

Research indicates that Marriage and family therapy is as effective, and in some cases, more effect than individual treatments for many problems such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mood disorders
  • Substance Abuse
  • Conduct disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Autism
  • Marital and family conflict

 Marriage/couples and family therapy requires less time than individual treatment. About half of the treatment is one-on-one; the other half is divided between couple and family therapy.

 
Family Therapy:
Supporting healthy and happy families.
 
Paula L. Casey, M.A.
6424 Campbell Lake Rd
Anacortes, WA 98221
360-927-8363
e-mail: paulacasey@pcasey.com

The Family as a System

 

 

The family's patterns of behavior influence the individual, and can do so throughout their lives. These patterns can, and often do, persist into future generations.

 

Treating the individual within the context of the greater system can change the dynamics of the system for current and future generations.

 

Today, more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists treat individuals, children, couples and families nationwide.

 

This growth is a result of renewed public awareness of the value of family life and concern about the increased stresses on families in a rapidly changing world.

 

 Who are Family Therapists?

 

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are professionals with master's level training in psychotherapy and family systems.

 

Their professional training includes diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems.

 

MFTs broaden the emphasis on the individual to attend to the role of individuals in primary relationships.

 

MFTs take a holictic approach to health care; they are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.

  

Why use a Family Therapist?

 

Research demonstrates the effectiveness of marriage & family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems.

 

Consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals they would most likely recommend to friends.

 

After treatment, almost 90% report an improvement in their emotional health, and nearly two-thirds report improvement in their overall physical health.

 

Over 75% report improvement in their relationships. Parents report their child's behavior improved in 73.7% of the cases.