Dr. Tramaine Presley is a graduate from Wright State University School of Professional Psychology in Dayton, Ohio, where she received her doctorate degree in clinical psychology (Psy.D). She is a dual state (Illinois and Indiana) licensed clinical professional counselor.
Get Started with the Family Therapy Team
If your family is looking for more specialized care, please reach out to us. When contacting our care coordination team, please inform them of your specialized care request.
You may also contact the Client Care Team at 847-733-4300.
Options for Therapy
In-person Therapy
Face to face support in a welcoming and private setting at any one of our four locations.
Teletherapy*
Access expert care from the comfort of your home through secure online sessions. Consider teletherapy if you do not live close to one of our four locations.
Book Online Today! Learn More About How to Get Started
*In order to book a teletherapy appointment, you need to reside in Illinois or be present in the state of Illinois for your sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Therapy
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What is family therapy and how can it help families?
Family therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on improving communication and relationships within a family. It helps families understand each other better, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier ways to cope with challenges together.
What makes The Family Institute’s approach to family therapy different?
We believe that no individual exists in a vacuum; we are all shaped by our relationships. Our systems-oriented approach doesn't just focus on one person’s "challenges," but instead looks at the patterns, history, and connections between family members to create lasting, collective healing.
Who can participate in family therapy?
Family therapy is for anyone who defines themselves as a family—including chosen families, multi-generational households, and co-parents. We celebrate and serve families of all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ families, single-parent households, blended families, and kinship care. At the Family Institute, we define family how you define family.
Whether you are navigating a major life transition or simply want to deepen your connection, any group of people who care for one another can benefit from this collaborative space.
What kinds of issues can family therapy help with?
We help families navigate everything from communication breakdowns and high-conflict dynamics to the impact of trauma, grief, or chronic illness. Our therapists are also experts in supporting families through a variety of issues including but not limited to neurodiversity, identity exploration, and other various life stressors.
What is the difference between family therapy and couples therapy?
While both focus on relationships, the distinction lies in the "center " for the sessions. Couples therapy typically focuses on the romantic relationship intimacy, and the private partnership between two people. Family therapy focuses on the family as a whole—looking at relational dynamics, communication across generations, and how the entire family system functions together.
Often, couples come to us for Parenting Coaching, which sits right in the middle: it’s about strengthening the partnership not just as romantic partners, but as a leadership team for the family. We help you navigate that overlap so you can be a united front for your children while still nurturing your bond with each other.
What happens during the first family therapy session?
The first session is a warm, structured opportunity for your therapist to hear from every person in the room and understand each unique perspective. Our primary goal is to cultivate a safe, neutral space where we can begin to identify your family’s inherent strengths and together, we will establish shared goals for the journey ahead.
How long does family therapy usually last?
The duration is tailored to your family's specific needs and goals; some families find clarity in a few months, while others prefer longer-term support. We focus on ensuring you feel empowered to maintain your progress independently as soon as you're ready.
How do we find the right family therapist?
We take the guesswork out of the process by matching your family with a clinician whose expertise and cultural lens align with your specific needs. Our goal is to pair you with a therapist who makes every member of the family feel seen, heard, and respected.
How do I talk to my partner/kids about starting therapy if they are unsure?
Family therapy is a positive investment in your family’s collective system rather than a response to a "problem." Our approach is not about finding fault in any one person; instead, it is about identifying the patterns that aren't working and finding a better, more supportive rhythm together. By inviting everyone into the conversation, their perspective is seen as a vital piece of the puzzle in strengthening the entire family unit.
What You’ll Get from Family Therapy with The Family Institute
Improved Communication
Gain practical tools for improving communication and expressing needs openly, reducing misunderstandings and fostering connection.
Stronger Family Bond
Develop healthier relationships by learning how to empathize with one another and resolve conflicts constructively.
Conflict Resolution Skills
Learn effective conflict resolution skills to handle disagreements and create lasting peace within the family
Emotional Support and Healing
Get support navigating life changes, from divorce to the blending of families, with a focus on resilience and adaptation
Know When It’s Time for Your Family to See a Therapist
Family therapy can help your loved ones understand relationship dynamics and how they affect responses to both major life changes and everyday tasks. Families often seek therapy when communication becomes difficult, or when a member experiences feelings of anger, sadness, or anxiety.
No matter what stage of life your family is in, therapy can be a powerful step toward fostering understanding, improving relationships, and creating meaningful change.
Other Therapy Services for Families
Individual Therapy
Partner with a dedicated therapist to navigate personal challenges and achieve meaningful growth.
Parent Coaching
Parent coaching is a therapeutic service for parents/caregivers who may experience challenges in navigating their role as parents/caregivers. Parents work one-on-one with a trained clinician, who has expertise in child development and mental health issues, to learn skills and strategies that help to alleviate parental stress.
Couple Therapy
Helping couples at any stage of their relationship creating pathways toward greater understanding and connection.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Helps guide children of all ages through the many challenges of life at home, at school and with friends.
