Family Therapy in Brooklyn, New York

Doctoral-level psychologists helping Brooklyn families navigate conflict, rebuild connection, and move forward together.

psychiatrist in Brooklyn NY

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, family therapy is specific to every family.

 

No two families arrive with the same dynamics, the same history, or the same definition of what needs to change. Our psychologists don't come in with a predetermined plan. They take time to understand each member individually before working with the group - and build the treatment around what the family actually needs.

 

Family Therapy for Brooklyn Residents Who Want Real Change


Since 2013, Williamsburg Therapy Group has provided family therapy to Brooklyn residents across Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and the wider borough. Every psychologist on our team holds a doctoral degree - PhD or PsyD - and is licensed to practice in New York State.

Brooklyn families come in all configurations - blended households, multigenerational homes, families navigating cultural and generational identity conflicts, families under the strain of major transitions. Over 2.8 million adults in New York are living with a mental health condition. When one person in a family is struggling, the whole system feels it. Our team is trained to work with the family as a unit - not just the individual presenting the problem..

 
Modern therapy office with a leather couch, marble coffee table, and large windows overlooking the city

What Working With Us Actually Looks Like

Family therapy requires a particular kind of clinical skill - holding multiple perspectives in the room at once, without taking sides, while still moving the work forward. Our psychologists are trained to do exactly that.

Before the First Session: Free Consultation

You'll speak with our patient coordinator before anything else. They'll learn about your family's situation and match you with the psychologist whose training and approach align with what your family is dealing with - not just whoever has availability.

First Session: Building Your Foundation

The first session brings all participating family members together. Each person gets space to be heard - their perspective, their experience, their version of events. The psychologist's job at this stage isn't to arbitrate but to understand the full picture and begin building trust with every person in the room.

At WTG, we typically take time to meet with each family member individually at least once at the start of treatment. This gives the psychologist a clearer picture of each person's inner world before working with the group together.

Ongoing Sessions: Working Toward Your Goals

Sessions draw from structural family therapy - to help rebalance roles and establish healthier boundaries - and attachment-based approaches, to repair trust and safety between family members. The configuration of who attends may shift as treatment progresses, depending on what the work calls for. Sessions run 45-50 minutes.



"Family therapy is a commitment - often powerful and painful in equal measure. The families who get the most from it are the ones who stay with the process even when it's uncomfortable."
 

Common reasons families come to therapy at WTG

 

Family therapy works best when the whole system is willing to look honestly at itself. Research shows that 70-80% of families who engage consistently in family therapy report meaningful positive outcomes.

 

Communication Breakdown

When family members have stopped being able to talk to each other - or talk past each other constantly - the patterns underneath need to be named before anything can shift. We help families identify what's really being said, and what isn't.

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 Parent-Child Conflict

Persistent tension between parents and children - particularly adolescents - is one of the most common reasons families seek help. We work with both sides to understand what's driving the conflict and what changes are needed across the whole system.

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Blended Family Dynamics

Bringing two families together under one roof is rarely as straightforward as it looks. Our psychologists help blended families navigate loyalty conflicts, boundary setting, and the slow work of building genuine connection.

 Life Transitions

Divorce, relocation, bereavement, a new sibling - major changes destabilize even strong family systems. Our psychologists help families absorb disruption without it becoming lasting damage.

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 Generational Trauma

Patterns inherited from previous generations shape how families communicate, attach, and conflict - often without anyone realizing it. We help families identify these patterns and interrupt them before they pass further down.
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 Multigenerational Households

When multiple generations live under one roof, competing needs, values, and expectations create friction. Our psychologists help families find a structure that works for everyone without anyone feeling unheard.

 Adolescent Struggles

Teenagers push against family systems by design. When that push tips into crisis - school refusal, withdrawal, or self-harm - our psychologists work with the whole family, not just the young person.

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 Substance Use in the Family

When addiction affects one member of a family, it affects all of them. We work with families to understand the impact, set meaningful limits, and support both the individual and the system around them.

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 Cultural Identity Conflicts

When family members navigate different cultural identities - across generations or between communities - it can create tension that's hard to name and harder to resolve. Our psychologists help families find common ground without asking anyone to abandon who they are.

You don't need to be at breaking point to come to family therapy. Many families come in because they can sense something shifting - and they'd rather address it before it becomes a crisis.
 

Common Questions About the Process

Meet Our Family Therapists in Brooklyn

 

Our Brooklyn office is home to experienced therapists who specialize in family therapy. Each therapist holds active New York State licensure and brings unique expertise to their practice.

Dr. Shira Schuster, PhD

Dr. Shira Schuster, PhD

Licenced Psychologist

Dr. Schuster is a clinical psychologist providing family therapy in English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Italian. Licensed in NY and NJ, she offers culturally attuned, evidence based care for families facing addiction, trauma, mental illness, and life transitions, supporting growth, resilience, and deeper understanding within the family system.

Dr. Alexandra Schira, PsyD

Dr. Alexandra Schira, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Schira is a licensed clinical psychologist at Williamsburg Therapy Group providing family therapy. She works with families around early childhood concerns, anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, and parenting, using a collaborative and in depth approach to strengthen communication, understanding, and healthy family dynamics.

Amanda Salerno, PsyD

Amanda Salerno, PsyD

Post Doctoral Psychologist

Dr. Amanda Salerno is a licensed psychologist providing family therapy with a relational, inclusive approach. She works with families facing trauma, OCD, eating disorders, and major life transitions, while supporting identity development and communication, with a strong commitment to Latino, immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities.

Kaori Kato, PsyD

Kaori Kato, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Kato is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York and New Jersey with over 20 years of experience providing family therapy. She uses CBT, neuropsychological insight, and integrative care to support families facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and other cognitive and developmental challenges.

Dr. Daniel Selling, PsyD

Dr. Daniel Selling, PsyD

Founder/Director

Dr. Selling is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Williamsburg Therapy Group who provides family therapy focused on practical, results driven care. Drawing on experience across private practice and public systems, he helps families improve communication, resolve conflict, and build more stable, supportive relationships.

Dr. Lianna Trubowitz, PsyD

Dr. Lianna Trubowitz, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist (Virtual Only)

Dr. Lianna Trubowitz is a licensed clinical psychologist providing family therapy for families experiencing emotional disconnection and relational challenges. She treats anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, and integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy to strengthen attachment, improve communication, and foster deeper, more secure family bonds.


Why Brooklyn Families Choose Williamsburg Therapy Group

  • Trusted by the Brooklyn community since 2013
  • Doctoral-level psychologists and psychiatrists only - PhD and PsyD
  • 50+ clinicians on staff
  • Specialists in Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • LGBTQ+ affirming and multiculturally competent practice
  • Evening and weekend appointments available
  • Select post-docs accept insurance
  • Free initial consultation and careful therapist matching
Illustration of two people shaking hands with a signed document in the background, symbolizing trust and agreement

Visit Our Office in Brooklyn

Our Brooklyn office is located at 109 N 12th St, Suites 503, 507, 701 & 702, in the heart of Williamsburg. We're easily accessible from Manhattan and all Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Getting Here:

Subway: L train to Bedford Ave (5-minute walk)
Bus: B62, B32 stops nearby
Parking: Street parking available; parking garage
The office is on the 5th floor of a modern building with elevator access
 

Our Therapists in Leading Publications

Our doctoral-level psychologists are recognized experts in their fields, regularly consulted by leading national and international publications for their clinical insights. When major media outlets need expert perspectives on mental health, they turn to our Brooklyn-based team.

 

Dr. Phoebe Shepherd quoted on the psychology of why we get "the ick"

Read Article →

time logo
 

Dr. Selling was interviewed about workplace mental health trends

Read Article →

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Dr. Selling was interviewed about parenting a young child

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WTG-CNN-Logo

Additional Publications

New York Post  |  SELF  |  WebMD

 

 
 

Other areas of expertise.

 

Feeling better is closer than you think

We are here to help you no matter where you are at emotionally and want to pair you with a professional that cares and can help.

Book an Appointment

Williamsburg Therapy Group Office with couch

How Insurance and Payment Work for Brooklyn Residents

 

We are an out-of-network provider, with select post-doctoral therapists accepting United Healthcare and Aetna plans. Brooklyn patients with out-of-network benefits can file reimbursement claims at no cost through Reimbursify, which handles the entire process from submission to payment.

Our patient coordinator will verify your coverage and explain expected costs before your first session.

 
 
 

Common Questions About Family Therapy in Brooklyn

What Our Clients Say About WTG Family Therapy

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“Dr. Shira Schuster has been incredibly supportive for our family. She helped us improve communication, understand each other better, and work through challenges that had been building for years.” - Daniel H., Brooklyn resident

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“Dr. Lianna Trubowitz has been a huge help for our family. She guided us through difficult conversations and helped us better understand each other, which made a real difference in how we connect day to day.” - Melissa R., Brooklyn resident

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“This group is great. Particular shout out to my therapist, Dr. Ben-Am, who is one of the best therapists I've seen. I feel like she really gets me and I always leave sessions with so much more clarity.” - Abby W., Brooklyn resident

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“Dr. Sarah Song created a space where we both felt comfortable right away. Her approach is warm, grounded, and effective, and we’ve already noticed positive shifts in how we communicate.” – Nicole P., Brooklyn resident


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“Amanda Salerno has been amazing for our family. She created a space where everyone felt heard, and helped us work through ongoing challenges in a way that finally brought us closer together.” - Karen M., Brooklyn resident

 

Take the First Step Toward Change

Stronger family relationships begin with one step. Our Brooklyn therapists are ready to help — and most families are seen within one week.

  1. Schedule Your Free Consultation
    • 15-minute call with our patient coordinator
    • We'll match you with the right Brooklyn therapist
  1. Call Us Directly
  1. Book Online
    • Browse therapist profiles and book your preferred appointment

Other Therapy Services We Offer in Brooklyn

Child

Watercolor illustration of a child playing with building blocks and a stuffed bunny toy

Child

Give your child the support they need to overcome life’s challenges with strength, resilience, and compassion for self and others. Our caring team is ready to meet your child where they are and help them skillfully navigate the road ahead.

Couples

Watercolor illustration of a cozy three-seat couch with a plant and clock on a side table

Couples

Create a more peaceful and harmonious family dynamic with family therapy. Learn how to skillfully manage communication breakdowns, conflict, and life transitions while building empathy and understanding.

Individual

Watercolor illustration of a cozy armchair with a plant, representing a calm and welcoming therapy space

Individual

Individual therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is the process of meeting one-on-one with a provider to address different struggles.

 

LGBTQ+ Therapy

Watercolor illustration of a cozy armchair with a plant, representing a calm and welcoming therapy space

LGBTQ+ Therapy

Find the right therapist to support you on your journey of personal growth and healing. Whatever obstacles you’re facing, our integrated team is here to support you every step of the way with compassionate, individualized care.

 

About Williamsburg Therapy Group

Founded in 2013, Williamsburg Therapy Group is a mental health collective that provides the very best comprehensive mental healthcare to the Brooklyn community. We have thoughtfully curated a team of over 50 multidisciplinary doctors so that you can come to one place for most of your mental healthcare needs. We select only the most highly trained doctor-level therapists who are warm, professional, relatable, and proactive as they work with you.

 

Additional Resources

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Feeling better is closer than you think.

We are here to help you no matter where you are at emotionally and want to pair you with a professional that cares and can help.

 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Williamsburg Therapy Group Office and Chair