Welcome to Marriage & Family Therapy Services Hickory Area

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Since 1999, Marriage and Family Therapy Services (MFTS) has been an essential resource to the Hickory-area community. We were the very first (and therefore, we are the oldest) therapy practice in Hickory that employed solely Marriage and Family Therapists and catered specifically to clients seeking expert relationship support. Throughout the years, MFTS has employed a total of 10 therapists and has served hundreds of Hickory-area families, couples and individuals. Liza Shaw is the founder and Practice Director of MFTS. She is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic changed the world in many ways including ushering in the world of online therapy. In April, 2022, after not practicing in the building for more than 2 years, Liza made the difficult decision of selling the building and permanently transitioning to an online therapy practice.  We utilize the HIPAA compliant version of Zoom, which allows clients to link to their therapy session from wherever they are without the hassle of a commute to the office. 

Whether working with more than one client at a time, or individuals, Liza's approach is based on Family Systems Theory, a theory of human behavior that defines the family unit as a complex social system, in which members interact to influence each other's behavior. Family members interconnect, allowing to view the system as a whole rather than as individual elements. This method has been shown to be much more effective, providing longer lasting change than other counseling techniques. Family Systems Theory also helps the therapist have an unbiased perspective about all members of a family system. -- especially useful when working with couples who have highly polarized points of view. Clients report that this unique approach to therapy is highly effective, and MFTS consistently receives 5 star reviews.