Family and systemic psychotherapy, also known as family therapy, supports individuals in close relationships by helping them better understand and care for one another. This therapeutic approach assists people experiencing psychological difficulties by identifying and mobilising the strengths within their relationships. The aim is to reduce distressing symptoms and develop alternative, more helpful ways of engaging with those closest to them.
Families can be complex, with each member thinking and communicating in different ways. Within a family, individuals may have different ideas, emotions, concerns, and strengths. Life changes, such as illness, unemployment, moving home or school, the arrival of new family members, divorce, ageing, bereavement, or trauma can create significant stress. While some families adapt to change independently, others may find it more challenging or feel stuck in repeating patterns of distressing or harmful behaviours.
Family therapy can be beneficial for families and relationships facing difficulties such as mental or physical illness, anxiety, depression, bereavement, eating disorders, family conflict, school-related struggles, trauma, cultural adjustments, or the impact of receiving a diagnosis such as ADHD or autism. It can also support families recovering from the effects of domestic violence, addiction, separation, adoption, fostering, or other significant life transitions.
The team will work collaboratively with the young person and their family to decide who would be most appropriate to attend the first session. In some cases, it may be helpful for parents/carers to have an initial conversation to discuss the challenges, difficulties, and experiences they are facing. At times, a young person may feel reluctant to attend because they do not believe there is a problem. In such instances, the team will arrange to meet with parents/carers, or other family members to explore relationship dynamics and work towards ensuring the young person’s voice is heard and their perspective is included in the process.
Family therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where family members can openly discuss their difficulties. The goal is to help individuals understand and support one another by building on their strengths and abilities. Through meaningful conversations, family members are encouraged to share difficult thoughts and emotions, gain insight into each other’s perspectives, and develop a greater appreciation of one another’s needs. This process encourages new ways of communicating and working together to create positive changes in their relationships and daily lives.
There is no fixed number of family therapy sessions. Typically, up to four sessions are offered initially, followed by a review to assess progress and determine whether the discussions are addressing the family’s needs. Family therapy is not always a weekly intervention; sessions may take place fortnightly, every three weeks, or monthly. This structure allows time for reflection and enables families to practise new communication strategies or introduce new ways of interacting between sessions. In some cases, where difficulties are more complex, families may require longer-term support to explore and implement solutions that work best for them, in these instances regular reviews will take place.
Family therapists offer a combination of individual parent sessions and family meetings. They can also work with couples to help improve their relationship, enhance mutual understanding, and establish a deeper, stronger connection.
