What is family therapy?

Family therapy is a type of group psychotherapy with the goal of helping family members better communicate, understand and support one another. A “family” is considered a group of people who care about each other and can look different for everyone. A family can include, but is not limited to, parents and children, couples, grandparents, siblings, close friends and/or caregivers.

Family therapy can be beneficial when one family member’s problems are affecting the entire family, or when the family dynamic is contributing to a family member’s problem.

What does family therapy involve?

Family therapy provides a safe space for families to communicate and work through difficult problems. If necessary, the family therapist might meet with family members together and separately. Family therapy involves developing healthy boundaries, improving communication, building trust and understanding, facilitating problem-solving, and reducing conflict.

These goals may be accomplished by encouraging family members to share their experiences, values, beliefs, hopes and needs while also listening to those experiences of other family members; by reducing blame; by helping family members understand how their actions impact the family unit; and encouraging family members to work together to create positive change.

What types of issues can family therapy resolve?

  • Strained relationships with partners, children or other family members

  • Marital issues including parenting or divorce/separating

  • Concerns about children

  • A family member’s mental illness or substance use affecting the entire family