What to expect.

Family therapy typically brings several family members together for therapy sessions, however, family members may also see a family therapist individually. Sessions typically take about 50 minutes to an hour to complete and treatment can often be completed in about 10-12 sessions. However, how often you meet and the number of sessions you’ll need will depend on your family’s particular situation and need, as well as the therapist’s recommendation.

During family therapy, a therapist will facilitate sessions and observe the family’s ability to express thoughts and emotions, problem solve, and work together as a whole unit. During sessions, the therapist might explore family strengths, weaknesses, roles, and behavior patterns in order to better identify the conflict occurring. They will then work with the family to help them overcome and work through problems that arise.

What are the benefits of Family Therapy? 

Families can benefit from therapy when they experience any stressful event that may strain their relationships with each other, such as a traumatic event, financial hardship, divorce, or the death of a loved one. In addition, it can be effective in treating individual mental health symptoms or diagnoses that impact the family as a whole, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and eating disorders. Family therapy can also help address everyday concerns, like communication problems, conflict, or behavioral problems in children and adolescents.

Family counseling improves communication and collaboration among family members so they can work together to solve the problems they are facing. As the family uncovers the source of the issue causing conflict, they can learn to support each other and collaboratively work through it.