Family Therapy

What is Family Therapy?

Family and systemic psychotherapy (also known as Family Therapy) can help those in close relationships to better understand and support each other.  All families have their ups and downs, and most must cope with crises from time to time. Usually, people can cope well enough with these difficulties, but sometime things can mount up and feel too much.   

Family therapy helps people in a family or in close relationships to help each other:  

• Improved Communication: Work together to helps families talk more openly and listen more effectively and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely.  

• Better Understanding: Encourages empathy by exploring each member’s experiences and perspectives. It helps families identify their strengths and resources.   

• Conflict Resolution: Supports families in managing disagreements and reducing tension.  

• Stronger Bonds: Builds trust and strengthens relationships through shared problem-solving  

If you would like support for your mental health, contact your school or GP to discuss a referral.

What to expect in Family Therapy…

Sometimes young people may be worried about having a family discussion. However, family therapists are skilled in managing the kind of differences of opinion and stressful feelings which may sometimes be produced by these discussions. To begin with an appointment will be offered to the person who is distressed or unhappy, and will include family members living at home. At the first discussion, further appointments will be arranged in agreement with you all.   

These appointments generally last for an hour or so and take place every two to four weeks. The number of sessions will be agreed with you and your family. The average tends to be around six sessions, but some families find they need less, others find they need more.   

Sometimes the whole family will come to the sessions, sometimes only part of the family.   

You and your family may be seen by a family therapist who is working on his or her own with you. This may be in a CAMHS setting, or may take place in another setting, like your GP surgery. Alternatively, you and your family may be seen by a therapist who is working jointly with another team member in the room.