Family Therapy
Are you experiencing any of the following?
- Changes in the family unit (i.e. divorce, separation, or blending families)
- Severe mental health issues affecting the family
- Grief and loss affecting the family (i.e. death of a loved one, complicated grief)
- Addiction and recovery affecting the family
- Abuse affecting the family (physical, verbal, sexual or other)
- Chronic conflict and communication breakdown
- Parenting challenges
- Sibling rivalry
- Estrangement
Did you notice any of the following changes?
Acting out among family members
Chronic tensions and conflict
Resentment and Anger
Guilt and shame
Emotional distance
Difficulty repairing old wounds
Unhappiness or dissatisfaction within the family
If so, you and your family might benefit from therapy.
How does family therapy works?
Upon booking an appointment with the therapist best suited to your needs, we meet with you and your family together for an initial 50 minute session. During this appointment, we establish a therapeutic rapport with you and your family, and observe your natural interactions.
A treatment plan is then formulated out of which future sessions are designed, and for each session thereafter, clinical interventions are utilized in service of meeting the established treatment goals.
Meeting weekly is our recommended frequency for beginning the process. Meeting in-person is our recommended mode for conducting adult therapy.
What happens in a family therapy session?
Seated in comfortable sofas on a private office floor, we meet with the family initially for 2-3 sessions to hear the family’s perspectives on what areas need changing. We will first aim to establish a safe, non-judgmental environment for all family members to express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Psychodynamic principles guide us to explore the deeper, unconscious emotional patterns and unresolved conflicts that may be influencing current family dynamics. We will help family members identify how past relationships and early family experiences, including attachment styles, may be affecting their interactions today. This can involve uncovering hidden emotional wounds, old family roles, and unspoken beliefs that shape behaviors, often leading to miscommunication or conflict.
Simultanously, we will utilize CBT techniques to identify and address negative thought patterns, faulty beliefs, and maladaptive behaviors within the family system. Our family systems orientation will focus on the overall structure and roles within the family, helping family members see how they are all interconnected and how dysfunctional patterns—like triangulation or unhealthy boundaries—are perpetuated. By addressing these dynamics, we foster understanding, promote healthier communication, and guide the family toward building stronger, more supportive relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
You have questions, we have answers
The duration of family therapy can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the issues being addressed, as well as the goals of the family. Generally, family therapy lasts between 8 to 20 sessions, though some families may need more or fewer sessions.
Ultimately, the length of family therapy will be discussed between the therapist and the family, and adjustments will be made as the family works through challenges and achieves their therapeutic goals. It is important for families to feel comfortable with the pace and feel that they are making meaningful progress toward healthier dynamics.
Confidentiality in family therapy is a crucial aspect, but it can be more complex than in individual therapy due to the involvement of multiple family members. The therapist typically outlines confidentiality expectations at the start, emphasizing that what is shared in therapy is generally kept private, but with certain exceptions. For example, if a family member discloses harm to themselves or others, or if child or elder abuse is revealed, the therapist is legally obligated to report it, regardless of confidentiality. Additionally, therapists must maintain neutrality and fairness, ensuring all family members feel safe and heard, while also respecting individual privacy. Informed consent is usually obtained, ensuring all family members understand the limits of confidentiality and their rights. The therapist also works to balance transparency within the family system while protecting each member’s personal disclosures, and if minors are involved, the therapist must navigate confidentiality with care, often involving parents or guardians. Ultimately, confidentiality is managed thoughtfully to create a safe, supportive space for healing, while also adhering to legal and ethical obligations.
Termination of family therapy occurs when the family has achieved its goals or mutually agrees to conclude the process. The therapist reviews progress, highlights changes in family dynamics, and reinforces positive coping strategies. During this time, the family reflects on their journey, celebrates successes, and discusses how to manage future challenges independently. The therapist may offer closure, provide additional resources, and ensure the family feels empowered to continue their healing and growth beyond therapy. In a faith-based context, this might also include spiritual support or prayers for continued strength.
