Family Therapy

Family differs from Individual Therapy in that the family members present are there to support the identified problem or person in such a way that allows the family relationship to become stronger and function effectively even if one or more members are struggling or acting out.  It can also be defined as a “Type of psychotherapy designed to identify family patterns that contribute to a behavior disorder or mental illness and help family members break those habits. Family therapy involves discussion and problem-solving sessions with the family. “

It is usually expected or requested that parents, children, siblings, and anyone else involved in the presenting problem be present for as many sessions as possible. Some activities that may be done in family therapy include conflict resolution discussions, worksheets or handouts with information on communication and other relational skills, person-to-person conversation with the therapist as the facilitator, and team-building games or activities. Family therapists can assist with the following issues:

• Conflicts among family members
• Mental illness in a family member
• Problems with money or conflicts concerning money
• School issues Difficulties between siblings
• Problems with children’s behavior
• Caring for a special-needs family member
• Concerns for extended family members
• A sick family member or a death in the family
• Infidelity
• Divorce or separation
• How to Plan for Shared Child Custody