Family Therapy

Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. It is usually provided by a psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed therapist. These therapists have graduate or postgraduate degrees and may be credentialed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Family therapy is often short term. It may include all family members or just those able or willing to participate. Your specific treatment plan will depend on your family’s situation. Family therapy sessions can teach you skills to deepen family connections and get through stressful times, even after you have completed your therapy sessions.

Family therapy can help you improve troubled relationships with your partner, children, or other family members. You may address specific issues such as marital or financial problems, the conflict between parents and children, or the impact of substance abuse or a mental illness on the entire family.

Your family may pursue family therapy and other types of mental health treatment, especially if one of you has a mental illness or addiction that also requires additional treatment or rehabilitation treatment.

The involvement of the client’s family is an essential aspect of treatment. Close Family members are encouraged to attend at least one family therapy session. Phone conferences can be arranged for families unable to attend in person. Families are encouraged to participate in the treatment and support their loved ones. Families of clients are encouraged to share concerns.

Families are amazingly resilient in relationship groups. While many of us have enduring trouble with some aspect of our families, past or present, we are part of some form of a family all our lives. Most of us organize our lives around our chosen family’s needs, priorities, goals, and problems. Whatever differences and conflicts we may have with other nations and peoples worldwide, the human family is the way all of us organize.