Our Locations
Family therapy, also known as family counseling or couple and family therapy, aims to improve communication and resolve conflicts within families or couples. It is a form of psychotherapy that operates on the premise that family relationships play a role in psychological health and that issues within the family unit can contribute to individual problems. This therapeutic approach views the family as a system with its own dynamics, patterns, and structures and seeks to address problems by exploring and understanding these dynamics. Family therapy is typically provided by a LCSW or licensed therapist with training, experience, and expertise in the area.
One of the fundamental principles of family therapy is that problems often get maintained by dysfunctional patterns of interaction within the family system. These patterns may include communication styles, power dynamics, and roles within the family. Family therapists work to identify these patterns and help family members develop more effective ways of relating to each other. By addressing underlying issues and fostering healthier communication, family therapy can help establish the groundwork for a more functional family unit.
Family therapy offers a way forward when addressing the complex issues that frequently surround situations like divorce, remarriage, parent-child conflicts, sibling rivalry, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Depending on who can participate, family therapy can include all the family members, or just some. In all cases, the aim is to guide the family through the process of understanding and resolving their issues while providing support and encouragement in a safe, non-judgmental space.
One of the key strengths of family therapy is its focus on the interconnectedness of family members and the recognition that changes in one part of the system can have a healthy ripple effect throughout the entire family. By involving all members of the family in the therapeutic process, family therapy can promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration among family members. This collaborative approach can lead to lasting improvements in family relationships and overall well-being.