Family Psychotherapy

An image of a mother and daughter connection through family psychotherapy

Family therapy with Purposeful Change

Family psychotherapy is therapy with loved ones and can help improve communication and resolve conflicts. It can help be particularly helpful at helping members to move past a painful conflict or to resolve challenges occuring in the family dynamic. Family psychotherapy is a good option for families who are struggling to cope or want to help a family member.

Psychotherapy with families is designed to help family members work through challenges whilst improving their relationships. It can be helpful for families who are dealing with a variety of issues, such as parenting concerns, communication problems, conflict resolution, and behavioural issues. At Purposeful Change your family psychotherapist will work with all members of the family unit to help them become aware of their internal experiences and how this influences the way in which they ‘show up’ in the family. This approach can also help families to understand and support each other during difficult times. If you are interested in family psychotherapy, you should request a consultation with a Registered Psychotherapists at Purposeful Change to see how they can help you and your family.

How does family therapy work?

Family psychotherapy aims to help family members access compassion as an internal resource and to shift emotional reactions towards one another. Psychotherapy can improve communication within the family and address any behavioural problems. Family psychotherapy can be conducted in group sessions and can also include separate individual psychotherapy sessions. The number of sessions required will depend on the family’s needs, financial and social resources. In group sessions, all members of the family will participate in the therapy together. This can be beneficial as it allows everyone to share their experiences and thoughts openly. The psychotherapist will support the family as a consultant and help individuals to communicate in an effective manner and have their needs met.

Individual sessions may be recommended for families who find it difficult to talk about certain topics in front of others as well as to offer additional support with shifting a personal pattern that is impacting the family unit. If you are considering family psychotherapy, it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. This will ensure that you get the most out of the therapy and that your family is able to effectively communicate with each other.

How family psychotherapy can help resolve conflicts

Family psychotherapy can be an effective way to resolve conflicts within a family. Often the different roles and personalities of our family members can make it difficult for all its members to get along. The family psychotherapist will support members communicate effectively to shift emotional experiences so that the dysfunctional patterns are changed. Family psychotherapy can also be helpful in addressing behavioural problems within a family which can lead to boundary violations. By understanding the underlying causes of the behaviour, family psychotherapy can help family members find more effective ways to deal with the problem behaviour as well as balancing their own needs whilst nurturing familial relationships.

Techniques used for family psychotherapy

There are a variety of therapy techniques and approaches to family psychotherapy. Some of the most common therapies used in family psychotherapy include:

Family Systems Therapy

Family systems therapy is a type of therapy that looks at the family as a whole system. The therapist will examine how the family functions as a unit, and how each member of the family affects the others. This type of therapy can be helpful in identifying and resolving conflicts within the family.

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy

Emotionally focused therapy for families focuses on repairing attachment to improve bonding between the family members. This therapy works on re-establishing a sense of safety and security amongst members and in the family unit. By shifting the emotional ‘music’ that is playing for each member individuals are supported to interact in a more effective manner. Emotionally Focused Therapy is helpful for shifting unhealthy cycles the family unit is caught in, and often moves the family in to more effective communication quickly as they become more attune to one another’s needs.

Narrative Family Therapy

Narrative Family Therapy is a type of therapy that understands we are all storytellers. It is these subjective stories and beliefs that shape our internal and external realities. From this perspective we can begin to understand individuals by the stories and beliefs they hold and the way in which they engage with the world around them. Narrative therapy can allow individuals to feel heard and supported so that they can begin to see problems more objectively.

Common issues that family psychotherapy can address

  • Family conflict
  • Parent-child conflict
  • Resentment
  • Unhealthy boundaries
  • Communication problems
  • Parenting concerns
  • Addictions
  • Mental health challenges

Family Conflict

One of the most common issues that family psychotherapy can address is family conflict. Conflict between family members can be caused by a variety of factors, such as differences in values or communication styles. Family conflict can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, such as emotional distress, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

Parent-child conflict

Another common issue that family psychotherapy can address is parent-child conflict. This type of conflict can be caused by a variety of factors, such as discipline issues or differing expectations. Parent-child conflict can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, such as behavioural problems, academic difficulties, and emotional distress.

Family therapy can be effective treatment for a variety of issues, including conflict resolution, communication problems, and parenting concerns. Family therapy can also help to address larger issues, such as addiction or mental health challenges within families. By working with a therapist, families can learn how to support each other and create a more positive home environment. In addition, family therapy can provide a space for family members to process difficult emotions and events. If you are considering family therapy, be sure to ask your therapist about their experience and training in this type of therapy.

Taking the first step for your family

If your family is struggling with the current dynamics in your family, or if you are experiencing family conflict, family psychotherapy may be the solution for you. Book a free consultation with a psychotherapist at Purposeful Change to find out more about how family psychotherapy can help your family bond become stronger and more fulfilling.

An image of Sukaina Nathoo, Registered Psychotherapist at Purposeful Change

Sukaina Nathoo

Registered Psychotherapist

Get a Free Consultation

You’ll hear back from Sukaina by email within a day.

Sukaina Nathoo

Registered Psychotherapist

I can help your family bond become stronger.

I can help your family bond become stronger.

Want to help your family function better?

Want to help your family function better?

Book an appointment online or get a free 15-minute consultation. We look forward to working helping you build a strong family bond.