What is family therapy?
In family therapy, a therapist may work with the family as a group and sometimes with subgroups or individuals. Family therapists are very interested in the family’s goals and strengths. They see the family as key to a child’s recovery from mental health, substance use, and behavioural problems. Family therapy puts emphasis on the importance of communication and understanding. In therapy, families explore and identify positive patterns and behaviours, and those which may contribute to distress.
Family therapy often takes place alongside other therapy for an individual family member.
What types of challenges are best suited for family therapy?
Family therapy is especially effective for individuals with:
- eating disorders
- problems with substance use
- problems with anger or oppositional behaviours
- anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder
- children and youth with medical illness
How long will it take?
This depends on the individual. Family therapy usually lasts for 8-20 sessions.
