What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on systems; systems of people, families, organisations and other groups. It has its origins in systems theory, viewing people in a group or system as being interconnected to one another, where the behaviour, challenges and positives of one member of the system can influence others in the system too.
Family therapy provides an opportunity for families, of any description, to meet and communicate about themes that are present and pertinent for them. The family therapist becomes temporarily part of the family system in the room, and encourages every perspective to be heard. The aim is for no one voice being prioritised over another, and for every voice to be validated. Conversations can be had about change, and possibly doing things differently to the way they have been done in the family so far. Often, these conversations continue outside of the therapy space.
Family therapy is based on supporting families to understand and appreciate their strengths and positives, and how these can be used to develop future communication patterns and challenges that may be experienced.
The family therapist aims to be curious and collaborative with the family, wondering about patterns across generations, themes and ideas, beliefs and experiences that may have led to the current situation, or keep the situation going.
Family therapists in the United Kingdom are accredited by the Association of Family Therapists (AFT) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Is family therapy right for me, my family, and my child?
Family therapy has an evidence base for supporting a variety of different presentations, including low mood and depression, eating disorders, anxiety and psychosis.
If there are certain subjects of any nature that can become easily inflamed in discussion, or certain themes that are avoided, family therapy can be a useful space to invite these conversations forward. Family therapy can help families to find alternative ways of managing difficulties based on prior successes and challenges, linked to goals highlighted by the family.
Family therapy can be a creative space that gives an opportunity to share openly. Family therapists recognise that it can often be a daunting process to do this, and aim to make the space collaborative and open.
What does a family therapy assessment entail?
You as a family can choose who you would like to attend family therapy, and this can be explored further in future sessions. The family therapist will meet with you and your family, hearing from each member in turn about who is present, and what some strengths and difficulties might be that have brought you to the space.
This will usually take the form of an extended assessment and formulation of challenges, where a family tree will be completed, and collaborative goals for the work will be developed.
Following this assessment, a report will be written highlighting the discussed areas, goals and hopes for the work, as well as a plan of intervention and a review point.
How can I find out more, speak to someone about my child or book an initial consultation?