Who is Involved in Family Therapy?

While individual therapy can be helpful in improving relationship and communication skills, family counseling really gets the job done when it comes to addressing family dynamics, conflict, and sibling relationships. Family therapy can also help deepening connections and support when going through stressful times.

Family therapy can include all family members, or only those who are interested and willing to participate. For example, family counseling may include one parent and one child, a nuclear family (both parents with their biological children), divorced parents and their children, a blended family (remarried parents with biological and/or step children), adopted or foster children and their parent(s), single parents, or same sex partners with their children.

The Four Rs: Rules, Roles, Responsibilities, and Reinforcement

As you can see, family therapy is not a “one size fits all” enterprise and is tailored to your family’s unique needs. Our therapists are trained to observe and reflect family interactions and communication styles and will help you define the “four Rs” in your family: Rules, Roles, Responsibilities, and Reinforcement.

In other words, we can help you:

Establish and maintain family Rules;
Identify and adjust Roles family members have or play that maintain less desirable outcomes (i.e. anger, conflict, non-compliance, substance abuse, grief, anxiety);
Recognize appropriate Responsibilities; and
Reinforce all of the above in suitable, effective ways.

Coping With Family Stressors

Family counseling can be utilized by itself or in combination with other types of therapy and can help family members cope with many stressful situations that affect everyone, such as:

  • A family member’s physical, mental, or chronic illness;
  • A family member’s substance abuse;
  • Grief and loss;
  • Anger and conflict;
  • Divorce and/or
  • Co-parenting.

Our family therapists will create an environment in which it is safe to express thoughts and emotions. They will help you improve communication, increase understanding, and facilitate problem-solving. Our therapists will offer guidance and give you the tools you need to help you manage stressful situations and become closer as a family.