Family Therapy

Family therapy is more loosely defined compared to the traditional individual counseling, where a client meets one on one with a therapist. Family therapy is when there is more than one family member present, be it mother-daughter/son, father-daughter/son, grandparents-children, etc. Family therapy tends to root from the basic beliefs of system theories, being that one part of a system cannot change without impacting other parts of the system, both directly and indirectly.

If a family is open to change and healing, it is my belief that change can occur more quickly when there is family support and involvement because each person in the system has the ability to support or create roadblocks in the process of creating change or healing. This can either enhance or undermine the therapy process.

Sometimes people may feel more vulnerable or intimidated by participating in family therapy because they are afraid of being "wrong" or feeling overwhelmed by the process. However, one of the ultimate goals of family therapy is to create a safe space where family members can work towards a common goal or goals. A common goal may be learning new ways to communicate that allow each person to feel heard and respected. Each person can surrender some of their defenses that often get in the way of communicating and hearing one another. It is not about being "right" but instead is about creating a healthier way to function as a family unit by rebuilding trust, communication, and respect for each person in the system.