Being part of a family is one of the most important and influential parts of our lives. Yet as a member of a family we often find our self in conflict with each other. Family therapy is aimed at assisting the family as a whole during these difficulties. Family therapy may be focus on some or all the members of the family. The therapeutic environment creates a safe and open space where each member of a family can voice their concerns or difficulties.

Roles and responsibilities with a family unit are explored as well as communication styles employed by the different members. In therapy members can voice their thoughts and emotions in a safe neutral space with the intention of helping each member better understand their perspective and experience.

Family relationships help lay the foundation for individual well being.

There are five widely recognized family therapy modalities: Structural Therapy, Milan therapy, Strategic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Transgenerational Therapy. These forms of therapy seek to improve familial relationships and create a more stable, healthy life at home.

Family therapy sessions can help:

  • Develop and maintain healthy boundaries.
  • Facilitate cohesion and communication.
  • Promote problem-solving by a better understanding of family dynamics.

Family is one of the most important relationships – invest in yours today for a better tomorrow.

At TherapyWise Therapy Centre we provide family therapy for adolescence and adults of all ages. Our psychologists work with several theoretical approaches, in the interest of the individuals, to get the relationship to where they want it to be. This allows us to ‘meet you where you are’ in your life and draw up a custom treatment plan specific to you.

Some common types of family therapies that our psychologists are familiar with:

  • Supportive Family Therapy
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Psychodynamic ideas used in family therapy
  • Systemic Family Therapy

What could have happened for you to need family therapy?

  • Going through a separation, mediation or divorce
  • Changes to the family structure and dynamic (e.g. becoming a single parent, adopting a new family member, step-family, in-laws, extended family)
  • Trauma experience (e.g. loss of a family member)
  • Chronic health problems (e.g. asthma or cancer)
  • Experiencing financial problems or stress

Possible signs your family needs a therapist:

  • Parenting issues and challenges in developing parenting skills (e.g. child discipline)
  • Inability to manage stress
  • Concerning child and adolescent behavior (e.g. sibling rivalry, bullying)
  • Emotional disorders including anxiety, depression, loss and grief
  • Anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders
  • Emotional abuse or violence
  • Self-harm
  • Drug, alcohol, and other substance misuse

Things you can do to improve your situation

  • Talk together about your individual dreams, hopes and aspirations. Ask engaging questions about each member’s life and experiences. Encourage support and celebrate the small things.

  • Share meal-time or eat one meal together everyday. Meals can be an opportunity for your family to be social together.

  • Have one-on-one time with each family member. Go for a walk or play a game – the amount of time spent isn’t as important as the quality of time spent.

  • Have one family night each week. This is an opportunity for the family to do something together e.g. make pizza, get ice-cream, play board games or volunteer together.

  • Schedule me-time. Make time for yourself (alone-time) and spend it doing something you enjoy and find satisfaction in.

Things that can worsen your situation

  • Distancing yourself and cutting yourself off emotionally and/or physically (e.g. refusing to talk, refusing to come out of your room etc.)

  • Expressing a sense entitlement, anger, spitefulness or resentment.

  • Hiding your feelings, emotions and thoughts. Lying about what’s really going on.

  • Not managing your expectations and not communicating your needs.

How is family therapy different from other therapy approaches?

While Individual Therapies concentrate on a person’s personal struggles, the purpose of Family Therapy is to look outside an individual and have a holistic approach during treatment of a problem.

TherapyWise our therapists are trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems.

The biggest difference between marriage counseling and family therapy is the people involved. Marriage counseling focuses on the needs of the couple. Family therapy can include any number of people in the family – parents, children, grandparents, co-parents, etc.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Family members’ ages.
  • Family members’ personalities.
  • The relationship between the parents of a family.
  • A parent who is relaxed or strict.
  • An absent parent.
  • Intergenerational homes.
  • The job requirements of working parents.
  • A family member with a disability or chronic illness
  • Issues such as substance use or abusive relationships
  • Parent and grandparent family dynamics
  • Events such as divorce, affairs, trauma, grief, or unemployment and resulting job search depression
  • Secure or insecure family attachments
  • Culture, ethnicity, and family values about gender roles and responsibilities
  • Family members’ power or status
  • Type and level of influence from family members

  • Who are you closest to?
  • What is/was your relationship like with… ?
  • How often do you see… ?
  • Where does … live now?
  • Is there anyone here that you really don’t get along with?
  • Who are you most like?
  • What is … like? Who else is like them?
  • Who is important to you in your life? Why are these particular people important?
  • Who provides the most support in your life?
  • How have members of your family reacted to the problems that you are currently experiencing?
  • Are members of your extended family aware of what you have been experiencing?
  • What was it like growing up in your family?
  • Perhaps you could talk about some of the memories, both good and not so good.
  • What is it like for you right now living in your family?
  • How do you think your family might describe you? What qualities or strengths might they say you have?
  • Are there members of your extended family who you feel close to or feel that you have something in common with?
  • Did you feel safe in your family?
  • How does your family handle disagreements?
  • Is it okay to express your emotions in your family? To feel happy, sad, frustrated, angry, content, etc.?
  • Tell me about your different family members and how they express their emotions.
  • Were there times when you were worried about any of your family members? Why were you worried? How were these concerns handled?
  • Did your family mix with other families?
  • What other information would you like me to know about your family that will be helpful during our time together?

The number of sessions depends on several factors, including but not limited to the goals for therapy, the severity of the issues encountered, and of course, the client’s willingness to actively participate.

In preparation for your first session, think about what you (as a family) want to achieve.

Tip: Block out some time before and after your first session. This will allow you to engage more deeply in your session and be worried if you feel intense emotions during the session.

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