Family Therapy

Family therapy is a special type of therapy because it focuses on changes and relationships within the family.  It is based upon a systems point of view.  This means that whatever goes on in one part of the system will directly effect every other part of the system.  If there is something wrong (ie. a child on drugs who is causing turmoil in the family) in one part of the system, intervention somewhere else (ie parents learning and practicing tough love) can fix the whole system (family).  If there is a change in the family pattern as a whole, then the entire family can change.

Family therapy believes that family relationships have an impact on the feelings, behavior and psychological adjustment of every other family member.  Unlike individual therapy, all family members are included in the therapy process.

Family therapy is common for families with children and adolescents that have psychological problems.  It is also useful when an adult family member has a problem that effects the entire family (like alcohol abuse or depression).

The combined treatment sessions of parent, family, and play therapy are often useful for younger children.  Work with the parents might include teaching new parenting skills for problem behaviors.  Play therapy helps the child express emotions in a more acceptable way.  This allows the child to grow, improving self-control, self-esteem, communication, and social skills.  As a child’s self awareness grows so does his happiness.  Family therapy helps everyone impacted by the child’s behavior through conflict resolution and emotional healing.