Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling designed to help families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen connections. It involves working with a therapist—often a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)—who guides the family in identifying and changing problematic patterns within relationships.





What Happens in Family Therapy?


Family therapy typically involves:

  • Sessions with multiple family members (though sometimes individuals meet with the therapist too)
  • Open discussions led by the therapist to explore issues like misunderstandings, power dynamics, and unspoken expectations
  • Tools and strategies to improve communication, manage conflict, and support one another better


It’s usually short-term and goal-focused, lasting a few months, depending on the issues at hand.





How Family Therapy Can Help You


Family therapy can help you in several ways, depending on your situation. Here are some common benefits:


Improved Communication

  • Helps family members listen more effectively and express themselves without blame or anger.
  • Can clarify misunderstandings and reduce tension.


Conflict Resolution

  • Offers tools to resolve disputes in a healthy, constructive way.
  • Encourages compromise and understanding instead of escalation.


Support During Transitions or Crises

  • Useful during major life changes like divorce, relocation, illness, death, or financial strain.
  • Helps everyone process and adjust together.


Stronger Relationships

  • Builds empathy and emotional bonds among family members.
  • Reinforces a sense of unity and shared purpose.


Better Coping with Mental Health or Behavioral Issues

  • If someone in the family is dealing with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc., therapy helps the family support them without enabling harmful behavior.


Parenting Support

  • Offers strategies for co-parenting, setting boundaries, and managing child or teen behavioral issues.




Is It Right for You?


You might benefit from family therapy if:

  • You feel stuck in negative patterns with a parent, child, or sibling
  • There’s frequent arguing or emotional distance
  • A recent event has strained your family dynamics
  • You're part of a blended family struggling to adapt


You don’t need a major crisis to go—therapy is also a proactive way to build stronger, more resilient relationships