Family Therapy - Livewell Southwest

Family therapy is frequently used to support families and couples that are trying to help a relative dealing with a mental health problem. The therapy can be used to establish how the problem is affecting each member of the family, not just the sufferer, providing an opportunity to discuss emotions and difficult thoughts in a safe and confidential setting.

The therapist will encourage the family to draw on the strengths and commitments shown and possessed by each member of the group and to build on their communication skills. Aiming to develop a new understanding of the issue and further create a sense of unity, the problem is not being experienced or dealt with by a lone individual.

Who is family therapy suitable for?

Family therapy can be used for a range of difficulties that might lead families to seek help, such as coping with a long-term illness or helping a family member deal with a mental health problem. It can help in dealing with issues, crises, or losses that a family may be having difficulty dealing with on their own.

An individual that has been referred for family therapy will be encouraged to bring along anyone they feel will help in understanding and dealing with their problem, such as grandparents, children, or sometimes close friends.

We might also offer to work with couples and occasionally individuals when this is appropriate.

What happens during family therapy?

Initial session

The initial session will be used as an opportunity for the therapist to get to know the family, gain an understanding of their history, and work together with them to discuss how the therapist may be able to help with their current problems.

Length of therapy

The number of sessions a family requires is unique to the individual and their issues; while some may need 10 sessions, others may need more or less. This will be assessed during a review session to consider how things have been going and decide the best way to proceed. Family work tends to be more spread out than other therapies, so it may be that meetings are held fortnightly or monthly.

During a session

Family therapists often work as a team, which ensures that all family members views and feelings are heard. Often, a one-way screen is used during the session. This allows the therapist to sit in the room with the family and other team members to observe from behind the screen. This process ensures that the therapist does not miss any details or information. The session may also be recorded using video or recording equipment, providing both the family and the therapist with a chance to look back on previous sessions. All of these things will be discussed with the family or couple during their initial meeting.

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