Family Therapy
A therapeutic approach that involves family members together to address relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and how family functioning affects individual wellbeing.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a broad category of psychotherapy that involves working with family members together, rather than or in addition to individual treatment, to address relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and how the family system affects individual and collective wellbeing.
How It Works
Family therapy approaches vary but generally share the view that individual difficulties are connected to and influenced by family relationships and patterns. Therapists help families identify unhelpful communication or interaction patterns and develop healthier ways of relating and supporting one another. This description reflects general family therapy principles using original language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions typically involve multiple family members meeting together with the therapist, discussing current concerns, communication patterns, and family history, with the therapist facilitating structured conversations and, at times, specific exercises.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports family therapy approaches for a range of conditions, including adolescent behavioral difficulties, eating disorders (particularly family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa in adolescents), and as an adjunct for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through family psychoeducation. Evidence strength varies by specific model and condition.
Who May Benefit?
Family therapy may be considered when family relationships and communication are contributing to or affected by an individual’s mental health difficulties, including adolescent behavioral concerns, eating disorders, or supporting a family member with a serious mental illness.
Limitations and Considerations
Family therapy requires willingness and availability of multiple family members to participate, which is not always feasible. Effectiveness can depend on family members’ engagement and openness to the process.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Family therapy is delivered by licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals with family therapy training.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Family therapy length varies widely depending on the specific model and concerns addressed, ranging from a handful of sessions to longer-term treatment; treatment length varies according to the family’s needs and clinician.
Therapy vs. Medication
Family therapy is a psychotherapy approach and does not replace medication for individual family members with diagnosed conditions; combined approaches are common, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.