Relationships within the nuclear family and extended family can be rewarding, but they can also be challenging. Most people enter into family therapy due to issues consisting with a caregiver or caregivers and children. However, many more adults participate in family therapy which includes any combination of family members such as siblings, extended family, in-laws, blended families, co-parenting, adults with parents, and more. Exploring healthy communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution are just some areas that help connect families in a more compassionate and meaningful way.
Family and parent sessions are a requirement when children are being seen for psychotherapy services. Family sessions include sessions with a caregiver or caregivers and with and without the child or children. Parent sessions are with the caregiver(s) only. Family and parent sessions may include working on parenting skills, support, boundaries, co-parenting, attachment/connection, communication or conflict resolution skills among many other topics depending on the needs. Family and parent sessions are also utilized by the psychotherapist to gather information to be able to complete an informed treatment plan. Standard parent sessions will occur at least every third (3rd) appointment, but the frequency could be more often depending on the needs.
Adults or children can experience benefits from family therapy if they have any of following challenges :
Family and parent sessions are a requirement when children are being seen for psychotherapy services. Family sessions include sessions with a caregiver or caregivers and with and without the child or children. Parent sessions are with the caregiver(s) only. Family and parent sessions may include working on parenting skills, support, boundaries, co-parenting, attachment/connection, communication or conflict resolution skills among many other topics depending on the needs. Family and parent sessions are also utilized by the psychotherapist to gather information to be able to complete an informed treatment plan. Standard parent sessions will occur at least every third (3rd) appointment, but the frequency could be more often depending on the needs.
Adults or children can experience benefits from family therapy if they have any of following challenges :
- A history of trauma
- Adjustments to change related to losses, separation, adoption, marriage, remarriage, separation, divorce, relocation or financial or employment stresses
- A child’s transition to adolescence or young adulthood
- Changes in family structure related to losses, separation, adoption, fostering, marriage, remarriage, separation, divorce, relocation or financial or employment stresses
- Conflicts between siblings or parents
- Difficulties with anger and emotional regulation
- Difficulties with schooling
- Difficulties with step and co-parenting or creating a blended family
- Divorce
- Parenting conflicts or difficulties
- Separation and loss
- The need to develop better coping and problem-solving skills or more family structure
- Stressful transitions
Some Psychotherapy Modalities Used with Family Therapy
EMDR |
Prepare & Enrich |
Play Therapy |