What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy, sometimes called marriage and family therapy (MFT), focuses on helping families work through challenges together rather than treating individuals in isolation. Instead of zeroing in on one person’s symptoms, family therapy looks at how relationships and patterns within the family may be contributing to the issues at hand. The goal is to help the family to use their strengths to improve how family members relate to and support one another, unlike individual therapy that aims to help one person cope effectively on their own.
Family therapists take a systemic approach, paying close attention to how each member relates to the others. Sessions usually involve multiple family members and center around improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, and identifying strengths the family can build on. The process is typically short-term and goal-oriented, with most families seeing progress in about 9 to 20 sessions. While the focus is on present-day solutions, our therapists also consider how past experiences may be shaping current dynamics. The goal isn’t to place blame, but to help everyone understand their role in both the challenges and the path forward.
Family therapy has been shown to be highly effective. The majority of people who’ve experienced it report being satisfied with the results. It’s particularly helpful for addressing adolescent behavioral issues, boosting parenting confidence, and improving overall family connection. By working together as a unit, families often come away with stronger relationships, better communication, and a deeper sense of support and understanding for one another.
Treatment Specialities at Transitions Counseling
What to Expect at Family Counseling
In the first few sessions of family therapy, the focus is on creating a safe space where everyone feels heard and respected. The therapist will take time to get to know more about each family member and understand how your family works together, as well as what challenges have brought you in. These early sessions often involve exploring communication patterns, identifying sources of tension or misunderstanding, and beginning to set shared goals for the therapy process. The therapist helps guide conversations in a way that builds connection, understanding, and collaboration, laying the groundwork for positive change within the family
