The family is one of the most significant and strongest relationships we experience. However, even the closest family can experience challenges and problems in communicating. Family conflict is often painful, but the very same family challenges that bring you into therapy may provide a pathway to the harmonious, loving and satisfying family life you have been wanting.
WHAT IS FAMILY THERAPY?
Family therapy provides family members with a safe compassionate space with a professional who is neutral to the family dynamic.
Family therapy is a way of understanding and treating emotional problems and personal crises by working with the entire family rather than the individual.
Sessions focus on understanding individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviour within the context of their families. The therapy is based on systemic models which focus on family dynamics and the impact family members have on each other. It is a ‘strengths-based treatment’ which believes that strong family relationships are key in the overall mental health of each family member.
The goal is to harness and strengthen family resources, and help family members work collaboratively towards solutions to their problems
Our family therapists are qualified at the highest levels, with extensive clinical experience. They use a range of Systemic models such as Narrative, Structural model, Family Life Cycle Stage Model, Solution Focused Therapy, Attachment Focused Family Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (for Couples, Individuals and Families).
COMMON FAMILY PROBLEMS WE CAN HELP WITH
Our therapists help with a range of clinical issues including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Marital distress and conflict
- Child-Parent relationship (all ages)
- Difficulties between siblings
- Problems in school
- Children’s behaviour problems
- Separation and divorce
- Co-parenting in separated and divorced families
- Dealing with Loss
- Rebuild relationship after traumatic events
- Life Cycle changes-meeting the challenges
- Coping with chronic illnesses and the impact on family members
- Eating issues
- Addiction and the family
WHAT HAPPENS IN FAMILY THERAPY?
We provide a safe and neutral space for all family members to talk and explore their feelings and thoughts regarding their relationships. All family members opinions and perspectives are important in understanding the family dynamic. Your therapist will help you focus on the most important issues to your family needs. This may mean a plan which may involve different members at different times ; your therapist will guide you into this.
Children are an important part of the family dynamics. We provide them with a child friendly environment and in sessions children use art and play to express their thoughts and feelings.
Relationship and Family Therapists add support & emphasise how relationships within couples of families can make a significant difference to each member of the family or relationship; they are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.
Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of relationship and family therapy in reducing the weight of many psychological, emotional and health problems.