Family therapy
What is family therapy?
Systemic family therapy is a method of psychotherapy that brings family members together so they can find constructive ways to help one another and resolve the problems they inevitably share.
Therapists help families recognise and strengthen their own resources. They respect each member’s perspectives, beliefs and narratives, and explore possible paths of change with them. While facilitating change in the family as a whole, they also support each person’s development.
Family therapy has proven to be enormously helpful at times of crisis.
Two starting points
How does it work?
Because several relationships are worked on at the same time, family therapy is often more effective than other types of therapy in terms of resources, time and positive change.
Family therapists also work with individuals. When appropriate, they may suggest family sessions within individual therapy, and vice versa. Some of our therapists also bring their knowledge of human relationships to organisations, working with companies and institutions.
Common reasons for seeking help
- Family relationships and changes in family life
- Mental health of children and adolescents
- Parenting and life as a couple
- Separation or divorce
- Children's behavioural problems, including attention and hyperactivity
- Anxiety, depression and grief
- Anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders
- Adoption or fostering
- Domestic violence
- Alcohol or other substance abuse
- Migration and cultural adaptation
- Life-cycle changes: births, retirement, children leaving home or caring for older relatives