Family therapy

What is family therapy?

Family therapy is a way of helping people understand and work through problems with the support and cooperation of those closest to them. The focus is on people’s strengths and resources, not just their difficulties.

Sessions take place in a safe and confidential space, where families can talk openly and explore new ways of understanding one another.
Family therapy is a positive and hopeful approach. It’s based on the idea that how we think, feel, and behave is shaped by our relationships with others and that change is possible when we work together.

Family life can be challenging. Everyone is unique, with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Life changes such as illness, unemployment, moving home, bereavement, separation, or trauma can make things harder. Some families find ways to cope on their own, while others benefit from extra support. Family therapy can help families at any stage of life when things feel stuck, overwhelming, or difficult.

Who comes for family therapy?

Family can mean many things. It might include parents and children, grandparents, siblings, partners, carers, friends, or anyone who plays an important role in your life.

Family therapists welcome and respect everyone, valuing each person’s beliefs, culture, and experiences. They adapt their approach to suit your family’s ages, needs, and preferences, making sessions as comfortable and meaningful as possible for everyone involved.

What might happen in family therapy

Here are some of the things a family therapist might do:

• help everyone have a voice: make sure each person gets a chance to share their thoughts and feelings and to be listened to
• talk about hopes and goals: explore what each person would like to change or improve
• build understanding: help family members see things from each other’s point of view
• reduce blame: encourage teamwork and problem-solving rather than fault-finding
• notice the impact of words and actions: Look at how what we say and do affects those we care about
• find strengths: focus on what the family does well and what can be celebrated
• look at family connections: sometimes draw a simple family tree (called a genogram) to think about relationships and patterns
• talk through challenges: offer a safe space to explore any difficulties together
• work towards shared goals: support everyone in finding ways forward that feel right for your family

When is family therapy helpful?

Family therapy can be useful for families and relationships facing challenges such as:

• families or couples who want to build stronger and happier relationships
• families dealing with mental or physical illness, bereavement, trauma, addiction, or cultural adjustments
• families who are worried about a loved one’s behaviour
• families involved in fostering or adoption
• parents who want to separate or divorce in a way that supports their children’s wellbeing
• any family who wants help talking about difficult issues in a safe, respectful, and constructive way

How long does therapy last?

Each session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Sessions are often held every two to four weeks, but this can vary depending on your family’s needs.

You’ll be offered an initial set of sessions, after which you and your therapist can decide together whether further sessions would be helpful.

What happens if family therapy is the right next step?

If family therapy seems helpful, you’ll receive an appointment letter inviting you to meet with a therapist.

The first session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and will help decide who might attend future sessions.

Sometimes, therapy may involve more than one therapist working together as a team. On occasion, a student family therapist in training may also be part of the team.

Code of ethics

Our therapists are all United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) register follow the UKCP Code of Professional Practice.
If you’d like to know more, we can provide a copy of the UKCP information sheet for clients.

We’re proud to be an inclusive and welcoming service, open to people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, and religions. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

What are the risks?

Therapy is generally very helpful, but it can sometimes bring up strong or uncomfortable emotions. Talking about difficulties may feel unsettling at first, and relationships can change, sometimes in challenging as well as positive ways.

Your therapist and their team will always work with you to understand and manage these feelings safely and collaboratively.

What to do next

If you’re interested in couples therapy, please talk to your lead professional or mental health team. They will explain the referral process and any forms or steps required to access our service. We are happy to answer questions you may have along the way.

Once referred, our team will contact you to discuss next steps and arrange your first session. We’re here to listen, support, and guide you through each step toward better understanding and communication in your relationship.

Page last reviewed: November 25, 2025
Next review due: November 25, 2026