Family Therapy
Central to family therapy is the understanding that our most significant relationships influence our mental health and wellbeing. Where other forms of therapy focus on individual beliefs, emotions or behaviours; family therapy looks at patterns of interaction in our most important relationships. By doing so, it can help us understand these patterns and how they’re contributing to our current challenges. A major aim of family therapy is to shift unhelpful ways of relating to others.
The relationships and roles we experience within our families can influence how we relate to other people later in life. You may have become used to taking on responsibility, helping others, keeping things together or putting your own needs aside. Some of these ways of relating may have made sense within your family at one time but may become less helpful as you move into adult life.
You might also be beginning to recognise patterns in your romantic or family relationships that you’d like to understand or change. As you think about serious relationships, partnering or potentially having children, you may become more aware of the relationships you experienced growing up and the patterns you do and don't want to repeat.
A family therapy informed approach may be helpful for you if:
your challenges are connected to unhelpful dynamics in your relationships
you’d like to improve your communication style or resolve conflict within a relationship
you’re navigating a significant transition in your close relationships
If meaningful, I’ll draw on family therapy principles and approaches to support you to understand how the dynamics of your relationships may be contributing to your current challenges. I’ll help you reconnect with the strengths and resources already present in those relationships, which often can be forgotten in the midst of difficulties. Finally, we’ll work together to find new ways for you to navigate your relationships with a view to resolving current conflicts and difficulties.
This may involve developing a clearer understanding of the role you played within relationships, communicating your needs more clearly, or finding different ways to navigate relationships with family members now that you’re an adult.
Family therapy principles are incorporated into my individual therapy where they’re relevant to understanding your difficulties and relationships.
Begin a conversation
If you'd like to learn more about working together, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute call.
It’s a chance to tell me a little about what’s brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have and see whether I might be the right psychologist for you.