MIND. LIFE. FAMILY.

MindNLife is a private psychology practice for the whole family.

FAMILY THERAPY SESSIONS

Every family experiences challenges, even those that may seem perfect on the surface. We know it can be difficult to maintain harmony at home when it feels like there is a tense atmosphere. This is where family therapy can make a real difference.

Family therapy (also known as ‘family counseling’) supports families through times of major change or conflict. Therapy sessions provide a structured and supportive setting for families to explore the origins of issues with the guidance of an experienced family therapist. Therapists can help family members express their true emotions and become more understanding of each other’s points of view.

Family therapy
focuses on recognising the specific pattern of dynamics in relationships that may contribute to family tension. With the right support, families can become more emotionally connected, find healthy and effective ways to respond to conflict, and create positive changes in their relationships.1,2
Family looking unhappy watching the TV before family therapy

THE BENEFITS OF CONFIDENTIAL FAMILY THERAPY

Family therapy services don’t just offer a safe place to express yourself to your family. Studies show family therapy improves family harmony, relationship satisfaction, teen mental health, and parenting styles.3

Some of the key benefits of family therapy include:

IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

Family therapy helps your household develop stronger communication skills. A family therapist helps family members express their emotions constructively, allowing them to feel heard and understood. This is because therapists do not take sides or place blame. They are there to provide support and manage conflict, which can be especially helpful for younger family members who may feel hesitant to speak openly.1

STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS

Family counselling can improve your relationships by rebuilding trust, increasing empathy, and helping you create a home that supports every person.2,3

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Improving communication reduces the risks of misunderstandings and tension at home. Family therapists are skilled at managing conflict, and through therapy, you can learn how to manage disagreements effectively when they arise.1

SUPPORT FOR MENTAL OR BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH ISSUES

Often, a person’s health issues can affect the whole family. A family therapist can help the entire family find effective ways to support a relative coping with mental or behavioural health issues, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or behavioural difficulties.2,3

ASSISTANCE NAVIGATING MAJOR LIFE CHANGES

Family therapy supports families during major transitions, for instance, during separation or divorce, relocation, or creating blended families. A therapist can also help families to set healthy boundaries and adapt to new dynamics throughout transitional periods. 

ENHANCED PARENTING STRATEGIES

When couples are conflicted over different parenting styles, family therapy can support them in developing consistent parenting strategies and unified family rules.3

WHAT HAPPENS IN FAMILY THERAPY?

Family therapy explores how challenges affect the entire family unit. Sessions frequently focus on a household’s experiences and ways of communicating, as well as how they relate to one another. This can help families build resilience and a better understanding of their loved ones.

The first therapy appointment is often where family members discuss the challenges they face and what they would like to get from therapy. Together, your family can decide on what support they would like next, such as the frequency and number of therapy sessions. Therapy sessions usually take place every two or four weeks, each lasting for around an hour.1
Many family therapy sessions involve the entire household, including children. However, some appointments may be arranged for certain family members to meet separately, depending on what the specific concerns are. Sometimes, meetings may only involve parents, couples, or siblings.1,2
Family therapists actively guide family discussions by asking thoughtful questions and managing conflict if it surfaces. Your therapist may also work collaboratively with colleagues to offer additional perspectives on your unique situation.1,2

HOW TO START FAMILY THERAPY

Family therapy often begins with recognising that certain patterns, ongoing disagreements, or major life changes are causing a degree of distress within your household. You may notice more frequent misunderstandings, a tense atmosphere, or that it has become difficult to talk with the people you love. 

The next thing to do is find a licensed family therapist or marriage and family therapist (MFT therapist). These therapists are specially trained in understanding how relationship patterns influence family wellbeing. 

With a therapist in mind, you can then arrange an appointment for your family to meet them. This first session is an assessment, allowing the therapist to meet your family and get to know you better, and for you to express your concerns to the therapist. From this, you can schedule regular family sessions to work through your challenges. 

Family smiling with son hugging dad during a family therapy session

BOOK A FAMILY THERAPY APPOINTMENT

If you have been searching for family therapy in Hong Kong or a ‘private family therapist near me’, we are here to help. 

MindNLife provides support and therapy to families facing a range of challenges. Our family therapy services are grounded in evidence-based methods designed to promote long-term wellbeing. With our personalised approach, we help families navigate challenges effectively. 

Book an appointment for in-person or online family therapy for families today and take the first step towards a more connected home life. Reach out to us through our online form to discover how family therapy can support your journey forward.

FAQS ABOUT FAMILY THERAPY

We understand you may have questions about family therapy. To help offer clarity, we provide answers to the most common queries about family therapy below to allow you to move forward with greater understanding. Please feel free to contact us if you still have questions, and we will be happy to answer them for you. 

WHO CAN ATTEND FAMILY THERAPY?

A family therapist can cater to many family styles, including parents, children, step families, foster families, extended families, and couples. There is no strict age limit; family therapy is suitable for people of all ages.2,4

WHAT ISSUES CAN FAMILY THERAPY HELP WITH?

A marriage and family therapist can support households and relatives with a range of issues. For example, marriage and family therapy online can support:2
  • Parental challenges
  • Divorce or separation
  • Home relocation
  • Blended families adjusting to new environments and rules
  • Adult mental or physical health issues that impact the family
  • Families who feel ‘stuck’ in a pattern of everyday misunderstandings

Additionally, family therapy for teens can have a positive impact on treating child and adolescent issues by including the whole family as a support system. Some of the teen challenges family counseling can support include anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm, behavioural difficulties, and eating disorders.2,3

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY FAMILY NEEDS THERAPY?

Many people consider therapy in times of crisis. However, family therapy isn’t only for the moments in which you feel like you are at a breaking point. 

Family therapy may make a real difference if constant arguments or uncomfortable tension have started to seep into daily life. For example, family therapy for constant arguing or family counseling for conflict resolution often uncovers the patterns behind repeated disagreements, allowing family members to work toward creating healthier patterns. On the other hand, therapy for families dealing with anxiety can support households where stress feels overwhelming. 

Usually, when people find themselves searching online for terms like ‘family therapist near me’, it’s because they know deep down that structured support could help restore balance at home. 

REFERENCES

  1. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. (2014). CAMHS family therapy and consultation (Leaflet CY 052.14) [PDF]. https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/CY-052.14-CAMHS-family-therapy-and-consultation1.pdf
  2. Tavistock and Portman. (n.d.). Family therapy.  https://tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/visiting-us/treatments/family-therapy/
  3. Jiménez, L., Hidalgo, V., Baena, S., León, A., & Lorence, B. (2019). Effectiveness of Structural–Strategic Family Therapy in the Treatment of Adolescents with Mental Health Problems and Their Families. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(7), 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071255
  4. Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT). (n.d.). The evidence base. https://www.aft.org.uk/page/evidencebase