Every family goes through hard seasons: a move, a divorce, a new baby, a loss, a teen who seems to have stopped talking or a child who is struggling. When one person is hurting, the whole family often feels it. Family therapy brings everyone together to understand what’s happening and find a way forward.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy looks at the relationships and patterns within a family, rather than focusing on one person as “the problem.” It helps family members understand each other, communicate more openly and work together on change.
Research supports family therapy and family-based approaches for a range of concerns in children and teens, including behaviour difficulties, anxiety, depression and eating disorders (Carr, 2019).
When Family Therapy Can Help
Frequent conflict or tension at home
Communication breakdowns between parents and kids
Big transitions, such as separation, blending families or a move
Grief or loss affecting the family
A child or teen struggling with emotions or behaviour
Supporting a family member with a mental health or health concern
What to Expect
Sessions might include the whole family, a few members or individuals at different times. Your therapist will help create a space where everyone has a voice. Together, you’ll explore patterns, practise new ways of communicating and set goals that matter to your family.
Small Steps at Home
Make time to connect. Regular, low-pressure time together, like meals or walks, can strengthen relationships.
Listen to understand. Try reflecting back what you hear before responding. Our listening to understand worksheet can help.
Repair after conflict. Saying “I’m sorry, I didn’t handle that well” models accountability for everyone.
When to Reach Out for Support
If family stress feels stuck, or the same conflicts keep repeating, family therapy can help you understand each other and move forward together. Learn more on our family therapy page.
References
Carr, A. (2019). Family therapy and systemic interventions for child-focused problems: The current evidence base. Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 153-213.
How Core Psychology Can Help
At Core Psychology, our clinicians offer family therapy, parent support and coaching and child counselling, in person in Marda Loop, Calgary, and online across Alberta.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and help you find the right fit. You can also reach us at info@corepsychology.com.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 any time, or call 911. Kids and teens can reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. If you’re experiencing family violence, call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment or therapy.
