What is Family Therapy?

Family and Systemic Psychotherapy, or Family Therapy as it is known, supports those in close relationships to understand and support each other to make useful change. The aim of this therapy is to build on family resources and strengths to resolve difficulties through working together.

Why have a Team?

Your family will be receiving the service of two therapists who are working together as a team. Systemic Family Therapy is a well practised form of therapy in the NHS mental health services, a team approach is rare in private work. Tracey and Debbie are experienced at working as a team and have years of family therapy experience to bring.

You will have the benefit of two minds thinking about your family, a lead and reflective therapist, both of whom have crucial roles to play and add to the variety of ways that we may be able to work together.

Does having more than one therapist make it expensive?

It does not.
We will suggest sessions based on your needs, usually four weeks apart, rather than weekly, thereby reducing the overall cost. We carefully think about frequency to allow the family to develop together between sessions. An advantage of this type of therapy is that the whole family can be involved in a process of developing understanding, adjustmant and change.

What happens in Family Therapy?

We prefer to meet with all members of the household initially, whatever their age, so that we can think together about the difficulties, everyones point of view and the changes you wish to make. Every member in a family has a role and contribution to make to change.

Why Family Therapy?

You may like to work together as: a family parents/carers, sibling group, extended family members, to improve communication and relationships. Each family is unique, will inevitably face challenges, and develop their own ways, with our skilled support, to cope with the process of change and the difficulty.

What constitutes a Family?

Any group of more than one

Can I see a Family Therapist Alone?

You can do so and this would be discussed when you contact us

What if a family member is reluctant to come?

This is not uncommon, we can discuss this with you and make suggestions. Sometimes it takes some family members to leap in to encourage others to join at a later date.

How many sessions will my family need?

Anything from 4- 7 sessions is common

How often will we be seen?

We carefully think about the frequency to allow the family to think and develop together between spaced sessions. Depending on your family needs every 2-4 weeks.

What if I have more questions?

Tracey and Debbie are happy to discuss any questions you may have intiailly by email and then by phone.