Family Therapy
Family therapy offers the opportunity for family members to explore their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental space. Family therapists can see families and couples in numerous organizations throughout the UK, and they can make a significant difference in the emotional health of a family as a whole as well as individual family members. Below, explore family therapy in the UK, types of family therapy, and where to find family and individual therapy.
Where do family therapists practice?
How family therapy can help
Family therapy can help with a variety of family-related challenges. For example, a family therapist may help individuals within the family resolve conflicts and improve communication difficulties, whether between siblings or between parents and children. A family doesn’t have to have major family issues to benefit from therapy. Some families may choose to pursue therapy when going through a major life transition, such as a marriage, relocation to a new city, or the death of a loved one.
Systemic psychotherapy
Family therapists often help families through an approach called systemic psychotherapy. Systemic therapy typically focuses on treating groups of individuals as a system. This type of therapy can be used with any group of people that make up a system, including friends, coworkers, and family members. One of the core tenets of systemic therapy is the notion that when part of a system is broken, the whole system is affected. Systemic practice allows each individual in the family unit to discuss their feelings in a supportive environment. This process may start to heal wounds and repair communication challenges.
Functional family therapy
Family therapists may also use an approach called functional family therapy (FFT). FFT is a type of family counselling that can be especially useful for families with young people who are experiencing behavioral challenges, such as disciplinary problems in school or substance use. FFT may improve parenting skills and enhance relationships among the entire family, which may help with a child’s behavioral difficulty.
Structural family therapy
Structural family therapy tends to focus on a family's structure, including its boundaries and hierarchies. Families who participate in structural family therapy may find that, with the therapist’s guidance, they can find their own solutions to unhelpful patterns of communication.
Where to find online mental health therapists
Some online family therapists advertise their services on their own websites, while others are listed in an online therapy directory in the UK. With online therapy, families can often choose a therapist from anywhere in the UK. This option might be helpful for those who prefer to find a professional outside their local community or those who are looking for a therapist with experience helping families with specific challenges.
Individual online therapy
Some people might have family members who are not currently open to family therapy. In these situations, getting help through individual online therapy is still possible. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, individuals can speak with a professional counsellor who understands the challenges of having family members who cannot or will not attend therapy. Online therapy allows you to connect with a therapist in the most comfortable way, whether by phone, video, or live chat. In addition, online therapy may be more cost-effective.
Over the last 15 years, numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. In one systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective for generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and substance use disorders, among others.
Takeaway
In some cases, people may not know how to approach the topic of family therapy with their loved ones. Other times, certain family members refuse to participate. When this occurs, support is still available through individual therapy, both in person and online. Contact a provider to receive more personalized guidance if you’re experiencing family challenges or other personal concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free family therapy (United Kingdom-specific)?
Free counseling can be funded by the NHS, though availability may vary by location. GroceryAid also offers counseling for couples, providing up to six sessions at no cost. Other cost-effective solutions are available through social care centers, educational settings, or online platforms.
What do family therapists help with?
Therapists help families adjust to a mental health diagnosis or other external factors that might shift dynamics. While individuals may receive medication or individual support, therapists assist with managing symptoms and addressing related challenges.
Does a family therapist treat mental health problems?
Professionals in this field can assist individuals and their loved ones in managing mental health challenges. Licensed professionals can help people adjust to a mental health diagnosis and navigate the emotional and practical difficulties that arise. While some individuals may receive medication or individual support, counselors often offer strategies to manage symptoms and improve relationships, fostering better understanding and coping mechanisms within the household.
What kind of therapy is best for family challenges?
Functional family therapy (FFT) is effective for dynamic issues, particularly with children facing behavioral challenges. FFT aims to improve dynamics and promote positive reinforcement.
What does systemic psychotherapy consist of?
Systemic psychotherapy focuses on improving relationships within a family. Therapists identify long-standing communication patterns that hinder progress, helping each member communicate better and move forward together.
What is the success rate of family therapy?
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy reports that 90% of patients experience improved emotional health after counseling. Among children as primary patients, 73.7% of parents saw behavioral improvements, as well as better school performance and peer interactions.
How much does family therapy cost in the United Kingdom?
Costs vary based on the therapist and support method. On average, expect to pay 70 to 150 pounds per session, though sliding-scale options may be available for urgent cases.
What are the disadvantages of family therapy?
Counseling can be uncomfortable for individuals reluctant to discuss emotions in front of others. Children may feel unheard, and family dynamics could worsen if sides are taken during counseling. With time and the right strategies, these conflicts can usually be resolved.
What are the five stages of family therapy?
The five stages of strategic family counseling include: social, problem, interactional, goal-setting, and task-setting stages. Other counseling methods may have different structures, so consulting a therapist beforehand is advised.
When is family therapy not suitable?
Counseling is unsuitable in cases of abuse, during heated divorces involving children, or when it could harm the mental health of any client, particularly minors. If parents are misusing counseling, it can be detrimental, and therapists may not always detect emotional abuse.
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