Family therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on improving communication, relationships, and problem-solving within a family system. Rather than working with just one individual, I work with multiple family members together to explore how each person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect the others.

The first session with families look different than sessions with individuals or couples. I usually work with the entire family at the beginning of the session, and then meet with each family member individually. Sometimes the first session, or also called the intake session, will last two sessions.

Each family counseling session typically lasts between 50-60 minutes. I do offer intensive family counseling sessions which is a single, prolonged session (90 minutes-3 hours). Some families find intensive counseling sessions helpful to process complex issues.

Each family session will look different. Some family sessions involve family members working together to complete a task or participate in an attachment exercise, while other family sessions involve learning about the importance of each family member expressing their emotions in a healthy manner.

Often I will recommend an activity, such as working on a communication skill or naming your emotion, to practice between sessions. I understand that families are busy, so the between session activities are optional and, yet, highly encouraged.

If one of the members of the family is not available, we can still have a session. Although, the focus or goal of that session will adjust based on which family members attend the session.