What Is Family Therapy and How Does It Work?

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, families can experience a variety of challenges that affect communication, emotional well-being, and overall harmony. Family therapy—also known as family counseling—is a proven method to help families address these challenges together in a safe and supportive environment.

Whether you’re searching for a family therapist near me or considering online family therapy,

understanding how this process works is the first step toward healing and growth.

What Is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves working with a licensed

professional—typically a marriage and family therapist—to address and improve

communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust among family members. Unlike individual

therapy, which focuses on one person, family therapy works on the family system as a whole.

This therapeutic approach is grounded in various models such as Family Systems Therapy,

Structural Family Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy, depending on the specific

issues and dynamics of the family.

What Issues Does Family Therapy Address?

Families seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Common concerns include:

● Communication breakdowns

● Parenting conflicts

● Behavioral issues in children or teens

● Substance abuse

● Treatment-resistant depression

● Grief, trauma, or major life changes

● Relationship strain or marital issues

Sometimes family therapy complements couples therapy, marriage counseling, or individual

therapy for depression. In faith-based households, many clients seek out Christian marriage

counseling or spiritual counseling to align therapy with their beliefs.

How Does Family Therapy Work?

1. Initial Consultation

Your journey often begins with a consultation where the family therapist learns about your family history, the presenting problems, and each member’s perspective. This helps create a clear understanding of the family dynamic.

2. Setting Goals

Together with the therapist, your family will outline shared goals, such as improving

communication, reducing conflict, or supporting a family member struggling with mental health.

3. Ongoing Sessions

Each session may involve all family members or sub-groups (e.g., parents, siblings). Your

therapist may utilize techniques from cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy, or specific

strategies from family-based therapy or child and family therapy, depending on your unique

needs.

Benefits of Family Therapy

● Builds empathy and mutual understanding

● Resolves long-standing conflicts

● Helps navigate major transitions (divorce, relocation, illness)

● Supports emotional regulation and coping strategies

● Strengthens relationships

Many families find healing and hope through marriage and family therapy, especially when

guided by a compassionate, experienced professional. If spirituality plays a central role in your life, you may also consider working with a spiritual therapist and pursuing faith-based counseling which we provide.

Is Family Therapy Right for You?

If your family has been struggling with emotional disconnection, frequent arguments, or

unresolved trauma, family counseling services may be the answer. Whether you’re looking for

family therapy near me, marriage counseling near me, or relationship counseling near me, there are many accessible resources available both in-person and online. 

Some families also benefit from pre-marriage counseling, pre-marital counseling, or even

discernment counseling when deciding whether to stay together or separate.

Take the First Step

Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right guidance, your family can move forward together. Family therapy is more than just talking—it’s about understanding, connection, and meaningful change. When your family thrives, everyone benefits. If you’re ready to take that step, LaFavor Family Therapy Services is here to help. Whether you're seeking family counseling, couples therapy, or faith-based counseling, our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you through your healing journey. Reach out today and discover how we can support your family’s path to greater harmony and connection.

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