By its very nature, family therapy is intended to benefit each person and the family unit. While it may appear that issues arise from one member of the family, the deep emotional connection among family members means everyone is affected, so resolving issues with one person benefits everyone.

All family therapy approaches are designed to help families improve communication, problem-solving and coping skills, and enhance the sense of connection to one another.

Family therapy is generally results-oriented and commonly structured for an average of 12 sessions. Sometimes therapy continues for 20 sessions or more, depending on the individuals and the issues. Experienced therapists often use a combination of techniques specifically designed to allow each person in the family reach the goal of healthy choices and well-functioning relationships.

It’s important for parents to realize that the way Grandma and Grandpa raised their children, and the way their Mom and Dad led the family may not be suited to the changes that have evolved in the 21st Century. There are essential values of trust, safety and guidance that must be a foundation for any family. But today almost every child and teenager is connected nearly 24/7 to powerful outside influences that can override even the best intentions of parents.

Sometimes parents help their children best by reaching out for guidance from an experienced mental health professional who can see a bigger picture based on new research and the common experiences, and challenges, of families in the U.S. and other countries. Many challenges facing families have become all-too-common on a global level and strategies for family therapy continue to develop in England, Australia and many other locations. In a world that seems to grow more complicated each day, family therapy can help parents and children make their relationships healthier one day at a time.