Family Systems Therapy
Reviving family connection.
Family systems therapy is a mode of psychotherapy that aids people in resolving their problems in the context of their family unit. Typically, problems begin in the family. We approach conflict by viewing the family as a whole and identifying how each member interacts with one another to form a unique family dynamic. Each family member will work collectively and individually to understand this group dynamic, the effects of individual actions, and patterns that often surface.
To accomplish this, family members will take turns meeting together and individually to attempt to support one or more family members experiencing emotional challenges. Role switching will allow family members to increase understanding and support by developing an understanding of how members can better support one another. Most vitally, each member will process, express, and share their thoughts and feelings to attempt to devise goals to remedy them. Marriage and Family Focus can support dysfunctional family patterns with family systems therapy to revive family connection and establish a healthy family system.
Co-Therapy
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Co-Therapy is a model of therapy where there are two clinicians, either two licensed clinicians or a licensed clinician and an intern, present during a session. This model allows for clinicians to support each other and in turn provide greater insight into a client's analysis creating more rounded conclusions drawn from therapy sessions.
This model is most commonly used for couples or families as having multiple clinicians affords the opportunity to split the clients apart for portions or the duration of a session. With couples, the two clinicians can each work one-on-one with each member of the couple to explore in more depth their perspectives. With families, the possibilities for working with parents in one space & kids in another, or different parent-child pairings is dynamic to fit whatever the client needs are.
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Adding a co-therapist offers a broadening of perspectives, tools, and approaches used in session. The opportunity to utilize the complementary skills of two different mental health professionals can offer a wider range of paths forward for the clients. The extra mind/eyes/ears in session also enrich how much is absorbed, analyzed, and understood in the therapeutic process.
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In the majority of situations, Co-Therapy sessions tend to be fairly similar to therapy with a single clinician present. Depending on the combination of clinicians these sessions can look slightly different:
For sessions with a licensed/IT clinician and a student-intern the licensed/IT will take more of a leading role in the session during the early sessions.
With two more experienced therapists, they tend to work in tandem, typically organically but occasionally with some established structure for roles within session. In that instance, both clinicians ask questions, provide feedback, and analyze/assess the clients.
Co-Therapy sessions will look different for every couple and family depending on the needs of the clients and their goals for therapy.
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While you can share your preferences with us it is important to remember that adding a co-therapist adds additional scheduling complexities and not every therapist at Marriage and Family Focus participates in the co-therapy model.
We will do our best to pair you with the best team to fit your needs, and will listen to any concerns you have.
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A Co-Therapy session can be done with Thomas and Emma, or Thomas or Emma and an Intern. These sessions are not covered by insurance and must be paid for out-of-pocket.
Thomas and Emma: $215
Thomas or Emma and an Intern: $185
Who Can benefit from Family Systems Therapy?
Families currently or continuously in conflict.
Families who want to support a member with a physical disability or mental disorder.
Substance use disorder
Alcohol use disorder
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Eating Disorders
