What is family therapy?

Family therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy that takes place between yourself, a therapist and your immediate family or loved ones. This form of therapy encourages you and your family to have an open and honest dialogue about your mental health challenges and how these impact on the wider family unit, develop an understanding of each other’s point of view, and think of ways in which you can support each other more effectively in the future.

Support for families during the COVID-19 outbreak

Lopa Vibhakar, Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist at Priory, provides advice to help families cope with COVID-19.

Lopa is based at Priory Wellbeing Centre Harley Street and Priory Wellbeing Centre Fenchurch Street.

What is couples therapy?

In a similar way to family therapy, the purpose of couples therapy is to encourage an open dialogue between partners regarding the impact that mental health and addiction challenges are having on them as individuals, as well as their relationship.

Support for couples during the COVID-19 outbreak

In this video, Lopa Vibhakar, shares her 7 Top Tips to help couples cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.

When are family and couples therapy used at Priory?

Family and couples therapy have been found to be highly effective in the treatment of a wide range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, stress, addictions and eating disorders. They can also be useful for individuals who are experiencing problems in their relationships, or may be going through a separation or divorce and need support to help them to work through these issues. Family therapy in particular is also widely used in the treatment of young people who are struggling with a mental health problem. Therapy can also be provided to couples and family members who are impacted by a separation or divorce.

Family and couples therapy sessions can take place as part of Priory’s intensive inpatient treatment offerings, and are also commonly used during our comprehensive residential Addiction Treatment Programmes. Family and couples therapy can also take place on a less intensive basis during day care and outpatient treatment at Priory, depending on you and your family/partner’s situation and your unique requirements.

Family and couples therapy can be delivered using a variety of therapy types, which include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), depending on the therapeutic technique that has been deemed as the most appropriate for your individual mental health concerns, as well as the unique dynamics within your family and personal relationships.

What does a typical family/couples therapy session look like?

Family therapy sessions typically consist of the patient as well as several of their close family members. Couples therapy consists of the patient, therapist, and the patient’s partner, spouse or significant other. However, family members and partners are also able to see a family therapist on an individual basis if needed.

Family/couples therapy sessions typically last for between 50 minutes to an hour, and generally take place on a short term basis – usually 12 sessions. However, the frequency, number of sessions and the type of therapy that is used within a family/couples therapy programme, depends upon the type of mental health challenges that are being dealt with, as well as the unique needs and requirements of both the patient and their family/partner.