Family counseling, or family therapy, aims to address psychological, behavioral, and emotional issues that cause family problems. Family members will work with a therapist or counselor to develop and maintain a healthy relationship. The goal is to identify and address problems in the family. These issues could be emotional, psychological, or behavioral. Family counseling aims to address underlying problems that cause family issues. There are several forms of family therapy. Different family problems may require specific types of counseling.

What it is

A form of psychotherapy that treats the family as a system: problems are seen as arising from interaction patterns, roles, and communication, not only from one individual.
Sessions typically involve multiple family members and focus on changing unhelpful patterns to improve relationships and functioning.
Common goals

Improve communication and problem-solving
Resolve conflicts and reduce tension
Strengthen parenting skills and family structure
Support transitions (divorce, remarriage, blended families, relocation)
Help with grief, illness, addiction, behavioral problems, or mental health issues affecting the family
Issues commonly addressed

Childhood/adolescent behavior problems
Parent–child conflict
Marital conflict and separation
Substance use and addiction
Eating disorders, trauma, grief
Chronic illness or disability impacts on family dynamics
Approaches and techniques

Structural family therapy: reorganizes the family’s interactions and boundaries
Strategic therapy: targets specific problem-maintaining behaviors with focused interventions
Systemic therapy: explores patterns, roles, and meanings within the family system
Cognitive-behavioral family therapy: addresses thoughts and behaviors influencing relationships
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): works on attachment and emotional bonds
Narrative therapy and solution-focused brief therapy: reframe stories, build strengths and solutions
Who participates

Couples, parents, children, siblings, extended family — participation is tailored to goals and safety considerations (e.g., sessions may be individual if needed for safety).
What to expect in sessions

Assessment of family structure, communication patterns, strengths and stressors
Setting shared goals and identifying change strategies
Skills practice (communication, boundaries, conflict resolution)
Homework between sessions to reinforce changes
Benefits / outcomes

Reduced conflict, better problem-solving, improved emotional support, clearer roles and boundaries, and improved mental health and functioning for family members
When to seek family counseling

Ongoing conflict, repeated crises, child behavior problems, major life transitions, or when individual therapy isn’t resolving relational issues
How to choose a therapist

Look for licensed mental health professionals with family therapy training (e.g., LMFT, LCSW, psychologist) and experience with your family’s concerns
Ask about their approach, session structure, confidentiality rules, fees, and whether they work with children/adolescents if relevant
Practical and safety considerations

Confidentiality may be limited between family members — ask how the therapist handles information shared by different family members
If there’s ongoing domestic violence, abuse, or safety concerns, individual and safety-focused interventions are often needed before or instead of conjoint family therapy