Understanding When Healing Requires a Family-Centered Approach
Individual therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, but sometimes our mental health challenges are deeply rooted in the dynamics of the systems we live in—especially our families. When conflicts, communication breakdowns, or emotional strain ripple across multiple people, family therapy can be a more effective path to healing than individual counseling alone.
At City Behavioral Health, we understand that mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. That’s why we offer collaborative, systemic care that includes family therapy to address challenges affecting the whole unit—not just the individual.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves multiple members of a family working together with a licensed therapist. The goal is not to place blame, but to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger, more supportive relationships.
Sessions may include all family members, or a subset (e.g., a parent and child, siblings, or a couple). At CBH, our therapists are trained in relational healing—an approach that views the family as an interconnected system, where changes in one person can influence the wellbeing of all.
When Family Therapy May Be the Better Choice
1. There’s Ongoing Conflict or Communication Breakdown
If family members are constantly arguing, avoiding each other, or struggling to express themselves without defensiveness or hostility, therapy can create a safe space to address these issues constructively.
Rather than “taking sides,” the therapist acts as a neutral guide, helping each person feel heard and encouraging mutual understanding.
2. A Family Member’s Struggles Are Impacting Everyone
Mental health concerns—such as depression, anxiety, substance use, or behavioral challenges—often ripple outward, affecting the entire family dynamic. While individual therapy can support the person in crisis, family therapy brings everyone together to understand and respond as a team.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration asserts involving family members in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment can positively affect client engagement, retention, and outcomes. Source: https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep20-02-02-016.pdf
3. There Are Major Life Transitions or Stressors
Changes such as divorce, remarriage, illness, relocation, or the loss of a loved one can strain even the healthiest families. Family therapy can help everyone adjust, process emotions, and find new ways to support one another.
4. Parenting Challenges Are Creating Tension
When parents disagree on discipline, communication, or family values—or when a child or teen is acting out—family therapy can help realign the parenting approach and strengthen the parent-child bond.
At CBH, we also offer parent coaching, including DBT-based skills and the Kazdin Method, to give caregivers specific tools for behavior reinforcement and communication.
5. You’ve Tried Individual Therapy, But Patterns Persist
Sometimes, individual work can only go so far. If you’ve made personal progress but continue to feel “stuck” in the same relational dynamics at home, bringing family members into the therapy room may uncover deeper insights and open the door to lasting change.
Benefits of Family Therapy at CBH
- Strengthens relationships through improved communication and empathy
- Fosters shared responsibility for change rather than isolating one person as “the problem”
- Provides a structured setting for difficult conversations with a trained professional
- Addresses generational patterns and unresolved conflict that individual therapy may miss
- Promotes resilience in families facing ongoing stress, mental illness, or behavioral issues
When Individual Therapy May Still Be Preferable
While family therapy offers powerful benefits, individual counseling may be the better option when:
- A person needs privacy to process trauma or abuse
- Family members are unwilling to attend therapy
- Personal issues unrelated to the family system need to be addressed first
- A combination of both is clinically indicated (which CBH frequently recommends
An Integrated Approach to Healing
At City Behavioral Health, we recognize that effective treatment often involves multiple layers of care. Many clients benefit from both individual and family therapy, depending on their stage in the treatment process.
Our nimble treatment planning allows for seamless transitions between formats, ensuring your care evolves alongside your goals. Whether you’re seeking support for communication issues, emotional reactivity, or parenting stress, family therapy can offer insight and connection where it’s needed most.
Sources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). The Importance Of Family Therapy In Substance Use Disorder Treatment. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep20-02-02-016.pdf
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Benefits of Marriage and Family Therapy. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/About_AAMFT/Benefits_of_Marriage_and_Family_Therapy.aspx
