Family Psychologists and Therapists in Brighton

Family therapy can help families navigate the complex dynamics of family life, including communication challenges and recurring conflict between family members. A therapist can help family members identify dysfunctional patterns in communication and develop healthier ways of relating. Family therapy may also be helpful during major life transitions or stressful events that affect the family system, such as grief, divorce, trauma, relocation, or a serious illness. In some cases, family therapy can support families coping with specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, alcohol or substance use disorders, and eating disorders. In these situations, therapy can provide education and support to family members, as well as to the individual with the mental health diagnosis.

Family therapy may be helpful if a family consistently struggles with conflict or communication in a way that affects daily life or relationships. It can also be beneficial when someone in the family is experiencing significant emotional or behavioural changes, such as a family member becoming aggressive, withdrawing, or struggling to cope after a traumatic event. Additionally, some concerns, such as addiction or eating disorders, may be especially important to address in the context of the family unit.

Family counselling sessions are often attended by members of the immediate family, such as parents, caregivers, children, or siblings. However, other family members may attend when appropriate, including grandparents, stepparents, stepsiblings, or co-parents. Who attends may depend on the family’s needs, the therapist’s recommendations, and the goals of treatment.

Family therapy can often be done online. Virtual sessions may be especially convenient when family members live in different locations, have busy schedules, or live in an area where family therapists are less accessible. However, online therapy may not be the best fit for every family. In-person care may be more appropriate when there are safety concerns, severe conflict, limited privacy at home, or when young children have difficulty engaging through a screen.

Family therapy can take different forms, including systemic family therapy (exploring how individual actions affect the family), structural family therapy (uncovering the structure and relationship dynamics of the family unit), and attachment-based family therapy (focusing on how bonds between family members shape relationships). Family therapy may also include psychoeducation, which helps family members learn more about a mental health condition and how to respond to it more effectively.

Family therapy sessions, which typically last about an hour, often range from around AUD $150 to $250 or more, depending on factors such as location, therapist experience, session length, and practice setting. Family therapy often costs more than individual therapy because it involves multiple participants and more complex treatment planning. In Australia, family therapy is often paid out of pocket, although some private health insurance policies may provide partial rebates, depending on the provider type and policy. Medicare rebates may be available in limited circumstances when a person has a Mental Health Treatment Plan established by their GP and is referred to an eligible mental health professional. However, these rebates only apply when services are provided by Medicare-eligible providers and are often subject to a limited number of sessions.