Photo of Louise Parr, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Louise Parr
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
My aim as a therapist is to focus on finding a flexible way for everyone to access therapy. Having previously worked shifts I am aware of the difficulties of having a busy life that does not fit into the average 9-5 template and how this can make accessing weekly appointments difficult. I struggled to find my therapist when I was working shifts and I would like to offer my clients a different way of working, booking sessions week by week. This takes away the commitment of attending at the same time and date.
My aim as a therapist is to focus on finding a flexible way for everyone to access therapy. Having previously worked shifts I am aware of the difficulties of having a busy life that does not fit into the average 9-5 template and how this can make accessing weekly appointments difficult. I struggled to find my therapist when I was working shifts and I would like to offer my clients a different way of working, booking sessions week by week. This takes away the commitment of attending at the same time and date.
0115 647 4335 View 0115 647 4335

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Family Therapy Counsellors

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.