Research shows family therapy is helpful for these and other family experiences.
We work with couples and families:
Family therapy helps people in close relationships to better understand and support each other. It helps families talk about and work out their difficulties – to find a way forward that might work better for everyone.
All families and family members are different. Many stages in family life are difficult. Sometimes we can deal with these challenges, other times it is much more difficult.
Family therapy can help when a family needs to work together, either to help one family member or to help the whole family. It can be useful when families feel overwhelmed, sad or angry; when they are not sure what to do for the best; or when they just feel stuck in a repeating pattern of hurtful or harmful behaviours.
Family therapy offers somewhere constant and stable during times of family change and uncertainty. It is objective, non-judgmental and creative. It is confidential – we have a strict code of confidentiality. The only times this will be broken is if a child is at risk, if an adult is at risk of serious harm or if we are otherwise legally obliged to do so.
It is whatever family means to you. We work systemically and so are interested in working with all parts of a family – individuals, couples, children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, adult children, partners, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, carers, other professionals – anyone who is involved, in any combination that suits you best. Everyone might want to come, or they might not. You might prefer to come alone.
We will see you face to face, or online. We will not blame or take sides. We are interested in what everyone has to say, and has experienced. We usually focus on present day problems and how things might be different, in a way that would work better for all of you. We know you will already have tried lots of things, and we will not try to provide simple explanations or answers. Sometimes it can be useful to talk about past experiences, family history, other important people or contexts, and to think about deeper values, beliefs and culture. We will talk and listen with you. In meetings with children there might be less talking and more drawing and playing.
We usually suggest meeting every two or three weeks, but will be guided by you. Meetings are usually for an hour. Sometimes only a few meetings are needed, sometimes families prefer to continue for longer – we will decide that with you as we go. Our charges begin from £80 per hour. If what is happening in a family is more complex, for example when families are referred by solicitors or the court, we charge £180 per hour.
Legal aid is available through your solicitor if the court refers a case to family therapy and in some other cases. Solicitors should click here for more information about SLAB sanction for family therapy.
Payment is made either before or at the first meeting, and then in advance for further meetings. If you need to rearrange or cancel an appointment, please give us as much notice as possible. We will refund or transfer your payment if you give us at least 24 hours’ notice but please note that you may still be liable for the room charge as most of our therapy rooms have a 48 hour cancellation policy.