Family Therapy:

What Families Come to Therapy for:

Families come to therapy for many different reasons. Sometimes communication breaks down, relationships feel tense or distant, or something has happened that affects how the family is functioning. It’s also very common for family members to have different views about what the problem is or different levels of willingness to attend - this is normal!

I work with families who want to:

  • improve communication and reduce conflict or shutdowns

  • support children or teenagers with emotional, social, or school-related difficulties

  • navigate differences in parenting approaches, roles, or expectations

  • understand and respond to the impacts of trauma or family violence

  • support neurodivergent family members (ADHD, autism, etc.) and day-to-day challenges

  • manage tension, withdrawal, or ongoing disagreements between family members

  • adjust to major life changes such as moving, death in the family, or new siblings

  • repair relationships after hurt, misunderstandings, or long-standing issues

  • adjust to separation, co-parenting, or changes in family structure including blended families

  • strengthen connection and find workable, respectful ways of living together

Family therapy isn’t only for families in crisis, many come because they care about their relationships and want support to understand each other better and interrupt unhelpful patterns. Saying that, it is common for families to attend once things have started to feel “impossible”. If this is you, reach out for a chat and we can figure out how to proceed from there. Families of all configurations and backgrounds are welcome!

Get in touch for a free 15 minute phone consult by booking online or via the contact form.

What to Expect:

  • Get in touch for a free 15 minute phone consult by booking online or via the contact form.

  • After the first appointment is booked, I’ll send a brief intake form to the family’s main contact to get an initial sense of what’s happening.

  • I will then arrange a short phone call with that person to clarify who should attend the first session. Because family structures differ and goals vary, the first session may involve parents, caregivers, children, or a combination. This will be guided by what is developmentally appropriate and clinically useful.

  • In sessions, we focus on the patterns and interactions within the family rather than locating the “problem” in one person. This can be especially helpful when a child or teen is struggling, as the aim is to support the whole system around them rather than pathologise them.

  • Depending on the situation, family therapy may include:

    • sessions with the whole family

    • sessions with parts of the family (e.g., siblings, parents, or child + caregiver)

    • individual sessions when deemed useful

  • The structure and pace are shaped by the family’s goals, context, and needs.

  • Family therapy can take place in person or online. I’m based in Northcote, Victoria.