What is Couples and Family Therapy and How Does it Differ From Individual Therapy?
Although there are many different types of Couples and Family therapy, generally speaking, Couples and Family therapy takes a systems approach and focuses on how cycles or patterns of behaviour within relationships lead to or perpetuate the issues couples and families say they have. Couples and Family therapy are short-term, structured, collaborative, and solution-focused approaches aimed at helping couples and families adapt to changing circumstances in the best way possible, honouring each individuals unique roles, characteristics, and needs within the relationships.
Couples and Family therapy differs from individual therapy in its focus on the relational patterns between multiple people, instead of focusing on the presenting problems of any one individual within the couple or family. There may be times where it is recommended by the clinician that individuals engage in their own therapy services while participating in or prior to starting couples or family therapy. Couples and Family therapy may not be suitable for individuals currently experiencing alcohol or substance use disorder. If this is a concern for you, please speak with us prior to starting couples or family therapy.