Frequently asked Questions





If you are considering therapy for yourself or if you've been asked to join family therapy sessions, you will have many questions about what this may involve. Here are some examples of what you may wish to discuss prior to your treatment session.


Question:  What happens in family therapy?

Answer:  Family Therapists aim not to take sides, blame, or provide simple ‘one size fits all’ answers. They aim to engage people in sharing understandings and views with each other and to explore ways forward that work for them. Sessions with a Family Therapist usually last between 50 and 90 minutes. The Family Therapist aims to make people feel welcome, and to give everyone a chance to contribute to discussions if they wish. They will adapt their ways of working according to people’s ages, needs, resources and preferences. Sessions involving children, for example, often include play and drawing. Some people may wish to talk together from the start of therapy sessions, while others may prefer some individual time with their Family Therapist before deciding if, what and how to share their thoughts and feelings with others. The Family Therapist will discuss with you how you would like to work together.


Question:  Who can be a family and systemic psychotherapist?

Answer: Only fully qualified practitioners, (those who hold a Masters degree or higher) are entitled to use the UKCP accredited title of ‘Family and Systemic Psychotherapist’.