Mind Health Check
Family Therapy

Change the conversation at home.

Family therapy works with the whole system, helping families understand the patterns they get caught in, communicate better, and support each other through difficulty.

How it works

The approach, step by step.

A clear sense of how the work unfolds, always at your pace.

  1. 1

    See the whole picture

    We understand each person's perspective and the patterns the family gets stuck in. No single person is the problem.

    Early sessions
  2. 2

    Shift the patterns

    We build communication and understanding, interrupting the cycles that keep conflict going.

    The sessions that follow
  3. 3

    Strengthen the system

    The family develops healthier ways of relating and supporting one another that continue after therapy.

    Ongoing

Sessions may involve some or all of the family, and are led with fairness and warmth: everyone's voice matters, and no one is blamed.

Fees & funding

Know your costs before you start.

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare rebates apply to individual therapy. We'll always be clear about costs before you begin.

See fees
  • Medicare: rebates on up to 10 sessions a year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
  • NDIS, DVA, Workers Comp & CTP: usually no out-of-pocket cost when approved.
  • Private health: claim through your extras cover, with no referral needed.
A consulting room with a grey armchair, a sage cushion and a wicker table.
Common questions

Things people ask before booking.

Does everyone have to attend?
Not always. We work with whoever can come. Even one motivated family member can shift the dynamic for everyone.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. We tailor family work to include children and teens appropriately, and can combine it with individual support.
What happens in the first family therapy session?
Your psychologist will meet with the family members who can attend and give each person a chance to share their view. The aim is to understand the patterns the family gets caught in, not to find someone to blame. Together you'll agree on what you'd like to change.
Can family therapy be done online?
Yes. Family sessions can be held over telehealth, which can help when family members live apart or have busy schedules. Some families use a mix of online and in-person sessions in Parramatta.
How is family therapy different from couples therapy?
Couples therapy focuses on the relationship between two partners. Family therapy looks at the wider family, often including children, teens or other relatives, and how everyone affects each other. Sometimes both are useful at different stages.
Is family therapy covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan are linked to the person named on the plan, and some family sessions can be included where they support that person's treatment. Our team can explain what may apply to your family, including NDIS and private health options.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with us any time. A referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP is only needed to claim Medicare rebates.
Related
References
  1. Carr A. (2019). Family therapy and systemic interventions for child-focused problems: The current evidence base. Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 153-213. doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12226
  2. Carr A. (2019). Couple therapy, family therapy and systemic interventions for adult-focused problems: The current evidence base. Journal of Family Therapy, 41(4), 492-536. doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12225
Reading and tools

Further reading and free tools.

Which approach might suit? A rough guide to what each therapy focuses on most; your psychologist will help you choose, and many people use more than one.

Thinking and behaviour

Emotion and acceptance

Trauma memory

Relationships

Strengths and solutions

Two adults talking in a warm consultation room
Accepting new clients

Your next step starts here.

Tell us what's going on and we'll match you with the right psychologist, usually after a free triage. No referral needed to begin.

ConfidentialReply within one business dayMedicare rebates may apply
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