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.
What Family Therapy helps with
Every plan is tailored to you. This is a guide to where this approach is most often used.
- Communication breakdownRead more
- Parent–teen conflictRead more
- Blended-family challengesRead more
- Supporting a struggling memberRead more
- Life transitions and changeRead more
- Rebuilding connectionRead more
- Eating disorders in young peopleRead more
- Depression in teenagersRead more
- Child behaviour difficultiesRead more
- Teen alcohol and drug useRead more
- Family support with bipolar disorder or psychosisRead more
- School refusal and child anxietyRead more
Not sure if it's the right fit? That's exactly what your first session is for. We'll recommend the approach (or blend of approaches) that suits you.
The approach, step by step.
A clear sense of how the work unfolds, always at your pace.
- 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
Shift the patterns
We build communication and understanding, interrupting the cycles that keep conflict going.
The sessions that follow - 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.
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.

Practitioners who use this approach.
Things people ask before booking.
Does everyone have to attend?
Is it suitable for children?
What happens in the first family therapy session?
Can family therapy be done online?
How is family therapy different from couples therapy?
Is family therapy covered by Medicare?
Do I need a referral?
References
- 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
- 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
Further reading and free tools.
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.
Talk to us
How can we help?
Fees & rebatesFind a psychologistMind Health CheckReferring a clientWorkplaces & EAP
If you need support right now Lifeline 13 11 14 · Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 · 13YARN 13 92 76 · Emergency 000. Available 24/7 — this panel isn't.
We'll call you back on the number you gave us within one business day. If it's urgent, call 1300 084 200.

The referral pathways guide


Read with intention












Meet the clinicians


