Finally a family therapy that suits you and your crew

Family therapy and parent counseling are two approaches in the field of psychological support for families that cannot always be clearly distinguished from one another.

Parent counseling focuses on the specific challenges of parenting, offering guidance on particular issues and equipping parents with the tools they need for successful parenting.

Family therapy, on the other hand, aims to understand and improve family dynamics. It helps identify dysfunctional patterns and fosters the development of healthier interactions. Additionally, family therapy can provide valuable support when a family member is struggling with a mental disorder or physical illness that places strain on the family unit.

Both family therapy and parent counseling are valuable tools for helping families navigate stressful situations. The psychologists at Aepsy are qualified in both approaches, allowing you to choose the right path in consultation with a specialist. This flexibility ensures personalized support tailored to your family's unique challenges.

There are various therapeutic approaches in family therapy. Family therapy is often based on systemic psychotherapy. However, other therapeutic approaches, such as psychoanalysis or behavioral therapy, are also used in family settings.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach for your family depends on your individual needs. However, more important than the specific method is finding a specialist who suits you – someone you feel comfortable with and trust. The therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in the success of your therapy.

The duration of a family therapy session varies for each family and depends on the specific issue and needs. Generally, sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes, though the exact length is determined by the level of support required.

Positive changes can often be noticed after just a few sessions. However, for more complex issues, therapy may extend over a longer period to ensure lasting improvements. In total, family therapy can range from a few weeks to several months or even longer.

The overall duration of therapy is also influenced by the frequency of sessions and the family's commitment to actively participate and implement recommended changes.

The goals of family therapy are to improve family dynamics, resolve conflicts, and strengthen communication within the family. A family therapist helps identify negative behavioral and communication patterns while guiding the family toward new perspectives and solutions. The aim is to foster a healthy family life by encouraging positive changes on both an individual and family level.

Since the term "family therapy" is not legally protected, it is important to verify the specialist’s qualifications before seeking support. At Aepsy, all psychologists and psychotherapists undergo a careful selection process to ensure they meet the standards of family therapy. Additionally, Aepsy only selects professionals who are recognized in Switzerland and have several years of hands-on experience working with families and parents.

Not all family members need to be present during family therapy. The therapy setting can be adapted flexibly to meet the family’s current needs and may evolve throughout the course of the therapy.

While involving all family members can provide a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics, the therapy can also focus on one parent, the parental relationship, or the parents with the child. The decision about who participates in each session is made collaboratively with the therapist and the family.

It is important that all family members feel comfortable in the chosen setting. For this reason, Aepsy also offers the option of conducting family therapy online, allowing families to work on positive changes from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, Aepsy offers the flexibility to combine online therapy with in-person sessions at the practice location.