Family Therapy in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Family therapy is a set of sessions where a therapist meets with several family members together, so everyone can say what is hard and listen to each other with some support. Challenges Conquered Counseling offers it at our Fort Lauderdale office, 800 E Cypress Creek Rd, Suite 431, and by secure telehealth across Florida. Call (954) 600-9403 to ask how a first family visit works.
What brings a family in
Families rarely arrive because of one dramatic event. More often a pattern has set in: the same argument at dinner, a teenager who has stopped talking, a parent and an adult child who only speak about logistics, or two households trying to raise kids who are tired of being in the middle.
People often tell us one of these sounds familiar:
Conversations at home keep ending in raised voices or in silence
A big change, such as a move, a new baby, an illness, or a separation, has thrown everyone off
One person is struggling and the rest are not sure how to help without making it worse
Relatives disagree about how things should be done and nobody feels heard
Who comes to sessions
There is no single right guest list. Some families bring everyone who lives in the home. Others start with two or three people and add others later. Parents sometimes begin alone to talk through what they want to change, then bring the children in once there is a plan. Grandparents, stepparents, and adult siblings are welcome when they are part of the picture.
Children and teenagers are not put on the spot. Your therapist pays attention to the youngest and quietest voices in the room, and agrees up front how sessions will work so that no one feels ambushed.
How family sessions work
The first visit is mostly listening. Your therapist asks each person what they would like to be different, notices how the family talks to one another, and explains how the next few sessions may go. Nobody is assigned a role as the problem.
From there, the work may include:
Slowing conversations down so each person can finish a thought
Spotting the loops the family falls into, and trying a different step
Making room for feelings that usually get skipped, like worry or disappointment
Agreeing on small, realistic changes at home between sessions Sessions are usually weekly at first. We cannot promise how a family will feel at the end or how many visits it will take, because that depends on everyone involved.
Family work and individual support
Sometimes one person also needs their own space. A child may benefit from child and behavioral therapy, a teenager from teen and adolescent therapy, and parents who live apart can read about co-parenting coaching. Partners who need to work on their own relationship may prefer couples therapy.
If your family is facing a death or a separation, see grief and loss counseling or divorce and separation counseling. Families who want care that reflects their culture can read about culturally responsive family therapy.
Getting started
Many major insurance plans are accepted, and we check your benefits before the first appointment. The how it works page explains self-pay, telehealth, and what to expect from a first visit. To begin, call (954) 600-9403 or use the appointment request form. Please leave detailed health information out of the form and share it in session instead.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone in the family have to come?
No. You can start with whoever is willing, even if that is just one parent. Your therapist will talk with you about who to invite and when, and nobody is forced to attend. Families often find that others join once they see the sessions are not about blame.
Will the therapist take sides?
No. Your therapist's job is to help each person be heard and to help the family find a way forward together. Everyone gets room to speak, and no one is cast as the problem. If a session feels one-sided, say so and it will be addressed.
Can we do family therapy by video?
Yes. Secure telehealth is available across Florida, which helps when relatives live in different homes or cities. A video session is the same length and the same work as one in the office. Call (954) 600-9403 and we will help you set up a time.
How young can a child be to join?
Your therapist will adjust to the ages in the room. Younger children may join part of a session, and older children and teens may take a bigger role. When you call, mention who you would like to bring and we will explain how that usually works.
What if my family does not agree there is a problem?
That is common. Often one person wants help and the others are unsure. You can begin with the people who are ready, and your therapist can suggest ways to invite the rest without pressure. Agreement is not required for a first visit.