Family therapy for addiction treatment typically brings several family members together for therapy sessions. However, a family member may also see a family therapist individually.

Sessions typically take about an hour and a half. Family therapy is often short term — generally once per week during the treatment process. However, how often you meet and the number of sessions you’ll need will depend on your family’s particular situation and the therapist’s recommendation.

During Family Therapy for Addiction, You Can:

  • Examine your family’s ability to solve problems and express thoughts and emotions in a productive manner
  • Explore family roles, rules and behavior patterns to identify issues that contribute to conflict — and ways to work through these issues
  • Identify your family’s strengths, such as caring for one another, and weaknesses, such as difficulty confiding in one another

Family therapy doesn’t automatically solve family conflicts or make an unpleasant situation go away. But it can help you and your family members understand one another better, and it can provide skills to cope with challenging situations in a more effective way. It may also help the family achieve a sense of togetherness.

View our Family Therapy Video

"After thirty-six years in recovery and twenty years in addiction treatment, I am now solely focused on providing personal, 1-on-1 recovery management services to those in need. When I most needed it someone reached out and took my hand and help save my life. Ever since I have dedicated myself to returning that kindness. When I was in dire straits many years ago with an addiction to drugs and alcohol, all I wanted to do was STOP! With the support of skilled clinicians and generous men and women in the recovery community I was not only able to stop, but discovered that I was becoming a better man, a better husband, better father, better colleague, better neighbor, and a better human being. I also found that the key to my happiness is found in service to others. I have dedicated my life to this task and have been gifted with the opportunity to direct others to the discovery of that better life."

- Stuart Birnbaum, Founder