This leaflet has been written to answer some of the questions that are often asked when people come to Family Therapy at Whitegate Health Centre.
Family and Systemic Psychotherapy
Also known as Family Therapy - is a talking therapy aimed at helping people in close relationships to better understand and support each other. It acknowledges that when one member of a family or group is struggling, this can impact everyone involved.
The aim of Family Therapy is to help family members understand each other’s experiences and views, to express and explore difficult thoughts and feelings safely, appreciate each other’s needs, build on family strengths, and work together to make useful changes in their relationships and lives.
Who will we see?
What is meant by family?
Family can mean different things to different people and it is used in this context to describe any group of people who care about each other. Family Therapy can include parents and step-parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, friends, foster carers, guardians and other professionals
What happens in Family Therapy?
Family Therapists are trained to work with children, young people, adults, carers and other professionals.
Their aim is not to take sides, blame or provide simple answers. Instead, they aim to engage family members in sharing understanding of what is going on and exploring ways forward that work for the family. Sometimes the Family Therapist will work on their own and sometimes as part of a team
You will either work with just the Family Therapist or with The Family Therapy team. Our team is made up of a range of 3-4 mental health practitioners, such as:
• Family Therapist
• Mental Health Nurses
• CAMHS Practitioners
• Assistant Psychologists
• Clinical Psychologists
What to expect?
During your first appointment we will be hearing about you, your family, your home life and the worries that may have brought you to see us.
You will be introduced to the reflecting team.
We may ask your permission to record sessions on DVD. Most Family Therapy sessions are recorded because this helps the team to think about your family in between appointments, but it is absolutely OK to decline this.
What does the reflecting team do?
The team is made up of 3-4 team members. They will spend most of their time in another room, watching the session through a one way screen.
The team will at some point swap rooms with you and the therapist. You will then have the opportunity to hear their ideas about what you have been talking about.
You, your family and the therapist will then return to the therapy room and the team will return to the observation room and the session will continue.
We have been told by other families we have worked with that it is a really helpful way of working together although it might feel a little strange at first!
How long will we need to keep coming for?
It depends. Some families come for just a few sessions, and other families come many times.
Will we be involved in research?
During your appointment you may be asked to fill out questionnaires which help us in monitoring your progress. We may ask if you are willing to take part in research. You can always say no and it will not affect your therapy in any way.
Will our information be kept private?
Yes it will. All information is stored securely. We have very strict rules about confidentiality, but if we are concerned about yours or anybody’s safety, we might have to involve other people or agencies.
What if I have any more questions?
If you have any more questions, or would like further information about Family Therapy, please talk to your therapist or contact:
Elle Ronson - Family and Systemic Psychotherapist
Second Floor
Whitegate Health Centre
Whitegate Drive
Blackpool
FY3 9ES
Tel: 0800 121 7762 - Option 1, CAMHS
We are an equal opportunities organisation. We subscribe to the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Code of Professional practice.
Author Ellie Ronson
Reference No CPL/145
Approved by Child Health Meeting
Review Date 01/05/2028
