Family dynamics shape all of us. Our family therapists work with the whole family system to improve relationships, resolve longstanding patterns, and create a healthier environment for everyone.
Families often seek support after a disruption — a divorce, bereavement, new diagnosis, or a longstanding pattern that has stopped working for everyone.
Sessions bring the relevant family members together, since a shift in one relationship tends to affect the whole system.
This may be right for you if...
- Conflict between family members that keeps repeating the same pattern
- A major change disrupting the household — divorce, bereavement, a new diagnosis
- Communication that regularly breaks down into shouting or shutting down
- One member's struggles are affecting everyone else at home
- Feeling stuck in old roles or patterns the family cannot seem to shift alone
What family counselling can help with
Even close families go through seasons where talking breaks down. Family counselling gives everyone a structured, neutral space to be heard and to understand each other again. Families in Singapore commonly come to us about:
- Frequent arguments or long silences between parents and children
- Parenting disagreements, or tension with grandparents and in-laws in multigenerational homes
- Separation, divorce or co-parenting across two households
- Grief after the loss of a family member
- A child or teen who is struggling, and the strain this puts on everyone
- Big transitions such as a move, a new sibling, illness or caregiving for an elderly parent
How family therapy sessions work
A family therapist looks at how family members affect one another, rather than treating one person as "the problem". Early sessions are about hearing each person's view and noticing the patterns that keep conflict going. Depending on the situation, sessions may include the whole family, a parent and child, or a mix of joint and individual meetings.
Our therapists bring experience from Family Service Centres and child protection work, and draw on emotionally focused, attachment-based, Internal Family Systems and play and expressive arts approaches. For younger children, play and art often help them say what is hard to put into words.
When not everyone is ready to come
It is common for one family member to be keen and another to be reluctant. You can start on your own or with whoever is willing — changes in one relationship often shift the rest of the family too. If you feel nervous about talking in front of family members, your therapist will go at a pace that feels safe and can arrange individual time when needed.
What to expect
- An initial session to understand your needs and goals
- A personalised treatment plan
- Regular sessions at a frequency that suits you
- Ongoing review and adjustment as you progress
- A confidential, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship
Therapists who offer this
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between family counselling and individual counselling? +
Individual counselling focuses on one person. Family counselling looks at the relationships between family members and the patterns between them, usually with two or more people in the room. Many families use a combination of both.
Does the whole family need to attend? +
No. Sessions can include whoever is willing and relevant — the whole family, a couple of members, or a parent and child. Some families start with one or two people and invite others later.
Can family therapy help with a teenager who will not talk to us? +
It can give everyone a calmer place to talk and help parents understand what may sit underneath the silence. Your therapist may suggest a mix of joint sessions and one-to-one time with your teen so they feel heard too.
Do you help with co-parenting after separation or divorce? +
Yes. Sessions can help separated parents communicate about their children, agree on routines across two homes, and support children through the change.
How long is a family therapy session? +
Adult and family sessions are 60 or 90 minutes; children's sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions can help when several family members are attending. See our fees page for current rates.
Further reading
Ready to get started?
Contact us to enquire about family therapy or to book an appointment.
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