Family therapy consists of sessions where we receive help to solve problems that we encounter with those who are closest to us: our family or others who are near and dear. Its essence is that problems are understood as being of a relational nature, and that problems affect all members of a family or a network. In the sessions, it is thus crucial to listen to many of those who are involved to be able to undertake the necessary changes. As a form of therapy, family therapy has grown in scope and importance since its introduction in Norway in the mid-1960s. The procedure is based on systemic thinking, theories of communication and theories of change in clinical work with interpersonal relationships.
Those who are trained in family therapy possess extra knowledge about the importance of relationships for human mental and physical well-being and social functioning. Family therapists may work with individuals, couples, entire families, groups or other networks. Family therapists may vary in their basic training, academic background and basis for their way of working. However, they all seek to elicit different voices and emotions, and help people talk with and listen to each other in new ways. The approaches and methods are selected according to what will provide most benefit to the family or individual in question and help them bring about change.