family therapy

American  

noun

1. the psychotherapeutic treatment of more than one member of a family simultaneously at the same session, based on the assumption that problems can best be understood and corrected by observing the interaction of family members and identifying methods for improving their interrelationships.

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family therapy British  

noun

1. a form of psychotherapy in which the members of a family participate, with the aim of improving communications between them and the ways in which they relate to each other

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Etymology

Origin of family therapy

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

family therapy

Shatavia Thomas, a therapist in Atlanta who specializes in marriage and family therapy, advises speaking directly and gently to a couple when a request is beyond your means.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

The local authority had an established relationship with a family therapy provider which specialises in adoption, Family Futures.

From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2025

“We’re going through family therapy, and that’s what this should be, a family matter,” he said.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 15, 2024

We went into family therapy together for a little while; we really just started engaging with each other with a lot more transparency and directness and honesty.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2023

Besides having to endure sessions with Ms. Fernandez, I had family therapy with Luke.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter