family therapy

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.

family therapy

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of family therapy¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

He received his bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz and earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy from the Phillips Graduate Institute.

From Los Angeles Times

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

It wasn’t until at least his third rehab stint, maybe even later, that she was involved in any family therapy with him.

From Los Angeles Times

The nonprofit offers family therapy, case management, medication support and parenting classes in Spanish and English.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re going to start seeing a marriage counselor and probably try some family therapy, too. It’s going to be a little weird for a while, but things will feel normal again pretty soon.”

From Literature