Family Therapy

Family therapy brings family members into the room together with a trained therapist to change the patterns between them, not to find one person at fault. It may involve parents and children, a couple, adult siblings or whoever is relevant to the difficulty.

It has good evidence for adolescent eating disorders, behavioural problems and substance use in young people, and as support alongside treatment for psychosis, depression and chronic illness. It depends on willingness to attend, and it is not appropriate while there is ongoing violence or coercion in the home.

Conditions this service looks after

• Persistent conflict between parents and teenagers
• Anorexia and other eating disorders in adolescents, where family-based treatment is first line
• A child's behavioural difficulties or school refusal
• Adjustment to divorce, remarriage and blended families
• Bereavement or serious illness in the family
• A relative with psychosis, bipolar disorder or addiction
• Couple difficulties affecting the children

Tests you may be offered

• Initial family interview: Each person's view of the problem, what has been tried and what change would look like.
• Genogram: A family map over three generations showing relationships, losses and repeated patterns.
• Individual screening: Questionnaires for depression, anxiety or risk in any member; referral to a psychiatrist where needed.
• Safeguarding assessment: Checks for abuse or domestic violence, which change the plan entirely.

Treatments available

• Systemic family therapy: Explores beliefs and interaction cycles and tests new ways of responding.
• Family-based treatment for eating disorders: Parents take charge of re-feeding with therapist coaching, then hand control back in stages.
• Structural and behavioural approaches: Clarify roles, boundaries and consistent parenting strategies.
• Psychoeducation for families: Teaches relatives about an illness, early warning signs and lower-stress communication; reduces relapse in psychosis.
• Couple therapy: Emotionally focused or behavioural couple work when the partnership is the core issue.

When to ask for a specialist opinion

• The same argument repeats without resolution
• A young person is losing weight, withdrawing or refusing school
• One member's illness is dominating family life
• A major transition has left relationships strained
• Professionals treating one member suggest the family be involved

Travelling to Türkiye for this care

Family therapy usually runs for 6 to 20 sessions spaced one to three weeks apart, because change happens at home between meetings. That rhythm does not fit a short medical trip. It suits families living in Türkiye, expatriates, and families who want sessions in a shared language, often continued by video after an initial in-person meeting. Eating disorders and any risk of self-harm need a treating team close to home with medical monitoring.

Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

الأسئلة المتكررة