Family Therapy
Strengthen family bonds and improve communication for lasting positive change
Medicaid & SoonerCare Accepted • Same-Week Appointments
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy at SafeHarbor Behavioral Health is a collaborative approach that brings family members together to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. We understand that families are complex systems where each person's well-being affects the entire family unit.
Our licensed family therapists work with families of all configurations - traditional nuclear families, single-parent households, blended families, grandparents raising grandchildren, and chosen families. We believe that every family has inherent strengths that can be leveraged to create positive change and healing.
Through evidence-based family therapy approaches, we help families develop better communication skills, establish healthy boundaries, process trauma together, and create more supportive home environments. Our goal is to help each family member feel heard, valued, and connected while working toward shared family goals.
Who Benefits from Family Therapy?
Families Experiencing:
- • Communication breakdowns
- • Frequent arguments and conflict
- • Teen behavioral problems
- • Divorce or separation adjustment
- • Blended family challenges
- • Grief and loss as a family
- • Substance abuse impact on family
- • Mental health challenges affecting family
- • Major life transitions
Specific Situations:
- • Parent-teen relationship difficulties
- • Sibling rivalry and conflicts
- • Adoption or foster care adjustments
- • Cultural or generational differences
- • Financial stress affecting relationships
- • Chronic illness impact on family
- • Technology and social media conflicts
- • Extended family boundary issues
- • Preparing for family changes
Our Family-Centered Therapeutic Approach
Systemic Family Therapy
We view families as interconnected systems where changes in one member affect everyone. This approach helps identify patterns and create positive systemic change.
Structural Family Therapy
This approach focuses on family structure, roles, and boundaries to create healthier family dynamics and improve overall functioning.
Solution-Focused Approach
We help families identify their strengths and resources to build on what's already working while addressing specific challenges.
Culturally Responsive Care
We honor and respect each family's cultural background, values, and traditions. Our therapists understand that culture significantly influences family dynamics and incorporate cultural strengths into treatment planning.
Collaborative Partnership
Families are the experts on their own experiences. We partner with families to identify goals, develop solutions, and create lasting change that fits their unique needs and circumstances.
What to Expect in Family Therapy Sessions
Initial Family Assessment
The first session involves meeting with all available family members to understand each person's perspective, family history, current challenges, and shared goals for therapy.
Communication Skills Building
We teach practical communication techniques including active listening, expressing feelings constructively, and resolving conflicts respectfully. Families practice these skills during sessions.
Family Dynamics Exploration
We explore family patterns, roles, and dynamics to identify what's working well and what needs to change. This includes examining boundaries, rules, and expectations.
Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring
Families work together to set specific, achievable goals and regularly assess progress. We celebrate successes and adjust approaches when needed.
Session Duration & Frequency
Session Length
60-90 minutes per family session (longer for larger families)
Frequency
Weekly or bi-weekly sessions based on family needs and availability
Treatment Duration
Typically 3-6 months, with some families benefiting from longer-term support
Flexible Scheduling
Evening and weekend appointments available to accommodate family schedules
Insurance & Coverage
We Accept:
- • Oklahoma Medicaid
- • SoonerCare (covers family therapy)
- • Most major insurance plans
- • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- • Self-pay options with sliding scale
Family therapy is often covered under mental health benefits. Our billing specialists will help verify coverage and work with your insurance to maximize benefits for your family.
Family-Specific Therapeutic Considerations
Families with Young Children
- • Play-based interventions for younger children
- • Parent-child interaction therapy techniques
- • Behavior management strategies
- • Attachment and bonding strengthening
- • Developmental considerations in therapy
- • Sibling relationship enhancement
Families with Teenagers
- • Balancing independence and family connection
- • Improving parent-teen communication
- • Setting appropriate boundaries and expectations
- • Addressing adolescent developmental needs
- • Managing technology and social media conflicts
- • Preparing for transitions to adulthood
Special Family Situations
Blended Families
- • Integration strategies
- • Co-parenting coordination
- • Step-relationship building
Single-Parent Families
- • Support system building
- • Role adjustment strategies
- • Stress management
Multi-Generational Families
- • Boundary negotiations
- • Cultural bridge-building
- • Role clarification
Family Issues We Address
Communication Problems
- • Frequent misunderstandings
- • Emotional disconnection
- • Conflict escalation patterns
- • Poor listening skills
- • Unexpressed needs and feelings
Behavioral Challenges
- • Child or teen acting out
- • Defiance and oppositional behavior
- • Sibling conflicts and rivalry
- • School-related problems
- • Substance use concerns
Life Transitions
- • Divorce and remarriage
- • New baby or adoption
- • Moving or job changes
- • Death and grief
- • Financial difficulties
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all family members need to attend every session?
While we encourage full family participation when possible, we understand that scheduling can be challenging. We can work with varying family member attendance and may sometimes meet with subsystems (like parents only or siblings) when beneficial.
What if one family member refuses to participate?
Family therapy can still be effective even if one member is initially reluctant. We can start with willing family members and often see improvements that eventually encourage the reluctant member to join. We also teach strategies to work with resistant family dynamics.
Will you take sides or blame someone for family problems?
Absolutely not. Family therapy is not about blame or taking sides. We focus on patterns and systems rather than individual fault. Our goal is to help everyone feel heard and work together toward positive solutions.
How do you handle confidentiality in family therapy?
In family therapy, we generally maintain transparency within the family while protecting the family's privacy from outside parties. However, we discuss confidentiality expectations at the beginning of treatment, including any individual sessions that might occur.
Can family therapy help with our teenager's mental health issues?
Yes, family involvement often enhances treatment outcomes for teenagers with mental health concerns. We can combine family therapy with individual teen counseling to address both personal and family system factors contributing to the problems.
What's the difference between family therapy and family counseling?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both involve working with families to improve relationships and functioning. At SafeHarbor, we use evidence-based family therapy approaches that address both immediate concerns and underlying family patterns.
How quickly will we see improvements in our family?
Many families notice small improvements in communication and understanding within the first few sessions. Significant changes typically occur over several months as families learn new skills and practice healthier interaction patterns.
Success Outcomes & What to Expect
Typical Family Improvements Include:
- • Enhanced communication and listening skills
- • Reduced frequency and intensity of family conflicts
- • Stronger emotional connections between family members
- • Better problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- • Improved family cooperation and teamwork
- • Healthier boundaries and family roles
- • Increased empathy and understanding
- • More effective parenting strategies
- • Enhanced family resilience during stress
Take the Next Step
Safe Harbor provides activity-based behavioral support for children ages 3–17 through our Body & Brain program.
Enroll TodayCurrent families: Access your Therapy Portal
Schedule Your Family Therapy Consultation
Take the first step toward better mental health for your child. Same-week appointments available.
Strengthen Your Family Bonds Today
Every family has the potential for growth, connection, and healing. Our experienced family therapists are here to guide your family toward better communication, stronger relationships, and a more harmonious home environment.
Flexible scheduling available • Medicaid & SoonerCare accepted