Family therapy is a form of treatment that views psychological problems and their treatment in terms of the interactions among family members. Families are seen as an integrated, interconnected unit in which psychological functioning is influenced by each and every family member individually and collectively as an entire system.

In family therapy, there is no traditional identified patient; the focus is on relationship patterns and communication among family members. For example, when a child has a behavior problem a family therapist is likely to perceive the child’s difficulties within the larger context of the family system, rather than his/her individual deficits. During family therapy, therapists avoid blaming any individual family member for the problem, and instead help the family interact in new, different ways that may improve functioning.