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Marriage and Family Therapy

Written by \"\"Nikki SeayMedically reviewed by \"\"Holly Schiff, Psy.D.

Published on · Updated on

Family is the foundation of emotional support. When one or more members face mental health, substance use, or behavioral issues, it impacts the entire family dynamic. Conflicts and communication breakdowns make it harder to navigate these challenges, affecting everyone involved.

Situations like these highlight the need for therapy options, such as marriage and family therapy (MFT), to address relational issues within families and couples.

\"Several

Key takeaways

  • Marriage and family therapy examines how relationship patterns influence individual and shared difficulties.
  • Therapists help couples and families improve communication, address conflict, and develop practical solutions.
  • Care is tailored to concerns such as trauma, illness, behavioral problems, or major life changes.

Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on the interactions between family members and members of a couple. This therapy modality addresses not only the behaviors of patients but also examines how these behaviors influence the dynamics of the entire family unit.

Developed by physician Salvador Minuchin during the 1960s and 1970s, MFT emerged as a response to the growing recognition that family patterns play a key role in mental health⁠[1]. 

MFT is not limited to addressing marital issues: it also concerns the relationships between all family members. It is often conducted in a dual format, mixing time for individual sessions with sessions involving couples or the whole family as needed⁠[1]. Variations of this approach are often called couples and family therapy, couples counseling, marriage counseling, or family counseling. 

Overall, MFT and associated forms of therapy offer a structured, evidence-based approach to healing relationships within families and romantic relationships. In addition, when incorporated into mental health treatment programs, marital therapy concepts can enhance mental health recovery and reduce relapse risks.

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Erin L. George

Family therapy and family relationships

View experience

How Marriage and Family Therapy Works

Unlike traditional therapy that centers on the patient, marriage and family therapy (MFT) examines how a person’s behavior influences and is influenced by the relational dynamics within a couple or family. The underlying theory is that even if a problem appears localized within a single person, bringing other family members into the process can yield more comprehensive and effective solutions⁠[2]. 

MFT practitioners work toward clear, goal-oriented outcomes by engaging all relevant family members in the therapeutic process. Sessions typically involve discussing communication patterns, exploring issues in a safe environment, and developing strategies for healthier interactions.

More recently, MFT has expanded to embrace inclusive practices that consider the diverse structures of modern families, including same-sex partnerships and blended families⁠[3]. By integrating additional therapeutic techniques and real-world practices, contemporary MFT approaches offer more flexible solutions that accommodate the unique needs of today’s families.

The Role of a Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists play many essential roles in the therapeutic journey. As a trained professional, the therapist is a mediator and guide who helps family members navigate their emotional complexities. Their duties include diagnosing and addressing mental health disorders within the family context, providing strategies for relationship improvement, and teaching members how to communicate effectively under stress. 

Therapists assess family dynamics through interviews, observations, and structured exercises that bring underlying issues to light. This marital therapy process relies on evidence-based methods to encourage behavioral changes and emotional healing.

By establishing a safe and nonjudgmental space, the therapist creates an environment of openness and trust. Their multifaceted role not only helps families manage crises, it also equips them with the mental health tools to sustain healthier interactions long after therapy is concluded.

Who Should Attend Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy is often looked at as a type of “relationship first aid” for partners experiencing challenges that threaten the health of their relationship. However, couples therapy is not reserved for those in distress; it can also be a proactive measure for couples who want to strengthen their partnership and ability to conquer future problems. 

The following scenarios illustrate partners who might benefit from couples therapy:

    \n
  • Couples Coping with Physical or Mental Health Concerns: When one partner is diagnosed with a chronic physical or mental health condition, managing the illness can place significant strain on the relationship. In these cases, one partner might assume more caregiving responsibilities, while the other may experience feelings of inadequacy. Couples therapy can help navigate these complex emotions and discussions about the distribution of responsibilities.
    • \n
  • Couples with Different Money Views: Financial disagreements are a common source of tension. Whether it’s differences in spending versus saving or conflicting opinions on financial priorities, couples therapy offers strategies for aligning financial goals.
    • \n
  • Couples who Want to Start a Family: The decision to have children brings about important discussions concerning parenting styles, fertility treatments (if applicable), and long-term family planning. Therapy provides a forum for partners to explore their values and expectations, ensuring they are prepared for the changes that parenthood brings.
    • \n
  • Couples Coping with Infidelity: Infidelity can shatter trust and create deep emotional wounds. However, if both partners are interested in attempting to repair the relationship, couples therapy offers structured guidance aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring intimacy.
    • \n
  • Couples who Wish to Strengthen Their Bond: Many couples seek therapy not only to solve crises but also to enhance their communication and emotional connection. Regular check-ins with a therapist can preemptively address minor issues, preventing them from escalating into more significant conflicts.
    • \n

Common Issues Addressed in Family Counseling

Family therapy tackles various issues that can disrupt healthy family functioning⁠[4]. Some of the most common challenges include:

    \n
  • Trauma: Traumatic experiences can range from physical abuse to emotional neglect, and they tend to have a strong impact on every family member. Family counseling aims to help families process trauma, rebuild trust, and create safe emotional environments.
    • \n
  • Conflict Resolution: Persistent and unresolved conflicts can erode the bonds between family members. Through guided sessions, families learn conflict resolution strategies that allow them to address issues before they escalate and to resolve disagreements constructively.
    • \n
  • Parent-Child Relationship Issues: Parenting is a role that comes with a lifetime of challenges, especially when children exhibit behavioral problems or face developmental hurdles. Family therapy provides parents and children with tools to understand and adjust behaviors, paving the way for healthier interactions.
    • \n
  • Blended Family Challenges: When families merge through remarriage or adoption, members often struggle with adjusting to new roles and dynamics. Family counseling helps blended families negotiate these adjustments, creating a harmonious environment where each person feels valued.
    • \n

Therapeutic Approaches Used in Family Therapy

Family therapy employs a range of therapeutic techniques, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the family. Some of the types of techniques typically used are:

    \n
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a widely used therapeutic method that assists families in identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. This approach empowers family members to replace negative interactions with healthier, constructive alternatives. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially useful in resolving communication issues, managing anger, and addressing the factors that contribute to family conflict.
    • \n
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This is an evidence-based approach that combines mindfulness techniques with behavioral strategies to help family members regulate intense emotions and tolerate distress. The focus on these particular issues makes Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) especially valuable for families grappling with high emotional volatility and recurring conflict.
    • \n
  • Narrative Therapy: This therapy encourages families to explore and reframe their shared stories, emphasizing their strengths. By collaboratively reconstructing the narrative of their family’s experiences, members can gain new insights and redefine their interactions in a more positive manner. This approach is especially beneficial for families recovering from trauma, as it enables them to reclaim their identity and envision a more positive future together.
    • \n
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This relatively new type of therapy is an evidence-based treatment that works well for a variety of concerns among married couples. These issues can include depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sexual dissatisfaction. According to research, EFT offers impressive maintenance of treatment gains for up to 2 years after treatment⁠[5].
    • \n

Evidence-Based Solutions for Healing Relationships

The field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) represents a dynamic approach to addressing relationship challenges among both couples and family units. Whether dealing with the aftermath of trauma or the strain of chronic illness, the therapeutic methods developed for MFT and other related types of therapy offer evidence-based solutions for healing. 

Through targeted interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and narrative techniques, therapists guide families and couples toward better understanding and improved communication.

As more families and couples embrace these practices, the benefits extend far beyond the confines of therapy sessions by encouraging healthier interactions, reducing relapse risks in mental health treatments, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved in the therapy process. For those wondering about couples and family therapy options near them, this advice on finding a family therapist may help.

References

  1. Minuchin Center for Family Therapy. (2020, October). The case for family therapy. Minuchin Center for Family Therapy [PDF]. Accessed April 9 2025. Original online source unavailable; citation details retained.
  2. Vetere, A. (2001). Structural family therapy. Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review, 6(3), 133–139. Cambridge University Press. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Pearce, L. D., Hayward, G. M., Chassin, L., & Curran, P. J. (2018). The increasing diversity and complexity of family structures for adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 28(3), 591–608. Wiley. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., & Loganathan, S. (2021). Family interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(2), 192–200. ovid.com. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. Spengler, P. M., Lee, N. A., Wiebe, S. A., & Wittenborn, A. K. (2024). A comprehensive meta-analysis on the efficacy of emotionally focused couple therapy. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 13(2), 81–99. American Psychological Association. Accessed April 9 2025.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Nikki Seay

Writer

Nikki Seay is a professional writer with over a decade of experience in digital health and clinical healthcare.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Holly Schiff, Psy.D.

Psy.D.

Holly Schiff, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of children, young adults, and their families.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Family Therapy

Connect around family relationships, communication, boundaries, and the experience of seeking support together.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Family Health Marriage and Family Therapy Marriage and Family Therapy Written by Nikki SeayMedically reviewed by Holly Schiff, Psy.D. Published on April 28, 2025 · Updated on December 20, 2025 Family is the foundation of emotional support. When one or more members face mental health, substance use, or behavioral issues, it impacts the entire family dynamic. Conflicts and communication breakdowns make it harder to navigate these challenges, affecting everyone involved. Situations like these highlight the need for therapy options, such as marriage and family therapy (MFT), to address relational issues within families and couples. Key takeaways Marriage and family therapy examines how relationship patterns influence individual and shared difficulties. Therapists help couples and families improve communication, address conflict, and develop practical solutions. Care is tailored to concerns such as trauma, illness, behavioral problems, or major life changes. Marriage and Family Therapy Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on the interactions between family members and members of a couple. This therapy modality addresses not only the behaviors of patients but also examines how these behaviors influence the dynamics of the entire family unit. Developed by physician Salvador Minuchin during the 1960s and 1970s, MFT emerged as a response to the growing recognition that family patterns play a key role in mental health⁠[1]. MFT is not limited to addressing marital issues: it also concerns the relationships between all family members. It is often conducted in a dual format, mixing time for individual sessions with sessions involving couples or the whole family as needed⁠[1]. Variations of this approach are often called couples and family therapy, couples counseling, marriage counseling, or family counseling. Overall, MFT and associated forms of therapy offer a structured, evidence-based approach to healing relationships within families and romantic relationships. In addition, when incorporated into mental health treatment programs, marital therapy concepts can enhance mental health recovery and reduce relapse risks. Subject matter expert Erin L. George Family therapy and family relationships View experience How Marriage and Family Therapy Works Unlike traditional therapy that centers on the patient, marriage and family therapy (MFT) examines how a person’s behavior influences and is influenced by the relational dynamics within a couple or family. The underlying theory is that even if a problem appears localized within a single person, bringing other family members into the process can yield more comprehensive and effective solutions⁠[2]. MFT practitioners work toward clear, goal-oriented outcomes by engaging all relevant family members in the therapeutic process. Sessions typically involve discussing communication patterns, exploring issues in a safe environment, and developing strategies for healthier interactions. More recently, MFT has expanded to embrace inclusive practices that consider the diverse structures of modern families, including same-sex partnerships and blended families⁠[3]. By integrating additional therapeutic techniques and real-world practices, contemporary MFT approaches offer more flexible solutions that accommodate the unique needs of today’s families. The Role of a Marriage and Family Therapist Marriage and family therapists play many essential roles in the therapeutic journey. As a trained professional, the therapist is a mediator and guide who helps family members navigate their emotional complexities. Their duties include diagnosing and addressing mental health disorders within the family context, providing strategies for relationship improvement, and teaching members how to communicate effectively under stress. Therapists assess family dynamics through interviews, observations, and structured exercises that bring underlying issues to light. This marital therapy process relies on evidence-based methods to encourage behavioral changes and emotional healing. By establishing a safe and nonjudgmental space, the therapist creates an environment of openness and trust. Their multifaceted role not only helps families manage crises, it also equips them with the mental health tools to sustain healthier interactions long after therapy is concluded. Who Should Attend Couples Therapy? Couples therapy is often looked at as a type of “relationship first aid” for partners experiencing challenges that threaten the health of their relationship. However, couples therapy is not reserved for those in distress; it can also be a proactive measure for couples who want to strengthen their partnership and ability to conquer future problems. The following scenarios illustrate partners who might benefit from couples therapy: Couples Coping with Physical or Mental Health Concerns: When one partner is diagnosed with a chronic physical or mental health condition, managing the illness can place significant strain on the relationship. In these cases, one partner might assume more caregiving responsibilities, while the other may experience feelings of inadequacy. Couples therapy can help navigate these complex emotions and discussions about the distribution of responsibilities. Couples with Different Money Views: Financial disagreements are a common source of tension. Whether it’s differences in spending versus saving or conflicting opinions on financial priorities, couples therapy offers strategies for aligning financial goals. Couples who Want to Start a Family: The decision to have children brings about important discussions concerning parenting styles, fertility treatments (if applicable), and long-term family planning. Therapy provides a forum for partners to explore their values and expectations, ensuring they are prepared for the changes that parenthood brings. Couples Coping with Infidelity: Infidelity can shatter trust and create deep emotional wounds. However, if both partners are interested in attempting to repair the relationship, couples therapy offers structured guidance aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring intimacy. Couples who Wish to Strengthen Their Bond: Many couples seek therapy not only to solve crises but also to enhance their communication and emotional connection. Regular check-ins with a therapist can preemptively address minor issues, preventing them from escalating into more significant conflicts. Common Issues Addressed in Family Counseling Family therapy tackles various issues that can disrupt healthy family functioning⁠[4]. Some of the most common challenges include: Trauma: Traumatic experiences can range from physical abuse to emotional neglect, and they tend to have a strong impact on every family member. Family counseling aims to help families process trauma, rebuild trust, and create safe emotional environments. Conflict Resolution: Persistent and unresolved conflicts can erode the bonds between family members. Through guided sessions, families learn conflict resolution strategies that allow them to address issues before they escalate and to resolve disagreements constructively. Parent-Child Relationship Issues: Parenting is a role that comes with a lifetime of challenges, especially when children exhibit behavioral problems or face developmental hurdles. Family therapy provides parents and children with tools to understand and adjust behaviors, paving the way for healthier interactions. Blended Family Challenges: When families merge through remarriage or adoption, members often struggle with adjusting to new roles and dynamics. Family counseling helps blended families negotiate these adjustments, creating a harmonious environment where each person feels valued. Therapeutic Approaches Used in Family Therapy Family therapy employs a range of therapeutic techniques, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the family. Some of the types of techniques typically used are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a widely used therapeutic method that assists families in identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. This approach empowers family members to replace negative interactions with healthier, constructive alternatives. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially useful in resolving communication issues, managing anger, and addressing the factors that contribute to family conflict. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This is an evidence-based approach that combines mindfulness techniques with behavioral strategies to help family members regulate intense emotions and tolerate distress. The focus on these particular issues makes Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) especially valuable for families grappling with high emotional volatility and recurring conflict. Narrative Therapy: This therapy encourages families to explore and reframe their shared stories, emphasizing their strengths. By collaboratively reconstructing the narrative of their family’s experiences, members can gain new insights and redefine their interactions in a more positive manner. This approach is especially beneficial for families recovering from trauma, as it enables them to reclaim their identity and envision a more positive future together. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This relatively new type of therapy is an evidence-based treatment that works well for a variety of concerns among married couples. These issues can include depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sexual dissatisfaction. According to research, EFT offers impressive maintenance of treatment gains for up to 2 years after treatment⁠[5]. Evidence-Based Solutions for Healing Relationships The field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) represents a dynamic approach to addressing relationship challenges among both couples and family units. Whether dealing with the aftermath of trauma or the strain of chronic illness, the therapeutic methods developed for MFT and other related types of therapy offer evidence-based solutions for healing. Through targeted interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and narrative techniques, therapists guide families and couples toward better understanding and improved communication. As more families and couples embrace these practices, the benefits extend far beyond the confines of therapy sessions by encouraging healthier interactions, reducing relapse risks in mental health treatments, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved in the therapy process. For those wondering about couples and family therapy options near them, this advice on finding a family therapist may help. References Minuchin Center for Family Therapy. (2020, October). The case for family therapy. Minuchin Center for Family Therapy [PDF]. Accessed April 9 2025. Original online source unavailable; citation details retained. Vetere, A. (2001). Structural family therapy. Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review, 6(3), 133–139. Cambridge University Press. Accessed October 10 2026. Pearce, L. D., Hayward, G. M., Chassin, L., & Curran, P. J. (2018). The increasing diversity and complexity of family structures for adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 28(3), 591–608. Wiley. Accessed October 10 2026. Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., & Loganathan, S. (2021). Family interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(2), 192–200. ovid.com. Accessed October 10 2026. Spengler, P. M., Lee, N. A., Wiebe, S. A., & Wittenborn, A. K. (2024). A comprehensive meta-analysis on the efficacy of emotionally focused couple therapy. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 13(2), 81–99. American Psychological Association. Accessed April 9 2025. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Nikki Seay Writer Nikki Seay is a professional writer with over a decade of experience in digital health and clinical healthcare. Published April 28, 2025 Updated December 20, 2025 Medical Reviewer Holly Schiff, Psy.D. Psy.D. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of children, young adults, and their families. Reviewed April 28, 2025 Related community Family Therapy Connect around family relationships, communication, boundaries, and the experience of seeking support together. Explore community Table of contentsChoose a section Marriage and Family Therapy How Marriage and Family Therapy Works The Role of a Marriage and Family Therapist Who Should Attend Couples Therapy? Common Issues Addressed in Family Counseling Therapeutic Approaches Used in Family Therapy Evidence-Based Solutions for Healing Relationships View more","wordCount":1869},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/marriage-family-therapy#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Family Health","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/family-health"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Marriage and Family Therapy","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/marriage-family-therapy"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/marriage-family-therapy#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2f22463875b1d5cc8306eea0.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2f22463875b1d5cc8306eea0.webp","width":1200,"height":630,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"Several people rest their hands together in support."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/nikki-seay#person","name":"Nikki Seay","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/nikki-seay","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e9d82387f863009a2622954b.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiseay/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/holly-schiff#person","name":"Holly Schiff, Psy.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/holly-schiff","jobTitle":"Psy.D.","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/af4ecdb78008ac81cd3aa271.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-ann-schiff-psy-d-21b53821/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/marriage-family-therapy#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/marriage-family-therapy","headline":"Marriage and Family Therapy","description":"Discover evidence-based marriage and family therapy strategies to heal relationships and strengthen bonds.","wordCount":1466,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/marriage-family-therapy#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"articleSection":"Family Health","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Minuchin Center for Family Therapy. 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