From Conflict to Connection: Why Every Family Needs Therapy

Article by Mia Sumlin, Clinical Intern

Family is often our first experience of love, support, and security. But like any group of people who share their lives, families can face challenges, conflicts, and misunderstandings that create emotional distance and strain. Whether navigating a major life transition, dealing with conflict, or working to strengthen lifelong connections, family therapy can be a powerful tool for reconnection, communication, and understanding.

What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a kind of counseling designed to help family members improve their relationships and navigate the challenges that come with living under the same roof on a couch big enough for everybody. It can involve parents, children, siblings, friends, and chosen family with the goal of creating healthier, more supportive ways of interacting. In family therapy, everyone has a seat at the table… or on the therapy couch!

How Does It Work?

Family therapy sessions typically involve everyone with a connection to the problem and a therapist whose role is to guide the discussion and create a nonjudgmental space where everyone can feel heard. A therapist may use traditional talk therapy to explore dynamics and analyze problems, but might also shake it up with role-playing, games, and assignments to encourage bonding and help family members support each other in healthier, more constructive ways. Like individual therapy, family therapy can be short-term (focusing on a specific issue) or longer-term (focusing on broader relationship dynamics) depending on the family’s needs.

The Bottom Line: Healing and Growing Together

Family therapy is about more than ironing out whose turn it is to wash the dishes. It helps families reconnect, improve their communication, and create healthier, more supportive ways of being together. By investing in family therapy, you’re not just solving problems— you’re developing a tradition of love and healthy habits together.

by Mia Sumlin, Clinical Intern

Mia Sumlin is a therapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mary offers services at our Fishtown location and online through our HIPAA compliant platform. She supports families and couples as they learn to navigate conflict. To schedule an appointment click here.

A BETTER LIFE THERAPY

A Better Life Therapy was founded in 2013 with a passion for providing warm, compassionate services to individuals and families in Pennsylvania. Our team specializes in relationship health as well as individual mental health. Our team has expertise in areas like anxiety, grief, depression, pregnancy related issues, sexual issues, substance use and trauma.

We currently have in person offices in: