Family Therapy at AkindaCo
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works with families, couples and households as a whole, rather than with one person on their own. At AkindaCo, our family therapists help parents, children, siblings, partners and carers improve communication, repair conflict, and move through hard transitions like separation, illness, neurodivergence diagnoses, or grief.
Sessions run from our North Adelaide and Salisbury clinics in South Australia, and via telehealth and home visits. Private clients can book without a referral. NDIS participants can access family therapy with active Capacity Building funding for Therapeutic Supports.
Understanding the Basics of Family Therapy
Family therapy, at its core, aims to help family members improve communication, resolve conflicts, and support each other’s growth. Unlike individual therapy, where the focuFamily therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works with families, couples and households as a whole, rather than with one person on their own. At AkindaCo, our family therapists help parents, children, siblings, partners and carers improve communication, repair conflict, and move through hard transitions like separation, illness, neurodivergence diagnoses, or grief. Sessions run from our North Adelaide and Elizabeth clinics in South Australia, and via telehealth and home visits. Private clients can book without a referral. NDIS participants can access family therapy with active Capacity Building funding for Therapeutic Supports.s is on one person’s inner experiences, family therapy views the family as an interconnected system. Problems are seen not as isolated issues within one person but as dynamics that affect everyone.
In family therapy, therapists use various techniques to guide discussions, help family members identify roles, and navigate complex emotions. This type of therapy is particularly beneficial for families going through transitions, such as divorce, grief, or health challenges, and can also support those dealing with issues like anxiety or behavioral concerns.
Family therapy’s unique approach of addressing everyone’s needs collectively and individually helps create a sense of empathy and mutual respect. By fostering open dialogue, families can gain insight into each other’s perspectives and develop tools for better managing conflicts.
Therapeutic Approaches to Family Therapy at AkindaCo
At AkindaCo, our family therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches that are compassionate and tailored to the specific needs of each family. We believe in the power of a holistic, non-judgmental space where every family member can express themselves openly.
Systemic Family Therapy – This approach considers the family as an emotional unit. Each member’s behavior influences others, creating patterns that can lead to stress or harmony. By working together, families can recognize and change unhelpful patterns.
Narrative Therapy – Families often define themselves by their “problems.” Narrative therapy shifts the focus by allowing each person to tell their story. This helps individuals and families reframe their challenges, promoting resilience.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – EFT focuses on building secure family bonds by addressing emotional attachment. This method is especially effective for couples or parent-child relationships struggling with underlying hurt or anxiety.
At AkindaCo, we emphasize flexible, compassionate care tailored to each family’s unique needs. Our goal is to help families discover new ways to communicate and strengthen their bonds.
Discover more about how our family therapy can support your family’s unique journey.
Practical Tips for Families Considering Therapy
Here are a few actionable tips for families starting therapy or thinking about the process:
Be Open to Listening – Family therapy offers a chance to understand each other’s thoughts and emotions better. Going in with an open mind allows each person to feel valued and heard.
Be Patient with the Process – Progress in therapy takes time, especially when working through deeply rooted patterns. Patience and commitment to the process are essential.
Practice Skills at Home – Therapists will often suggest communication or conflict-resolution skills to use outside of sessions. Practicing these skills in daily life helps reinforce the progress made in therapy.
Set Realistic Goals – Therapy isn’t about “fixing” family members but about enhancing how you interact. Discussing achievable goals can create a shared sense of purpose and motivation.
Family Therapy and You
Family therapy can be a powerful resource, helping families foster healthier communication, deepen understanding, and navigate challenges together. For those considering this path, the journey through family therapy can offer hope and practical tools to build lasting, positive change.
If you’re interested in learning more about how family therapy can support your family, reach out to our team at AkindaCo for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is family therapy and how can it help my family?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationships between people, not just on one individual. Instead of asking "what is wrong with this person", a family therapist asks "what is happening between us, and how do we want it to be different". It can help families who are stuck in repeating arguments, struggling after a loss, adjusting to a new diagnosis, or navigating separation or blended family life. Most families come because something feels stuck, and they want help to get unstuck together.
Who attends family therapy sessions?
That depends on what you are working on. Sometimes the whole family attends. Sometimes it is one parent and a child. Sometimes it is a couple, or a parent on their own thinking about how to support a child. AkindaCo's family therapists work with you to decide who comes to which session, and that can shift over time. The aim is to include the people whose voices matter most for the issue you are bringing.
How qualified are AkindaCo's family therapists?
AkindaCo's Clinical Director, Shane Fotheringham, is a Family Psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. He holds a Master of Clinical Family Psychotherapy and a Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy. AkindaCo is a registered NDIS provider, registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Our wider team includes art psychotherapists, positive behaviour support practitioners, and developmental educators, so families can be supported across more than one need.
Can NDIS participants use their plan for family therapy?
Yes, in many cases. NDIS participants who have Capacity Building Supports, especially under Improved Daily Living, can usually use that funding to access family therapy where it relates to the participant's disability-related goals. AkindaCo works with plan-managed and self-managed participants. We can help you check whether your plan covers family therapy and explain what to expect before you commit. Sessions are available in our North Adelaide and Elizabeth clinics, in your home, and via telehealth.
Do I need a referral to start family therapy at AkindaCo?
No referral is needed for private clients. You can contact AkindaCo directly to start a conversation about what is going on for your family. NDIS participants do not need a referral either, though they need active Capacity Building funding for Therapeutic Supports to use their plan. If you are unsure whether family therapy is the right fit, we can talk it through with you before you book.
Where do family therapy sessions happen?
Family therapy sessions at AkindaCo can take place in our North Adelaide clinic, our Salisbury clinic, in your home if travelling as a family is hard, or via telehealth if you are spread across different locations or have access needs. We see families from across South Australia. Many families choose telehealth for follow-up sessions and in-clinic for the bigger conversations.
Is family therapy only for families in serious crisis?
No. Family therapy can be helpful long before things reach crisis point. Many families come in for support around everyday challenges, like a teenager who has gone quiet, a child whose behaviour has changed, a couple who keep having the same fight, or a household trying to support a new diagnosis. Coming early often means fewer sessions and easier change. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable.
How do I get started with family therapy at AkindaCo?
Contact AkindaCo through our website or phone to start the conversation. We will ask a few questions about what is happening for your family and what you are hoping for. From there we book an initial session in North Adelaide, Elizabeth, your home, or via telehealth. Private clients do not need a referral. NDIS participants need active Therapeutic Supports or relevant Capacity Building funding for sessions to be billed to a plan.