Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which family issues are addressed. Oftentimes, one member of a family (usually a child) is identified by the parents or other family members as the 'problem' who needs to be 'fixed' via psychotherapy. However, family therapists consider the family as an entire system of interacting members who are striving to maintain homeostasis (a state of consistency). This means that all members share responsibility for the current state of the family, and therefore the therapist will encourage all members to attend sessions.

This setting has the advantage of showing each member the differences between the ways different family members perceive their relationships with each other, as well as bringing awareness about how each communicates with another. These patterns frequently mirror the patterns of communication at home.

The therapist may then point out to the family other patterns of communication that the family might not have been aware of. The therapist will often suggest a different, healthier way of responding to other family members in which all involved get their needs met in a respectful and appropriate manner.