Family & Intergenerational Patterns
Family therapy helps family members better understand one another, improve communication, address conflict, and develop healthier ways of relating — working with the system, not just the individual.
About this service
Family therapy helps family members better understand one another, improve communication, address conflict, and develop healthier ways of relating. The approach is collaborative, respectful, and sensitive to different perspectives and experiences.
Recurring family dynamics are often intergenerational — patterns of relating, expectations, and boundaries that are inherited and repeated across generations. Family therapy creates a space to see these patterns clearly and to develop new, healthier ways of connecting.
Franco works with the family as a system, not just the individual. Change in one part of the system ripples through the whole, and the work focuses on the relationships and patterns between people, not on locating fault in one member.
The approach
- Systemic work that addresses the relationships and patterns between family members
- Identifying intergenerational patterns of communication, expectation, and boundary
- Communication and conflict-resolution skills tailored to the family's dynamics
- Work with the impact of separation, blended families, and life transitions
Benefits
- Improves communication and reduces recurring conflict
- Addresses intergenerational patterns rather than just present symptoms
- Supports families through separation, blending, and life transitions
- Builds healthier ways of relating that benefit the whole family system
Who it's for
- Families experiencing communication difficulties or recurring conflict
- Parents and children navigating relationship strain or life transitions
- Blended families working through new dynamics and expectations
- Families affected by separation, grief, or intergenerational patterns
What to expect
- An initial session to understand the family's concerns and goals
- Sessions that may include the whole family or specific combinations of members
- A collaborative, respectful approach that holds multiple perspectives
- Practical work on communication, boundaries, and patterns between sessions
Questions about Family & Intergenerational Patterns
Who attends family therapy sessions?
It varies. Some sessions include the whole family, others work with specific combinations of members. Franco will discuss the most helpful configuration with you based on the concerns and goals. The focus is always on the relationships and patterns between people, not on one individual.
Is family therapy the same as couples therapy?
No. Couples therapy focuses on the relationship between two partners, typically using the Gottman Method. Family therapy works with the broader family system — parents, children, and other members — and addresses the patterns and communication across the family. Franco offers both.
Can family therapy be done via Telehealth?
Yes. Family therapy can be conducted via Telehealth, which can be particularly helpful when members are in different locations. In-person sessions are also available at the Elsternwick practice.
Ready to explore family & intergenerational patterns?
A free 15-minute call is the simplest way to find out whether this approach fits your needs. Every intake is personally triaged by Franco.
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