This leaflet has been written to answer some of the questions that are often asked when
people come to family therapy at Whitegate Health Centre.
What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a way of family members coming together to have conversations which are led by a lead therapist. This is a safe environment which hopefully allows for everyone’s voice to be heard. This can include extended family members or close family friends such as partners, grandparents, friends, professionals and even teachers if you want them to.
Our team is made up of a range of 3-4 mental health practitioners, such as,
Family Therapist
Mental Health Nurses
Assistant Psychologists
Clinical Psychologists
During your first appointment we will be hearing about you, your family, your home life and the worries that may have brought you to see us.
You will be introduced to the reflecting team.
We will ask your permission to record sessions on DVD. Most family therapy sessions are recorded because this helps the team to think about your family in between appointments.
The team is made up of the 3-4 Mental Health Practitioners. They will spend most of their time in another room, watching the session through a one way screen.
The team will at some point swap rooms with you and the therapist. You can then hear their ideas about what you have been talking about.
You, your family and the therapist will then return to the therapy room and the team will return to the observation room.
It depends. Some families come for just a few sessions, and other families come many times.
During your appointment you may be asked to fill out questionnaires which help us in monitoring your progress. We may ask if you are willing to take part in research. You can always say no and it will not affect your therapy in any way.
Yes it will. All files are locked away, so information is kept safe and secure. We have very strict rules about confidentiality, but if we are concerned about yours or anybody’s safety, we might have to involve other people or agencies.
If you have any more questions, or would like further information about family therapy,
please talk to your therapist or contact:
Family Therapist / Senior Practitioner
CAMHS
Second Floor
Whitegate Health Centre
Whitegate Drive
Blackpool
FY3 9ES
Tel: Blackpool 01253 957160
We are an equal opportunities organisation.
We subscribe to the United Kingdom Council
for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Code of Professional Practice.
