Services · Nicosia
Family therapy and parent sessions
When one person in a family is struggling, everyone usually feels it. Family therapy helps you talk together, understand each other and find ways to support one another.
Who it is for
Family therapy is for families of every shape: parents with young or grown-up children, single-parent families, stepfamilies, grandparents raising grandchildren. The whole family can come, or just those who are able and willing.
Families often come to us when they are going through:
- tension and arguments that have become part of daily life
- behaviour difficulties with one of the children
- parents separating or divorcing
- a loss or serious illness in the family
- a move, a new country or another big change
- trouble communicating with a teenager
What family therapy is
In family therapy, the psychologist does not look at just one person. They look at how the family works together: how you talk, how you handle disagreements and what role each person plays. Often a child who is struggling is showing a strain that the whole family feels.
The aim is not to find out who is to blame. The aim is for every member to be heard, to understand what each person needs and to try out new ways of being a family together.
Sessions for parents
Sometimes the most useful help for a child is support for their parents. In parent sessions we meet just you, without your child. We talk about what worries you and look together for practical ideas to use at home.
Things we often talk about with parents:
- how to set limits calmly and consistently
- how to talk to your child about hard things, such as a separation
- how to agree as parents, even if you do not live together
- how to look after yourself as well
What can change
Every family moves at its own pace, and there are no ready-made answers. Many families find, though, that through the sessions they gradually begin to:
- talk more calmly, even when they disagree
- listen to what each person needs without rushing to judge
- share responsibilities at home more fairly
- spend more good time together
- feel like one team rather than opposing sides
How we work at the centre
We may combine family sessions, parent sessions and individual sessions with your child or teenager, depending on what your family needs. When it helps, we also work with our external associates in psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech therapy and special education.
Sessions take place in person in Latsia or online, privately or through GeSY where it applies. You can speak in Greek, English or Romanian, which helps families who use more than one language at home.
The first meeting
We usually start with the parents, so you can tell us what is happening without the children listening. Then we decide together who will come to the next meetings. In joint sessions we make sure every member has a voice, including the youngest. We use words children understand and, when it helps, play or drawing.
If there is violence at home, or you are worried about the immediate safety of anyone in the family, do not wait for an appointment. Call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone in the family need to come?
Not always. We can start with whoever is able and willing to come. Even if only the parents attend, the work can help the whole family.
Can we come if we are separated?
Yes. Many separated parents come together to agree on how to support their children. They can also come separately.
From what age can a child take part?
Even young children can take part, in a way that suits their age. The psychologist will tell you what they suggest for your family.
Can sessions be online?
Yes, when it is suitable. For young children, meeting in person is often the better choice.
See all our services
Sources and further reading
- UNICEF Parenting
- World Health Organization: Mental health of adolescents
- American Psychological Association: Psychotherapy
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.