Family-focused therapy

Clinical service overview

What we do

Single Session Family Therapy (SSFT) is an effective, evidence-based intervention that helps families to identify and address worries and difficulties, and improve mental health and wellbeing. We see families as integral to the mental health recovery journey. SSFT can help to shift a “stuck” pattern of interaction, improve communication and create a more hopeful outlook.

Each week, we set aside times to consult with families who want to work hard to create change in their lives. People often believe that in order to be effective, therapy has to take a long time. This is a common myth. What we have found, through research and experience, that for over 50% of families, one session is enough. For others, more support is provided by other services either at ICYAMHWS or in the community.

Our process

The SSFT journey for families begins on the intake phone call whereby clinicians explore presenting concerns, assess suitability and “seed change” by inviting the family to consider what could be different or better for them. A pre-session questionnaire is emailed to families to facilitate the family thinking about the issues the young person and family want to address. 

In the session, all voices are heard and families join with clinicians to develop shared understandings around mental health concerns. The reflective team made up of a team of clinicians identify strengths within the family that can be utilised to support the child or young person moving forward or to improve family functioning.

Approximately four weeks after the family session, a clinician will ring the family to see what changes have been made and to determine if the family needs further support.

Clinic times

Clinic consultants

• Dr Paul Denborough: Psychiatry
• Dr Danny Cheah: Psychiatry