Family Therapy
Understanding Family Therapy
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a specialised therapeutic approach that addresses the impact of addiction and mental health challenges on the entire family system. At Haliford Health Group, we firmly believe that addiction is a disease of the family, not just the individual. When one family member struggles, the ripple effects touch everyone, including spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
Our family therapy programme recognises that families often develop their own patterns of coping in response to a loved one’s addiction. These patterns, which may include enabling, co-dependency, hypervigilance, secrecy, and emotional withdrawal, can inadvertently perpetuate the cycle of addiction whilst causing significant distress to family members themselves.
Family therapy at Haliford Health Group works to heal the family system as a whole. Our qualified family therapists facilitate open, honest communication in a safe environment, helping family members understand the nature of addiction, recognise their own role in the family dynamic, and develop healthier ways of relating to one another.
We offer joint family sessions where the client and their family members work together with a therapist, as well as family-only sessions that provide a safe space for loved ones to process their own experiences, build coping skills, and receive the support they deserve. Couples therapy, multigenerational work, and specialised children’s support are also available as part of our comprehensive family programme.
What to Expect
Family therapy at Haliford Health Group is tailored to the unique dynamics of each family. Sessions may be conducted in person or, for international and distant families, via secure video platforms. Your family therapist will work with all parties to establish ground rules, ensure emotional safety, and guide conversations towards understanding and healing.
Sessions typically focus on improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, rebuilding trust, and developing shared strategies for supporting long-term recovery. Family members are also provided with education about the nature of addiction, relapse prevention, and their own self-care needs.
Family therapy may begin during residential treatment and continue through aftercare, recognising that family healing is an ongoing journey that extends well beyond the initial treatment period. Our dedicated Family Support programme provides additional resources, workshops, and ongoing support for families throughout recovery.
Family Therapy
Addiction and mental health challenges affect the entire family system, not just the individual in treatment. Family therapy at Haliford Health Group recognises this reality — working with clients and their loved ones to repair communication, rebuild trust, and establish healthy boundaries that support long-term recovery.
Our qualified family therapists work with clients and family members across all three facilities: Cherrywood House, Anker Huis, and Villa Consano. Family sessions may be conducted in person or remotely, accommodating clients and families from across South Africa and internationally.
Family therapy is particularly valuable during the transition from residential to aftercare, helping to create a home environment that supports rather than undermines the client’s recovery. Our team also provides psychoeducation for family members to help them understand addiction, mental health, and the recovery process.
Our Family Therapists
Family therapy is available across all three Haliford Health Group facilities. Our family therapists hold specialist qualifications and extensive experience in working with families affected by addiction and mental health challenges. For international families, we offer flexible scheduling across time zones and secure video sessions to ensure meaningful participation regardless of location.
Healing Begins With the Whole Family
Addiction affects everyone. Let us support your family’s journey towards understanding, connection, and recovery.