Family, Couples & Adolescent Therapy

Systemic Family Therapy

Systemic family therapy is a talking therapy that works with the relationships between people, rather than with one person on their own. It looks at the patterns, stories and ways of coping that have grown up in a family — and helps everyone find new ways of being together.

I'm Rebecca Mistry, a qualified systemic and family psychotherapist. I trained at the Institute of Family Therapy, where I completed my MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy, including over 300 hours of live clinical supervision with families. I see families, couples and individuals in person at The Blossom Tree Clinic in Pinner, in the London Borough of Harrow, and online.

What does “systemic” mean?

“Systemic” means looking at the whole system — the family and the relationships around a difficulty — rather than treating one person as “the problem”. Families are connected: when one person changes, others change too.

So instead of asking “what's wrong with you?”, systemic therapy asks how a pattern makes sense within your family, what keeps it going, and what might shift it. It doesn't look for someone to blame. Often the very things a family does to cope are the things that keep it stuck.

Who it can help

Families and couples come for many reasons, for example:

arguments, silences or tension that have become the norm — Family conflict and communication
a teenager who is struggling, withdrawn or taking risks — Family therapy for teenagers
a relationship under strain — Couples and relationship therapy
separating, co-parenting or blending families — Separation, divorce and blended families
the effects of past experiences and trauma — Trauma-informed family therapy
someone's drinking, drug use or gambling — Family therapy for addiction

If you've been looking for family or relationship counselling, family therapy may be what you need. We can talk it through in a free first conversation.

How it works with me

Who comes: the whole family, a couple, or one person. We decide together, and it can change over time. You don't need everyone to come for things to change.
Sessions last 50 minutes for one person, 75 minutes for a couple and 90 minutes for a family, usually every two to four weeks, and we review together regularly so therapy stays useful.
The first session is about understanding, not diagnosing or solving: what has brought you, what has been happening, and what you're hoping for.
Approaches: systemic and narrative therapy, trauma-informed practice and motivational interviewing — and CRAFT where addiction is part of the picture.
Children and teenagers: sessions are adapted to who is in the room — with play-based elements for younger children, and a more conversational approach for teenagers and adults.

Questions people ask

What's the difference between family therapy and individual counselling?

Individual counselling focuses on one person's thoughts and feelings. Family therapy looks at the relationships around a difficulty — how people interact, what keeps them stuck, and what might shift. Both are valuable; they work at different levels.

Do we all have to come?

No. I often work with one or two members of a family. A change in one part of a family can lead to change in others.

What ages do you work with?

I work with families that include children, teenagers and adults. The format of sessions is adapted depending on who's involved — play-based elements for younger children, and a more conversational approach for adolescents and adults.

How many sessions will we need?

Every family is different, so there's no set number of sessions.

Is it confidential?

Yes, within safeguarding limits, which I'll explain clearly at the start.

Can we have sessions online, or should we come in person?

Either. It's whatever you're comfortable with, and often depends on whether travelling suits you. Online sessions are by secure video.

What does it cost?

An individual session (50 minutes) is £70, a couples session (75 minutes) £95 and a family session (90 minutes) £120. The initial consultation (15–20 minutes) is free. I keep a small number of reduced-fee places for people on lower incomes. Please ask.

Fees in full: fees.

Where sessions take place

In person: at The Blossom Tree Clinic, Suite 2, 6A Love Lane, Pinner HA5 3EF — the clinic says it is a 3-minute walk from Pinner Underground station. It is on the first floor, up one flight of stairs, with no lift.
Online: by secure video, anywhere in the UK.

Looking for support with addiction in the family?

View my specialism: Families & Addiction

How to book

Tell me a little about what's happening using the contact form. I usually reply within 24 hours, and can typically offer a free initial consultation within a week. If it feels right, we'll book a first session. There's no pressure.

Book a Free Consultation