How I Work
What systemic family therapy looks like — and what to expect
Therapy isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating a space where your family can hear each other, understand what's happening, and find a way forward together.
Systemic family therapy sessions with Rebecca Mistry are typically 50–90 minutes, available in person at The Blossom Tree Clinic, Suite 2, 6A Love Lane, Pinner HA5 3EF, or online across the UK. Sessions are flexible — whole family, couples, or individuals — and draw on systemic therapy, CRAFT, the 5-Step Method, and trauma-informed practice. A free initial consultation is available to discuss whether therapy might help.
What happens in sessions
I work flexibly — some sessions are with the whole family, some with a couple, some with one person. The shape of the work depends on what your family needs right now, not on a rigid format.
Sessions are typically 50–90 minutes, and we meet at a pace that works for you — usually every two to four weeks. We'll review together regularly so therapy stays useful and doesn't drift.
I draw on systemic and narrative therapy, CRAFT (for families affected by addiction), the 5-Step Method, trauma-informed practice, and motivational interviewing — choosing what fits your situation rather than following one model rigidly.
Your first session
The first session is about understanding — not diagnosing or solving.
Tell your story
I'll ask about what's brought you here, what's been happening, and what you're hoping for. There's no right or wrong way to start.
Map the picture
Together we'll begin to make sense of the patterns and relationships involved — the wider picture around whatever feels stuck.
Find the direction
By the end we'll have a sense of what you'd like to work on and whether therapy together feels like the right fit.
Practical details
Session length
50–90 minutes
Depending on whether it's individual, couple, or family work
Who attends
Flexible
Whole family, couples, or individuals — we decide together
Confidentiality
Fully confidential
Within safeguarding limits, which I'll explain clearly
In-person & online
Both available
At The Blossom Tree Clinic, Suite 2, 6A Love Lane, Pinner HA5 3EF, or via secure video
Common questions
What is systemic family therapy?
Systemic family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works with the relationships between people rather than focusing on one individual. It looks at the patterns, stories, and dynamics within a family or couple — and how changing these patterns can help everyone involved.
Do I need to bring my whole family?
No. While family sessions are often helpful, I regularly work with one or two family members. Change in one part of a system creates change in other parts.
How is systemic therapy different from counselling?
Counselling typically works with one person on their individual thoughts and feelings. Systemic therapy looks at the relationships and context around a difficulty. It asks: how does this pattern make sense within the family? What keeps it going? What might shift it?
How many sessions will I need?
Every family is different, so there's no set number of sessions.
What if someone in the family doesn't want to come?
That's very common. I can work with whoever is willing to come. Often, as one person starts to change, others become curious about the process. There's no pressure.
Should we have sessions online or in person?
It's whatever you're comfortable with, and often depends on whether travelling suits you. Online sessions are by secure video, which can be useful when family members are in different locations.
Read more: What is systemic family therapy?
Ready to have a conversation?
A free initial consultation is simply a chance to talk about what's happening and see whether working together feels right.
Book a Free Consultation