Family therapy can involve the people who live under one roof, whether they are related or not, or family members living apart. Family therapy is highly flexible based on the identified needs and concerns.

Family work can be done with less than the entire family system. In some cases family therapy can even be helpful with only one active participant. Although not ideal, one motivated family member can sometimes stimulate change throughout the entire family system.

Common issues include blended family difficulties, marital distress, divided parenting, differences in priorities, oppositional children, acting out behaviors, grief and loss, divorce, overcoming domestic violence or abuse, coping with mental or physical illness, and letting go of the past to improve relationships.