Structured Systemic Intervention is a 12-week therapeutic intervention designed for families where difficulties have escalated and the situation requires a more actively supported approach than regular therapy sessions alone. Rather than working only within scheduled appointments, this intervention provides a structured package of therapeutic support held across the wider family system.  Alongside weekly systemic therapy sessions, the work may also include therapeutic contact between sessions, liaison with other professionals involved with the family, and additional clinical consultation where appropriate. This allows the therapeutic process to be held more consistently during periods of high conflict, distress, or complexity, helping families stabilise patterns of behaviour, rebuild parental leadership, and create the conditions for meaningful change within the family system.

The intervention includes: • weekly systemic family therapy sessions • sessions involving the whole family, parents only, or individual family members where helpful • therapeutic email or/and telepone contact between sessions where clinically appropriate • liaison with professionals involved in the wider system • written summaries or reports where appropriate • collaborative input from another clinician if beneficial • additional consultation and supervision behind the scenes to support the work The exact structure of the work may vary depending on the needs of the family.

In regular family therapy, most of the work takes place within the therapy sessions themselves. Structured Systemic Intervention allows the therapeutic work to be held more actively between sessions, particularly when situations are complex or escalating. This may include additional communication, coordination with professionals, and more frequent therapeutic contact when clinically appropriate.

Structured Systemic Intervention may be recommended when: • conflict within the family has become highly escalated • patterns of behaviour feel difficult to stabilise • relationships between family members have become very strained • multiple professionals or systems are involved (such as schools or mental health services) • the situation feels urgent or overwhelming for the family This intervention provides a more contained and structured framework for working through these situations.

No. Many families work effectively through regular family therapy sessions. Structured Systemic Intervention is usually recommended when the level of conflict, complexity, or urgency suggests that a more actively supported approach may be helpful. This is discussed together following the initial consultation.

Towards the end of the intervention we review progress together and consider the most appropriate next steps. This may include concluding the intervention, continuing with family therapy sessions, or adjusting the level of support depending on the needs of the family.

Structured Systemic Intervention is offered as a 3 month or 6 month therapeutic intervention. Details are discussed during the initial consultation.

The composition of sessions is carefully considered as part of the therapeutic process. At times it may be helpful for the whole family to attend together, while in other situations it may be more effective to meet with parents, individual family members, or smaller parts of the family system first. This decision is guided by what will best support safety, openness, and progress in the work. For example, some families begin with parent sessions to understand the wider patterns within the family system before bringing young people into the process. In other situations, joint family meetings may take place earlier. We will discuss together what configuration of sessions is most helpful as the work develops.

It’s common for one person to feel ready for family therapy while another feels unsure or resistant. This is completely understandable. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and people move at different paces. If this happens, we can begin with an initial consultation to explore everyone’s concerns and questions. This gives space to talk about what family therapy involves and how it might help, without pressure. Family therapy is not about forcing anyone to participate. It’s about creating a safe, structured space where people feel more able — and willing — to engage over time.

Yes. While we always aim to involve key family members where possible, therapy can still be effective even if someone chooses not to attend. If one member is unable or unwilling to participate, we begin with those who are ready. In systemic work, change in one part of the family often influences the whole. When one person shifts how they respond, communicate, or position themselves, it can create meaningful change across the wider family system. We will always consider how best to involve others over time, but progress does not depend on everyone being present from the start.