Family Counselling in Sussex
Support for families through difficult times and life changes
Family relationships can be rewarding, but they can also become difficult when communication breaks down, conflict develops or circumstances change.
At Relationships Sussex, family counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential space for family members to talk openly, listen to different perspectives and work towards healthier ways of relating to one another.
You don't have to wait until family relationships have reached crisis point to seek support.
Counselling can help families understand what is happening, address difficulties and find a way forward together.
How can family counselling help?
Families can sometimes become caught in patterns of communication or behaviour that are difficult to change without support. Arguments may happen repeatedly, people may feel unheard or misunderstood, or changes within the family may affect everyone.
Family counselling can provide an opportunity to slow things down, understand different perspectives and explore what may be happening beneath the conflict.
Family counselling may help you to:
- communicate more openly and listen to one another
- understand how different family members are feeling
- work through disagreements and ongoing conflict
- rebuild trust and strengthen relationships
- manage difficult periods or changes within the family
- understand patterns that may be affecting family relationships
- find more constructive ways to respond to one another
- work together towards a positive way forward
What kinds of family difficulties can counselling help with?
Every family is different, and you don't need to have a particular problem or diagnosis to seek family counselling.
You may be looking for support because of:
- ongoing arguments or conflict
- communication difficulties
- feeling disconnected from one another
- difficulties between parents and children or teenagers
- changes within the family
- separation or changes in family circumstances
- challenges within blended or step-families
- difficulties adjusting to a significant life change
- disagreements about parenting or family roles
- a breakdown in trust or understanding
- concerns about how family members are relating to one another
Sometimes you may not be able to clearly identify what has gone wrong. If relationships at home feel difficult or strained, it can still be helpful to talk things through with a counsellor.
Who can take part in family counselling?
Family counselling doesn't necessarily mean that every member of the family attends every session.
Depending on your circumstances, counselling may involve the whole family or particular family members. Your counsellor will discuss who may be involved and what approach is most appropriate for your situation.
Children and young people can also take part in family counselling where this is appropriate.
The aim is not to decide who is right or wrong. Instead, counselling provides a space where different experiences and perspectives can be heard and understood.
What happens in family counselling?
Your first appointment gives you and your counsellor an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you would like to change and how counselling might help.
Your counsellor will work with you to understand the relationships and patterns within your family and identify areas you may want to work on together.
There is no fixed number of sessions you have to commit to. We usually recommend an initial appointment followed by around six counselling sessions as a starting point.
Your counsellor will review how things are progressing with you and discuss what feels appropriate going forward.
Where is family counselling available?
We offer face-to-face family counselling at our counselling locations in:
Crawley
Horsham
Chichester
Worthing
Depending on your circumstances, online counselling may also be available.
Availability can vary by location, so please contact us to discuss your requirements.
How much does family counselling cost?
Our current family counselling fee is £72–£80 per session, depending on the service and location.
Our standard face-to-face family counselling fee is £80 per session.
We also offer reduced-cost counselling for eligible clients through our bursary scheme, subject to available funding.
If you're concerned about the cost, please speak to our team. We can explain the available options and help you understand what may be affordable for you.
Why Choose Relationships Sussex?
Relationships Sussex is a not-for-profit counselling charity with more than 60 years of experience supporting individuals, couples and families across Sussex.
Our qualified and experienced counsellors provide professional support in a confidential and non-judgemental environment. Our counsellors receive ongoing professional supervision as part of our commitment to safe, ethical and effective practice.
As a charity, we also believe that cost should not automatically prevent someone from accessing counselling. Where funding is available, we offer reduced-cost counselling through our bursary scheme.