We know substance use impacts both the individual and their loved ones, which is why family therapy is a core part of our therapy programs in Indianapolis. Whether you’re seeking care for yourself or a loved one, family therapy offers a structured and compassionate way to begin healing relationships while supporting long-term recovery from substance use.
Understanding family therapy, how it works in addiction treatment, the different models used, and why families who participate in therapy can help you and your loved ones experience stronger outcomes and deeper healing.
Family therapy is a form of counseling that involves two or more family members working with a licensed therapist to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen emotional connections. Unlike individual therapy, which focuses on one person’s thoughts and behaviors, family therapy looks at how people interact within the family system and how those dynamics may be influencing recovery.
At Juniper Grove Recovery, family therapy is always approached with care, cultural humility, and clinical insight. We work with families of all types, including chosen families, guardians, and extended relatives, to create an open, respectful space where healing can begin.
Whether you're navigating the early stages of recovery or trying to rebuild trust after treatment, family therapy can provide the tools and support you need to move forward together.
Several therapeutic models are used in family counseling, each with unique benefits depending on the needs and goals of the family. We tailor our approach to your situation while drawing on proven frameworks.
Here are some common types of family therapy:
This model examines family hierarchies, roles, and boundaries. It clarifies power dynamics, strengthens parental leadership, and restructures unhealthy relationship patterns.
This type of therapy focuses on specific problems within the family system and helps loved ones adopt new behaviors to address them. Therapists may assign tasks or “homework” to shift patterns.
The systemic model is rooted in the idea that all behavior is part of a larger system. It explores beliefs, unspoken rules, and generational influences that may affect the family’s functioning ability.
Encourages families to reframe harmful stories they tell themselves (e.g., “I always mess up” or “they’ll never forgive me”) and replace them with more empowering narratives.
This model includes structured teaching about substance use, family roles in recovery, and coping strategies. It’s often combined with skills training to help families manage stress and effectively support their loved ones.
Each model supports different goals, including learning to set healthy boundaries, practicing forgiveness, or improving daily communication.
In the context of substance use treatment, family therapy plays a critical role in helping both clients and their loved ones understand the recovery process. At Juniper Grove Recovery, family therapy is integrated into care plans whenever appropriate, and always with client consent.
Here’s how family therapy for addiction treatment typically works:
This process helps break cycles of blame, secrecy, or emotional distance that often accompany substance use. It also empowers families to become part of the recovery journey meaningfully and healthily.
The benefits of family therapy for addiction recovery go beyond simply “fixing” conflict. Family participation is often directly linked to more successful treatment outcomes. Here’s why:
Family therapy can also prevent future conflict by strengthening parenting approaches, healing sibling relationships, and creating shared recovery goals.
At Juniper Grove Recovery, we use evidence-based models like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to guide individual and family work. These approaches are instrumental in helping families:
CBT is particularly effective in helping family members understand how their perceptions and communication habits may be reinforcing unhealthy patterns. DBT adds a layer of mindfulness and emotion regulation—helpful when the family system has experienced trauma, volatility, or chronic stress.
Our therapists are trained to integrate these approaches seamlessly into family therapy sessions, tailoring interventions to each family’s history, cultural context, and recovery goals.
Family therapy is available at multiple levels of care within Juniper Grove Recovery’s program offerings. Depending on your situation, it may be included in:
Families may be invited to participate in weekly therapy sessions while their loved one is in care.
As clients begin reintegrating into daily life, family therapy helps strengthen routines and address real-world challenges.
Even after formal treatment ends, families can continue working with a therapist to support ongoing recovery.
Family therapy is often paired with individual therapy and group therapy for a more holistic treatment experience.
We also offer referrals and connections to community-based family counseling options for families who may benefit from long-term care beyond our program.
Choosing the right family therapy program can feel overwhelming. Here are a few things to look for when exploring family therapy near you:
Most importantly, you should feel heard, respected, and safe. Therapy is a vulnerable process, and your comfort matters.
If addiction has strained your family, you are not alone, and you are not beyond healing. At Juniper Grove Recovery, our family therapy program is designed to help you reconnect with compassion, rebuild trust, and move forward with strength.
Whether you're a parent, sibling, spouse, or chosen family member, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Ready to talk? Contact us today at 317.527.4529 or online to learn how to get started with family therapy.
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