Marriage and family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on understanding, changing and improving the ways that a couple or family members interact with each other. Contrary to what the name implies, marriage and family therapists usually treat individuals. Spouses, partners or other family members also can be brought together for couples or group sessions.

Couples with communication problems, relationship conflicts and sexual problems may benefit from this type of therapy. This type of therapy may also help if you or a family member has depression, a substance abuse disorder or other mental illness, a chronic condition such as asthma or diabetes, or even adolescent angst that's interfering with daily functioning.

Treatment is intended to identify problems or conflicts and set specific goals for resolving them. Therapy usually explores family roles, rules, goals and stages of development in order to spot issues that may contribute to conflict and stress. It may address the family's behavioral patterns, such as handling physically dangerous situations, as well as the ability to solve problems, express emotions and communicate with each other. Therapy assesses possible family strengths, such as concern for one another, and weaknesses, such as inability to confide in each other.

Family therapy can help you identify specific concerns and thoroughly assess your family functioning. You'll set both individual and family goals and expectations and work toward them, guided by the therapist who can help you learn new ways to interact and overcome old problems.