Family Therapy in Coquitlam – Supporting Addiction Recovery

At Rene Health Clinic in Coquitlam, we understand that addiction affects not just the individual but the entire family. That’s why family therapy is a core part of our approach to recovery. When done with cultural sensitivity, ethical care, and respect for each family’s unique dynamics, family therapy creates lasting positive change.

What Is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy designed to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within families. In the context of addiction treatment, it focuses on supporting the individual in recovery while helping the entire family heal.

This approach is based on family systems theory, which views the family as an interconnected unit. When one member struggles with addiction, it affects everyone — and by improving family relationships, recovery outcomes also improve. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), nearly 90% of people report improved emotional health after therapy, and about two-thirds experience better physical health.

What Does a Family Therapist Do?

A family therapist is a trained mental health professional who works with couples, children, and extended family members. Their goal is to help everyone understand how their interactions and communication patterns affect one another — especially in the context of addiction.

At Rene Health Clinic, our therapists help families:

  • Improve communication and express emotions safely

  • Understand enabling behaviors and how to break unhealthy cycles

  • Build empathy and trust to support the person in recovery

  • Develop practical coping strategies for long-term wellness

Key Principles of Family Therapy

The foundation of family therapy is built on three main principles:

  • Systems Thinking: The family is seen as a system, where one member’s actions affect the whole. When communication and relationships improve, recovery outcomes are stronger.

  • Interdependence: Each family member’s well-being is connected to the others. Therapy helps create healthy patterns that support emotional and psychological healing.

  • Identifying Dysfunctional Patterns: Poor communication, enabling, or unresolved conflict can perpetuate addiction. Therapy works to replace these patterns with healthy behaviors and clear boundaries.

Evidence-Based Models Used in Family Therapy

At Rene Health Clinic, we use a combination of proven therapeutic models to fit your family’s needs:

  • Narrative Therapy: Helps separate the person from their addiction and reframe the family’s story toward empowerment and hope.

  • Structural Family Therapy: Reshapes family roles and boundaries to reduce enabling behaviors and restore balance.

  • Strategic Family Therapy: Targets specific behaviors that contribute to addiction, offering quick, practical solutions.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses negative thought patterns and replaces them with healthy coping strategies, helping break the cycle of substance use.

Techniques Used in Family Therapy

Our therapists use a mix of behavioral, structural, and psychodynamic techniques to meet your family’s needs:

  • Behavioral Techniques: Create agreements, set boundaries, and reward healthy behaviors to encourage accountability.

  • Structural Techniques: Reorganize family hierarchies to support recovery and reduce conflict.

  • Psychodynamic Techniques: Explore deeper emotional issues and past traumas that may contribute to addiction.

Goals of Family Therapy

The main goals of family therapy are to:

  • Improve communication and reduce misunderstandings

  • Resolve conflicts that contribute to stress and relapse

  • Establish healthy boundaries to prevent enabling behaviors

  • Build empathy and emotional connection

  • Create a stable home environment that supports recovery

Studies consistently show that including family in addiction treatment improves long-term outcomes and reduces relapse rates for up to 18 months post-treatment.

Benefits of Family Therapy

Family therapy offers many benefits, including:

  • Better communication and problem-solving

  • Stronger, healthier relationships

  • Reduced stress and conflict at home

  • Improved coping skills and resilience

  • Lower risk of relapse and higher treatment success rates

Challenges of Family Therapy

It’s also important to acknowledge the challenges:

  • Time and financial commitment – Sessions require regular attendance and can be an investment, though the benefits are long-term.

  • Emotional discomfort – Sensitive topics may surface, which can feel difficult at first.

  • Uneven participation – Therapy works best when all family members are actively involved.

Our team at Rene Health Clinic works to make this process as supportive and accessible as possible, with a focus on creating a safe and non-judgmental space.

Why Choose Rene Health Clinic for Family Therapy in Coquitlam?

At Rene Health Clinic, we take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to family therapy. Our goal is to empower families to work together toward recovery and well-being. We tailor every session to your family’s unique needs, values, and cultural background.