Change the Structure, Change the Family
Structural Family Therapy (SFT) focuses on reorganizing family roles, hierarchies, and boundaries to reduce dysfunction and restore balance. It helps families shift stuck patterns by strengthening parental leadership, clarifying roles, and improving relational flow.
What Is Structural Family Therapy and How Does It Work?
Structural Family Therapy addresses conflict not by fixing individuals, but by shifting how the family operates as a system. Developed by Salvador Minuchin, SFT focuses on interactions, hierarchy, and boundary-setting to help families function more clearly and supportively.
Key Benefits
Clarifies Family Roles
Ends confusion and conflict by clearly defining responsibilities and expectations.
Strengthens Parental Authority
Supports balanced, consistent leadership from caregivers.
Improves Boundaries Between Members
Helps separate enmeshed relationships and reconnect disengaged ones.
Enhances Emotional and Functional Flow
Allows each family member to contribute while maintaining their own identity.
Treatment Goals
Restructure Subsystems
Realign parent–child, sibling, and couple dynamics to support healthy function.
Shift Unhelpful Alliances or Triangulation
Reduce coalitions that place children in adult roles or divide caregivers.
Define and Enforce Boundaries
Establish clear lines between emotional, relational, and developmental roles.
Increase Flexibility While Maintaining Structure
Support consistent rules while allowing for adaptability and growth.
Structural Family Therapy for Hierarchy, Boundaries, and Realignment
SFT treats dysfunction as a product of poor structure—unclear roles, boundary confusion, or collapsed hierarchies. By working directly with the system’s structure, families become more organized, stable, and emotionally connected.
The Process
The Process
The Process
1
1
Join and Observe the Family System
Therapist enters the system and identifies patterns, subsystems, and structures.
2
2
Mapping Interactions and Boundaries
Use visual and verbal tools to identify enmeshment, disengagement, or unclear roles.
3
3
Realignment Through Intervention
The therapist actively shifts seating, speaking order, or interactions to change dynamics in-session.
4
4
Strengthening Leadership and Support Roles
Empower caregivers to lead with clarity while supporting each child’s individuality.
5
5
Practicing Functional Interaction Patterns
Guide families through live, corrective exchanges to build new habits.
Techniques Used
Scientific Background
Historical Development
Techniques Used
Enactments
Observe and redirect real-time interactions between family members.
Joining
The therapist becomes part of the system to create trust and initiate change from within.
Boundary Restructuring
Interventions that create clearer emotional or behavioral limits.
Hierarchy Repair
Shift power from children back to parents or between caregivers to restore balance.
Techniques Used
Scientific Background
Historical Development
Techniques Used
Enactments
Observe and redirect real-time interactions between family members.
Joining
The therapist becomes part of the system to create trust and initiate change from within.
Boundary Restructuring
Interventions that create clearer emotional or behavioral limits.
Hierarchy Repair
Shift power from children back to parents or between caregivers to restore balance.
Techniques Used
Scientific Background
History
Techniques Used
Enactments
Observe and redirect real-time interactions between family members.
Joining
The therapist becomes part of the system to create trust and initiate change from within.
Boundary Restructuring
Interventions that create clearer emotional or behavioral limits.
Hierarchy Repair
Shift power from children back to parents or between caregivers to restore balance.
Typical Exercises
Typical Exercises
Family Structure Mapping
Create diagrams of current relational roles, subsystems, and hierarchies.
In-Session Enactments
Practice structured conversations under therapist guidance to identify and shift dynamics.
Role Reassignments
Temporarily shift responsibilities to help parents reclaim leadership or siblings re-balance support.
Boundary Role-Plays
Practice saying no, asking for space, or enforcing limits within family relationships.
Select your insurance company
to see your coverage
Don't see your plan?
Give us a call: 818.821.6012
Cigna
Aetna
Beacon
Optum
L.A. Care
United Health
Other
Your copay could
be as low as
$0
Average Cigna member copay
per session
$15*
Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call
at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.
What your coverage may include
Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.
Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!
Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.
*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.
Select your insurance company
to see your coverage
Don't see your plan?
Give us a call: 818.821.6012
Cigna
Aetna
Beacon
Optum
L.A. Care
United Health
Other
Your copay could
be as low as
$0
Average Cigna member copay
per session
$15*
Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.
What your coverage may include
Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.
Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!
Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.
*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.
Select your insurance company
to see your coverage
Don't see your plan?
Give us a call: 818.821.6012
Cigna
Aetna
Beacon
Optum
L.A. Care
United Health
Other
Your copay could
be as low as
$0
Average Cigna member copay
per session
$15*
Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.
What your coverage may include
Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.
Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!
Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.
*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.
Testimonials
100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating
Justin M.
It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!
Cielo P.
I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.
Ricky M.
I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.
Jessa R.
Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍
Quinton H.
My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.
Chris M
Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!
Cal B.
I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.
Anne B.
Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.
Rebecca H.
FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.
Jessica S.
My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!
Aileen D.
Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.
Yesenia G.
I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support
Testimonials
100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating
Justin M.
It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!
Cielo P.
I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.
Ricky M.
I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.
Jessa R.
Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍
Quinton H.
My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.
Chris M
Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!
Cal B.
I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.
Anne B.
Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.
Rebecca H.
FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.
Jessica S.
My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!
Aileen D.
Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.
Yesenia G.
I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support
Testimonials
100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating
Justin M.
It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!
Cielo P.
I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.
Ricky M.
I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.
Jessa R.
Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍
Quinton H.
My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.
Chris M
Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!
Cal B.
I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.
Anne B.
Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.
Rebecca H.
FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.
Jessica S.
My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!
Aileen D.
Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.
Yesenia G.
I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support
Insights & Guidance for a Healthier Mind
Explore expert advice, therapy tips, and mental wellness strategies to support your journey to a balanced life.
Insights & Guidance for a Healthier Mind
Explore expert advice, therapy tips, and mental wellness strategies to support your journey to a balanced life.
Insights & Guidance for a Healthier Mind
Explore expert advice, therapy tips, and mental wellness strategies to support your journey to a balanced life.
Common Questions
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.
Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?
What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?
What types of therapy services do you offer?
How flexible are your scheduling options?
Can I get online therapy in California from FamilyTime Centers?
How do I start therapy in Valley Village, Los Angeles
Does FamilyTime Centers accept insurance in Los Angeles?
What therapy is offered for anxiety in Los Angeles?
Common Questions
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.
Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?
What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?
What types of therapy services do you offer?
How flexible are your scheduling options?
Can I get online therapy in California from FamilyTime Centers?
How do I start therapy in Valley Village, Los Angeles
Does FamilyTime Centers accept insurance in Los Angeles?
What therapy is offered for anxiety in Los Angeles?
Common Questions
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.
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By conditon
12501 Chandler Blvd, Suite 102
Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 821-6012
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–14:00
✉️ Email | 📞 Call Now | 📍 View on Google Maps
© 2025 Copyright FamilyTime Center. All rights reserved.
Join FamilyTime's newsletter
Receive expert advice, coping strategies, and mental wellness resources from our licensed California therapists - delivered weekly.
By submitting your email, you are consenting to receive emails from FamilyTime Center and accepting the terms.
Find care
By conditon
Types of care
Our approaches
By region
Legal pages
12501 Chandler Blvd, Suite 102
Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 821-6012
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–14:00
✉️ Email | 📞 Call Now | 📍 View on Google Maps
© 2025 Copyright FamilyTime Center. All rights reserved.
Join FamilyTime's newsletter
Receive expert advice, coping strategies, and mental wellness resources from our licensed California therapists - delivered weekly.
By submitting your email, you are consenting to receive emails from FamilyTime Center and accepting the terms.
Find care
By conditon
Types of care
Our approaches
By region
Legal pages
12501 Chandler Blvd, Suite 102
Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 821-6012
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–14:00
✉️ Email | 📞 Call Now | 📍 View on Google Maps
© 2025 Copyright FamilyTime Center. All rights reserved.