FAQs

Yes. The fact that a pattern has existed for a long time does not mean you have to continue it.The challenge is that sibling interactions can become incredibly automatic. Therapy helps you notice those patterns while they’re happening and practice different ways of responding.

Sibling therapy is a form of relationship or family therapy focused specifically on the relationship between brothers and sisters. Instead of trying to solve every issue in the entire family, the therapist helps the siblings understand their particular relationship, communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, address old hurts, and decide how they want to relate to each other going forward.

Not at all. Some siblings come to therapy after years of little or no contact. Others talk every week but can’t get through a conversation without fighting. Still others generally get along but have one major issue they haven’t been able to resolve.You don’t need to wait until the relationship is falling apart.

That’s extremely common.Therapy does not necessarily require the two of you to arrive at one official version of your childhood.It may be more productive to understand each person’s experience, how those experiences continue affecting the relationship, and what each of you needs from the other now.

That’s not the goal.There may certainly be situations where one sibling behaved badly or needs to take responsibility for something. But sibling therapy isn’t a trial where the therapist listens to both sides and announces a winner.We are much more interested in helping you understand what is happening between you and what each person can do differently.

It's not too late.If both siblings are willing to participate, therapy can provide a structured place to begin talking again without immediately falling into the same patterns that caused the relationship to break down.

You cannot force another adult to participate.Depending on the circumstances, it may still be useful for you to speak with a family therapist individually about the relationship, your own role in the dynamic, how to approach your sibling, and what boundaries or changes might be useful.Contact us and we can discuss what format makes the most sense.

Yes. Sibling therapy can involve two siblings or a larger sibling group.With larger families, your therapist may recommend a particular session format so that everyone has enough opportunity to participate.

No!Sometimes a parent is directly involved in the problem and it makes sense to include them at some point. Other times the work is entirely between the adult siblings.Your therapist can help determine who should participate.

There is no standard number of sessions.A fairly specific conflict may require only a limited amount of work. Longstanding estrangement, deep resentment, or complicated family dynamics may take longer.At the beginning of therapy, you and your therapist can identify your goals and periodically evaluate whether you’re making progress toward them.

Online sessions may be an especially useful option when siblings don’t live near each other or when scheduling an in-person appointment is difficult.Contact us with your particular situation and we can discuss the available options.