A family is understood best by examining it in family therapy as one whole system. This one system is a complex, deeply-connected changing collection of parts, subsystems and family members, where each member has a known purpose or role to play. Individuals in a family system cannot be fully understood in isolation from one another.

Families can examine their own processes and set deliberate goals. A therapist can help identify the family dynamics, patterns, and boundaries that are causing issues within the system, and work with the family to create healthier relationships.