When a teen enters treatment, families hear about therapy, classes, and support groups. These terms can blur together—but the experiences are meaningfully different, and each serves a distinct purpose.
Family Therapy: Clinical, Goal-Directed, and Personalized
Family therapy at Muir Wood is conducted by the teen’s primary therapist—the same clinician providing individual therapy. Sessions focus on rebuilding connection, repairing trust, and developing healthier communication. The therapist may work with the teen and parents together, or dedicate sessions to parents alone. The guiding focus is attachment-based: how do we rebuild the connection?
Family Therapy: Clinical, Goal-Directed, and Personalized
Family therapy at Muir Wood is conducted by the teen’s primary therapist—the same clinician providing individual therapy. Sessions focus on rebuilding connection, repairing trust, and developing healthier communication. The therapist may work with the teen and parents together, or dedicate sessions to parents alone. The guiding focus is attachment-based: how do we rebuild the connection?
Family Classes: Structured Learning With a Curriculum
Twice-weekly family classes follow a structured curriculum covering five core topics on a continuous cycle. Classes cover co-regulation, the results-based approach, codependency, communication, and the Family Agreement process. Parents can attend as long as they choose—even after discharge—and many repeat the curriculum. This is where the thinking shift happens.
Parent Support Groups: Peer Connection and Validation
The weekly parent support group is neither therapy nor education. It’s a facilitated space where parents share what they’re going through—honestly, without anyone trying to fix them. The facilitator listens, affirms, and creates safety. Parents bring the content.
“The support group is exactly that: I can hear how hard this is. I’m sorry. I’m with you. I have a lot of compassion because I’m there too—or I’ve been there too.”
Rawly Glass, Director of Family Services
Parents support each other in real time—sharing encouragement, resources, and solidarity. The peer connection is often cited as one of the most meaningful parts of the Muir Wood experience.
Why All Three Matter
- Family therapy repairs your specific family relationships—guided by a clinician who knows your teen.
- Family classes change how you think about parenting—new framework, new language, new skills.
- Support groups remind you that you’re not alone—and connect you with parents who understand.
Most programs offer one or two of these. Muir Wood offers all three, starting from the first week. Learn more on our family programming page.
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