Treatment for Those Requesting Sibling Therapy

Abstract

Abstract The reasons siblings seek therapy can color the direction and physical space for ensuing therapy sessions, but across all modalities, the primary ingredient is a good therapeutic relationship. The importance of the first session’s structure is discussed, with an emphasis on the therapist’s efforts to determine the ghosts that may be present and the effective use of a genogram. Eleven common causes of sibling conflict (with clinical examples) are discussed, including the role of parental involvement in adult sibling conflict. Why listening for key words is important and when a therapist should intervene, flexibility around which siblings to involve, session logistics (including problems with video therapy sessions), and ending therapy are covered.