Moderate EvidenceFamily therapyYouth

Functional Family Therapy(FFT)

Last evidence review: January 20263 printable resources

Showing plain-language explanations suitable for anyone.

Overview

Functional Family Therapy is a structured family intervention for adolescents with behavioural problems. It aims to reduce conflict and improve family functioning through engagement, relational change, and behaviour change phases.

What this therapy focuses on

Improving family communication, reducing blame cycles, strengthening protective factors, and changing behaviour patterns through a phase-based approach.

What sessions are usually like

Session length: 60–90 minutes

Frequency: Weekly

Time-limited: 12–20 sessions

Family sessions with all key members

Session profile

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Typical course: 12–20 sessions
Between sessions: Family communication practice

Common uses and suitability

What problems it is commonly used for

Conduct problemsYouth offending riskFamily conflict maintaining adolescent difficulties

Who this therapy may suit best

  • Families with adolescents showing behavioural difficulties
  • Where family dynamics are central to the problem

When it may need adapting or may not be suitable

  • Where the young person is not living at home
  • Active domestic violence requiring safety planning first

Where this therapy may not be enough

FFT is for family-systemic conduct problems. Not designed for individual psychopathology without family component.

What happens in therapy

Engagement and Motivation

Building trust with the whole family and helping everyone feel heard.

Behaviour Change

Learning new communication and problem-solving skills as a family.

Evidence Base

Guideline support

Included in some youth justice and behaviour pathways.

Strength of evidence

Moderate; best with fidelity delivery.

Limitations

Fidelity-dependent. Fewer trials than MST.

Evidence claims by condition

Conduct ProblemsModerate EvidenceAdolescents and families

FFT helps families reduce conflict and improve the young person’s behaviour by changing how the family communicates.

Resources & Printables

For Parents & Caregivers

Communication Scripts

Scripts for practising constructive family communication.

Coming soon
Behaviour Agreement Template

A template for family behaviour agreements.

Coming soon

For Professionals

Phase Checklist

A clinical checklist for each FFT phase.

Coming soon

Practitioner & Training Notes

Typical professional background

Family therapists and trained FFT practitioners.

Recognised training routes

FFT training through licensed FFT organisations.

Registration considerations

Licensed FFT service delivery.

Source Registry

Last evidence review: January 2026. All sources are verified and checked on a scheduled cadence.