What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a form of psychological support in which the family works together. Rather than focusing only on “who has the problem”, it looks at how family members relate to one another and what resources they have to deal with what is happening to them.
It can help in situations such as:
- Recurring conflicts in living together.
- Questions about parenting and setting limits.
- Family reorganisation: separations, blended families, moving house or the arrival of a new family member.
- Times of crisis or change that affect everyone.
- Communication difficulties between parents and children, especially in adolescence.
What does child and adolescent psychology involve?
Child and adolescent psychology supports children and teenagers, always involving their family. We use play and conversation, adapted to their age, so that the child or teenager can express what is going on for them.
Some common reasons for seeking help:
- Emotions that are hard to manage: fears, sadness, anger or worry.
- Changes in behaviour at home or at school.
- School and learning difficulties.
- Identity, self-esteem and relationships with others in adolescence.
- Difficulties related to ADHD or autism (ASD).
- Eating disorders.
When you book an appointment, tell us your son's or daughter's age and we will advise you on how to get started.
How do we work with children, teenagers and families?
We work from a systemic therapy perspective: we understand that what happens to a child or teenager is connected to their family, their school and their relationships. That is why families take part in the process.
The process usually starts like this:
- First session. We find out what is worrying you, how the child or teenager is doing and how each of you is experiencing the situation. When you book, we will let you know who should come.
- Shared goals. We agree on what you would like to change and how we will review it along the way.
- Work based on what is needed. There may be sessions with the child or teenager, with the parents or with the whole family, depending on the case.
If a medical assessment is needed, for example if there are questions about ADHD, the team includes psychiatry, coordinated with psychotherapy: Blanca García Montañés, a medical specialist in psychiatry with more than 25 years of experience, includes ADHD in adults and young people among her areas of work.
Who will see you?
We help you choose the member of the team who best fits your situation:
- Lídia Algar Roldán · Psychotherapist and educational psychologist, general health psychologist, registration no. AO-12499. She has been working with children, adolescents and families for more than ten years and holds a master's degree in educational psychology. She has experience with eating disorders, grief, ADHD and autism (ASD), and runs workshops in schools.
- Patricia Santos Durán · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO10798, with a master's degree in child and adolescent psychology. Specialised in family therapy, eating disorders and EMDR.
- Alejandro Zea Roldán · Health psychologist with a systemic approach and a master's degree in child and adolescent psychology. He works in child and adolescent, family and group therapy.
- Mark Mesa Oostlander · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO-04758. He works with brief systemic therapy and holds master's degrees in systemic family therapy and in educational neuropsychology.
- Carmen Márquez Espárraga · General health psychologist, registration no. AO-13515. She works with brief systemic therapy.
- Miguel Blanes Arias, Marina Rodríguez Conesa and Lisa Marie Edelkraut also offer family therapy. Lisa also offers it in English and German.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
A session costs €80, whether it is an individual session with the child or teenager or a session with the family; in English or German with Lisa Marie Edelkraut, €100. A psychiatry consultation costs €150. Each session lasts about an hour, and the price is the same in person and online.
The number of sessions depends on each family and its goals. We review this together during the process.
In person or online?
Our practice is at Alameda de Colón 2, 3º H, 29001 Málaga, in the Soho district, with good metro, Cercanías commuter train and bus connections, and public car parks nearby (how to get here). Sessions with families and teenagers can also take place by video call; depending on the child's age, we will advise you on which format suits you best. More information on online therapy.
We are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 21:00, and on Saturday mornings, 09:00 to 14:00, which makes it easier for many families to fit sessions around school.
Frequently asked questions about family therapy and child and adolescent therapy
Do both parents have to come?
Ideally, the people who care for the child or teenager take part, but every family is different. If you are separated or unsure, tell us about your situation when you book and we will explain how to arrange it.
Can my teenager come on their own?
With teenagers it is common to combine sessions on their own with time together with the family. Tell us their age and situation when you book and we will advise you.
Do you work with children with ADHD or autism?
Yes. Lídia Algar Roldán has experience with ADHD and autism (ASD). If a medical assessment for ADHD is needed, the team includes psychiatry.
Do you help families going through a separation?
Yes. Family reorganisation after a separation is one of the issues we work on, both with the children and with the adults.
Do you run workshops in schools?
Lídia Algar Roldán runs workshops in schools. Write to us if you are interested for your school.
Take the first step
You can book an appointment online, message us on WhatsApp or call 629 359 443. If you are not sure where to start, tell us what is worrying you and we will help you choose the right person. If you are a couple going through a separation, couples therapy may also help; you can see everything we offer on our services page.
We are not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 112 or Línea 024, the helpline for people at risk of suicide.
Content reviewed by Alberto Moreno Gámez, health psychologist, registration no. AO-5524 · 17 October 2026