Family therapy is about helping loved ones communicate, connect, and recreate relational experiences. In telehealth therapy, these goals are attainable and can be met with extra creativity, a strong foundation, and a clear framework. The following activities use evidence-based family therapy techniques that work well in virtual sessions.
Interactive communication exercises for virtual family therapy
Even through a screen, these activities invite families to practice presence, shared understanding, and empathy with one another. Each activity stems from core family therapy techniques that focus on strengthening emotional attunement and collaborative problem-solving.
1. Emotion thermometer
As if rating their temperature, each family member rates their emotion on a scale of 1-10, and names one factor that is influencing their rating. This collaborative exercise helps the family understand the present emotional climate of each of their family members, while normalizing and practicing communicating honest emotional expression. Using a polling tool, “Mood Meter” or whiteboard can help everyone visualize their responses.
2. Family values mapping
This exercise invites each family member to name one value that is a priority for them at the moment. Some common values are honesty, teamwork, and communication; they can be represented with words or with emojis for younger clients. Once everyone has had the opportunity to define their values, co-create a “family values board” to reference.
3. Reflective listening practice
Listening can be one of the most challenging skills in a family. This activity creates an opportunity for each family member to share for two minutes while other family members listen and summarize what they heard. The speaker can vocalize their needs, wants, and emotions with no interruptions or problem-solving allowed. Once the speaker is done, family members discuss the experience as the speaker/listener before switching roles. Encourage phrases like “What I am feeling is…” or “My experience is…” to support emotional language and processing.
4. Shared gratitude round
Each family member takes turns sharing one thing that they appreciate about another family member. If the family is not physically together, encourage each member to type their appreciation in the chat, then give each member the opportunity to share.
Building connection through screen-based activities
Families can facilitate genuine connection, even through a screen. These activities are designed to help family members reconnect through shared meaning, warmth, and storytelling, using the virtual space into a space for meaningful connection.
5. The “Smith” story
Guide the family to create a memory that defines “who we are.” As they each share what makes up that memory, highlight key phrases on a shared screen or in the chat to co-create a narrative that creates a sense of meaning, connection, and belonging to each family member.
6. Family highlight reel
Create a slide deck and invite each family member to share one positive moment from the week, whether an individual moment or one with the family. After each family member has created their memory, organize the slides into a “highlight reel” for all to see. As the weeks go on, this becomes an archive of gratitude, growth, and connection.
7. Appreciation spotlight
Give each family member the opportunity to share one quality or moment of appreciation about one another. Focusing on something small such as “I appreciated that you asked me how soccer practice was yesterday,” allows family members to build strong bonds off of small moments.
Collaborative projects for strengthening family bonds
Inviting families into their therapeutic work together through projects outside of therapy gives the family the opportunity to continue to foster connection between meetings. When families create something together, whether it is a meal or a playlist, they reinforce their commitment to the relationship and trust in one another.
8. Shared family album
With the use of tools like Apple’s Shared Albums and Google Photos, it’s easier than ever to share photos with loved ones. Encourage the family to create an online digital shared album, beginning with each member sharing their favorite photo from the week. The goal is for this digital album to be a place where each family member can share their story on a day to day basis.
9. Family future vision board
As children get older, schedules get busier and “the future” often comes quicker than expected. Co-creating a vision board as a family helps each family member identify how their individual hopes, goals, and values play a part in the family’s future. Collaborative tools like Canva give every family member access to editing the vision board, creating a forward mentality that builds connection and alignment.
10. Family playlist
Music is one of the most powerful connection tools, as it helps drop guards while building connections over shared tastes. Creating a collaborative playlist is a fun way for each family member to add a song (or a few) that captures how they're feeling, creating lifelong memories with those songs.
Mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques for families
Teaching families how to slow down, find their calm place, and attune to one another is an important skill. It strengthens regulation techniques and deepens the familial connection, especially in high-stress situations. Mindfulness-based therapy techniques — such as breathing exercises, grounding strategies, and thought labeling — can help families stay firmly rooted in the present, so they can work toward a better future.
12. “Name it to tame it” check-in
Think about recommending this exercise for when the family is sitting around the dinner table for a shared meal. Each family member is invited to name one emotion they felt today, how they experienced it, and where it showed up in their body. This practice helps normalize discussing both positive and negative emotions, teaching children and adults about emotional awareness.
13. Breathing techniques
Whether you prefer box breathing, alternate nostril breathing, or another breathing technique, everyone can benefit from gaining awareness of their breath. Choose a breathing technique that resonates and you feel comfortable teaching the family about, framing it as an opportunity to help the family stay grounded and present with one another.
14. Shared safe place
Oftentimes, families share a special place where everyone feels calm, happy, and safe. Whether it is a lake house, a camping site, or a beach, encourage the family to imagine this safe place together. Once identified, discuss why each family member feels connected and safe to this place.
Creating calming routines for family wellness
Helping families establish simple, consistent mindfulness rituals they can practice between sessions help to consistently regulate the nervous system, reduce tension, and strengthen relational bonds.
In the digital world we live in, encourage families to use technology to stay connected, like shared calendars, to-do lists, or exercise routines. Sharing routines helps everyone stay accountable and consistent without feeling pressured. As the shared practices become more like second-nature, they reinforce that the goal isn’t perfection, but instead integrating small, meaningful moments of connection into everyday life.
