Supporting Sibling Relationships Through Therapy
Sibling relationships are often the longest relationships we experience in life. They can be filled with love, laughter, shared memories—and at times, conflict. Jealousy, competition, and resentment between siblings are common, especially during periods of change such as the arrival of a new baby, academic pressure, developmental differences, or family stress. While occasional conflict is normal, ongoing tension can impact a child’s emotional well-being and the overall family dynamic.
At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, therapy offers families a supportive space to strengthen sibling relationships, improve communication, and foster emotional understanding that benefits everyone involved.
Understanding Sibling Conflict
Sibling rivalry is not a sign of poor parenting or “bad behavior.” Often, it reflects unmet emotional needs, differences in temperament, or struggles with comparison and fairness. Children may compete for attention, feel misunderstood, or hold resentment when they believe a sibling receives more praise, freedom, or support.
Left unaddressed, these feelings can lead to ongoing arguments, emotional withdrawal, or lasting relational strain. Therapy helps bring these underlying emotions to the surface in a healthy, age-appropriate way.
How Therapy Supports Sibling Relationships
Therapy provides a structured and neutral environment where children and families can explore difficult emotions safely. Rather than focusing on blame, therapy emphasizes understanding, emotional expression, and connection.
Helping Children Name and Express Emotions
Many children struggle to articulate feelings like jealousy or resentment. Through play therapy, talk therapy, or creative expression, children learn to identify and communicate emotions in ways that feel safe and manageable. When emotions are expressed rather than acted out, conflict often decreases.
Building Emotional Regulation Skills
Therapists help children develop coping skills to manage frustration, anger, and disappointment. These skills are essential during sibling disagreements and help children respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.
Reducing Competition and Comparison
Therapy can shift the focus away from “who’s right” or “who’s better” toward understanding each child’s unique needs and strengths. This reduces unhealthy competition and helps siblings feel valued as individuals.
The Role of Family Systems Work
Sibling relationships do not exist in isolation—they are part of a larger family system. Family systems therapy looks at patterns, roles, and communication styles within the household.
In family sessions, parents and children learn how dynamics such as birth order, parental expectations, or stressors can influence sibling interactions. Therapy supports families in creating consistent boundaries, improving communication, and fostering cooperation rather than comparison.
When parents feel supported and equipped with practical strategies, they are better able to respond calmly and consistently to conflict at home—an essential part of improving sibling relationships.
Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash
Long-Term Benefits of Therapy for Siblings
When siblings learn how to manage conflict and express emotions constructively, the benefits often extend far beyond childhood. Therapy helps children develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and emotional awareness that support healthier relationships throughout life.
Families often notice:
Fewer intense arguments and emotional outbursts
Improved communication between siblings
Greater empathy and understanding
A calmer, more connected home environment
By addressing challenges early, therapy helps prevent long-standing resentment and strengthens family bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sibling conflict normal?
Yes. Some level of disagreement is developmentally appropriate. Therapy becomes helpful when conflict is frequent, intense, or impacting emotional well-being or family harmony.
Do all siblings attend therapy together?
Not always. Therapy may include individual sessions, sibling sessions, parent sessions, or family sessions depending on each family’s needs.
At what age can children benefit from therapy?
Children of all ages can benefit. Therapists use age-appropriate approaches such as play therapy for younger children and talk-based strategies for older kids and teens.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Every family is different, but many notice positive changes in communication and emotional awareness within a few sessions.
About the Author
Janie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor at Sunrise Counseling. A Dallas native, she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas and completed her Master’s degree in Counseling at Texas Tech University. Janie brings extensive experience working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, learning differences, and life transitions. She has specialized training in complex trauma therapy and also holds certifications as a Special Education teacher and Dyslexia Instructor. Outside of the therapy office, Janie enjoys reading, staying active with pickleball and golf, and spending time with her family and energetic dog.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If sibling conflict is creating stress in your home, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy can help your family build stronger connections and healthier communication.
If you would like to get started:
Schedule an appointment with Sunrise Counseling in Dallas to discuss your family’s needs and goals.
Begin therapy with a compassionate, experienced therapist who specializes in children and family systems.
Supporting sibling relationships now can create a foundation of understanding and connection that lasts a lifetime. Reach out to Sunrise Counseling today to learn how therapy can help your family thrive.
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: