Families are more diverse than ever, and due to the innumerable changes that life brings, the dynamics are continually evolving. If one member is experiencing challenges, the entire family is at risk. Family therapy is a type of holistic treatment that helps families develop and maintain healthy and functional relationships with each other.
- What is the meaning of family therapy?
- What happens in a family therapy session?
- What is the goal of a family therapist?
- Why do people seek family therapy?
- When to use family therapy?
- What is the most common type of family therapy?
- How do I know if my family needs therapy?
What is the meaning of family therapy?
Family counseling is a form of talk therapy that focuses on improving dynamics between family members. It aims to strengthen the family unit by respecting the individuality of each member. Some common objectives include:
- Improves communication skills
- Decreases conflict
- Helps with problem-solving skills
- Builds confidence
- Increases empathy for each other
What happens in a family therapy session?
Think of the therapist as the coach and the family as the players. The key role of a family therapist is to allow every family member an equal opportunity to share their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. The process becomes safer when a trained professional mediates heated interplay and ensures everyone’s voice is heard. Therapists manage the energy in the room so all members are free to express themselves.
What is the goal of a family therapist?
The goals of family therapy are to improve communication between members of the family, solve communal problems, and create a better-functioning home environment. Family therapists achieve these objectives by:
- Exploring the interactional dynamics of the family.
- Mobilizing the family’s internal strength and functional resources.
- Restructuring the maladaptive family styles.
- Strengthening the family’s problem-solving behavior.
Why do people seek family therapy?
One of the main reasons individuals seek family counseling is to address and resolve a communication breakdown within the family. Many conflicts arise due to a lack of or ineffective communication. In therapy sessions, loved ones learn how to express their thoughts and emotions more effectively, actively listen to one another, and resolve conflicts healthily. This can lead to a more cohesive and supportive family unit. The goals of family counseling endeavor to:
- Improve communication between its members.
- Define the roles of each member of the family.
- Improve family dynamics and relationships.
- Give the family coping tools and strength when going through a crisis.
- Improve the family’s problem-solving abilities.
- Develop healthy boundaries between family members.
When to use family therapy?
Family counseling can help identify unhealthy patterns within the family that may be causing distress or hindering resolution. Therapy can benefit all members of any age who are facing diverse family issues, including:
- Seeking closer family relationships
- Managing mental or physical illnesses
- Dealing with substance abuse issues
- Improving children’s behavior
- Fostering or adopting children
- Getting a divorce or separation
- Learning how to co-parent after divorce
What is the most common type of family therapy?
Mental health professionals use several forms of family therapy. The choice of therapy type depends on your family’s particular needs and circumstances. Therapists tailor treatment planning to best meet your family’s unique needs. Here are some common types of therapy:
- Functional Family Therapy (FFT): Therapists most often use this type to help families with children who have behavioral issues. FFT assesses the family dynamics contributing to a child’s problematic behavior, enhances family communication and parenting skills, and supports positive reinforcement.
- Marriage Counseling/ Couples Therapy: This therapy involves you and your spouse or romantic partner. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are specifically trained to help couples determine their problems and work on solutions.
- Strategic Family Therapy: This short-term therapy focuses on making positive structural and behavioral changes in the family environment.
- Structural Family Therapy: This therapy examines the inner relationships, boundaries, and hierarchies within a family unit.
How do I know if my family needs therapy?
Families are complex social systems; like any system, they can experience functional glitches. While many issues can be resolved within the family, there are times when seeking professional support can be incredibly effective. Here are some signs that your family may benefit from therapy:
- Persistent and escalating conflict
- Communication barriers and breakdowns
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Major life transitions
- Behavioral problems in children
- Unresolved trauma
- Loss of connection
- Inability to set boundaries
Family Therapy at Into Action Recovery
We understand that treating both addiction and mental health is important for effective recovery. If your family is in need of support, we’re here to help you and your loved ones on their journey to lifelong wellness.
Call us today at 844-303-3969 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our programs.
