Family Therapy
Do you feel like your family is not how it used to be?
Do you feel like you don’t know what to do anymore?
Is your children not getting along and disrespecting your authority?
Have you noticed that your family is not as close as they used to be?
Is there something that the family is going through or getting ready to go through that you want to tell your family and unsure how they will react?
Navigating issues that are affecting the whole family unit can be more difficult depending on how many family members are in your family. Some families come to therapy as a whole unit to address issues that the family is struggling with while other families may just bring in certain members that are at the main concern. Family therapy enables the parental unit and family to experience positive conflict resolution and skills that can set them up for success in their own lives.
Families Can Face Issues That Are Generational
It is common that parents may find themselves repeating similar patterns that they once experienced from their parents (usually to a lesser extent). Some issues, however, can be new for everyone in the family. Whether you find yourself repeating patterns of the past or struggling navigating or understanding a new issue, family therapy can help parents navigate a variety of issues with their family.
Communication: Learning how to communicate effectively with you and your partner can model your children to do the same. If you noticed an increase in conflict and arguing among certain family members, it is possible that this conflict can also be negatively affect other members not directly involved. Family therapy can not only help model healthy conflict resolution and communication, but it can also help more reserved family members share how they feel as a result of the conflict.
Behavioral Problems: In some cases, there may be a specific family member that requires a different approach that the family may be used to, and therapy can be used as a safe, controlled setting to model new approaches to help better manage and nurture a particular member over others. Family therapy can help facilitate difficult conversations that may be directed towards one family member over the other.
Divorce and Separation: As a partner, it can be difficult when you or your partner sense the end of your relationship and decided to take a break or end the relationship completely. As a parent, it can be even more challenging trying to navigate how to address this to your children appropriately. Just like couples therapy can help a couple come to an agreement of separation or termination, family therapy can assist how much or less this can effect the family structure. Family therapy allows the parents to communicate their separation to their children while providing the children with an opportunity to express their feelings in-the-moment. Additionally, family therapy can provide a space to redefine previous boundaries and introduce terms for coparenting.
Family therapy can be a valuable resource for addressing a wide range of issues that affect family relationships and dynamics. While some issues may be experienced or exhibited by most members of the family, some issues may be member-specific. Family therapy creates a safe space for the family to work on issues and grow closer as a unit.
How Family Therapy Can Help
Family therapy is a collaborative approach that aims to address and resolve conflicts within a family system by fostering improved communication, understanding, and problem-solving skills among its members. It provides a safe space for families to explore dynamics, strengthen relationships, and navigate through various challenges together. Family therapy is effective in assisting with a wide range of issues such as communication, marital conflicts, parenting difficulties, substance abuse, grief, mental health disorders, and transitions like divorce or blending families. For instance, it can aid in enhancing parent-child relationships by teaching effective communication strategies or in supporting families dealing with a member's addiction by establishing healthy boundaries and developing coping mechanisms collectively. By involving all family members, therapy encourages mutual support and empathy, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and resilient family unit.
The first session is often used to assess the family's issues, goals, and dynamics. The therapist will gather information and develop a preliminary treatment plan. The therapist, in collaboration with the family, sets goals for therapy. These goals may include improving communication, resolving conflicts, or dealing with specific issues like addiction, depression, or trauma.The therapist employs various therapeutic techniques to address the identified issues. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, systemic therapy, narrative therapy, internal family systems, or other evidence-based models. Once the family has achieved its therapy goals, the therapist helps with the transition out of therapy and may provide recommendations for maintaining progress.
Common Questions About Family Therapy
How does confidentiality work in family therapy?
In family therapy, there is no secrets between the therapist and the family members. While the therapist maintains confidentiality of the family’s session, it is the responsibility of each family member to not disclose what occurs in family therapy to any one outside of the family unit. Your therapist is bound by the same confidentiality and limits as individual and couples sessions.
What options do you have for family therapy? Does the number of family members influence the price?
Family therapy is a fixed price regardless of how many family members you have or that show up to the session. The best practice for family therapy sessions are typically 75-minute sessions; however, we also offer 50-minute family therapy sessions for those who may not be able to commit to a clinical hour and a half.
Does everyone need to attend every session?
It depends on your situation on what you’re trying to get out of family therapy. If you’re coming to family therapy to address something with the whole family, then it would be best practice to have everyone at every session. If you’re interested in family therapy to address a specific issue that is predominate with a few family members, then it may not be necessary for each member to be present at each session.
If you're facing challenges within your family or want to strengthen your family bonds, taking the step toward family therapy is a courageous and proactive choice. Our experienced and compassionate family therapists are ready to support you in this journey.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier, and more harmonious family life. We are here to listen, guide, and help your family thrive.
