Family Therapy

Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.

In a nutshell, the goal of family therapy is to work together to heal any mental, emotional, or psychological problems tearing your family apart (Lee, 2010). To guide a family towards a healthy life, family therapists aim to aid people in improving communication, solving family problems, understanding and handling family situations, and creating a better functioning home environment (Family Therapy, 2017A).

The benefits of family therapy include:
  • A better understanding of healthy boundaries and family patterns and dynamics;
  • Enhanced communication;
  • Improved problem solving;
  • Deeper empathy;
  • Reduced conflict and better anger management skills (10 Acre Ranch, 2017).
  • Family members will learn their strengths and weaknesses
  • Learn better ways to communicate feelings- (the counselor or therapist should guide the family so that they can be honest with one another-this leads to improved intimacy and a stronger family unit)
  • Resolve sibling issues
  • Gain better parent-child communication
  • Gain clear perspective of how a family functions, and each person’s role

 

If your family is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to consider engaging the services of a qualified professional therapist.
  • Family members have difficulty functioning in their normal capacity.
  • Family members tend to have extreme emotional reactions.
  • There is a significant breakdown in communication between family members.
  • Family members are withdrawing from family life.
  • There are symptoms of violence or the threat of violence to oneself or other family members.
  • Family members express feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
  •  There have been changes in children’s behavior at home or school.
  • The family has had a traumatic experience and members are having a hard time coping.
  • Family members have substance abuse problems.

References:https://www.verywellfamily.com/when-do-i-need-family-counselor-1270709