Benefits of family therapy are endless. Family therapy and/or family counseling addresses issues that are specific to the overall psychological welfare of the family. It can be used as its own stand alone therapy or in conjunction with a different type (Individual, Group).
Family therapy benefits like above mentioned are endless. The following list provides some of the many benefits.
Family Therapy aims to to promote the understanding and the collaboration among the family unit. It’s goal is to solve the problems of one or more individuals.
A family counselor must be licensed by the state they are performing the counseling services. My approach when working with a family is to get in and as fast as I can, submerge myself into the system to get a clear understanding of the communication and systems playing out. I am able to be a great tool as I am tracking the responses, body language, seeing which parent and child form alliances, etc. For me it is like helping the family put together a puzzle.
In therapy, I utilize solution focused, Narrative Therapy, Strategic and Structural Therapy. Clients and the family are seen for an average of 90 minutes once weekly. Therapy can take many different shapes. One week it may only be necessary to see an individual member of the family, the following the parents, etc. Family Therapy Approaches are tailor fitted to each family members unique personality.
Family therapy is effective. I must do a very delicate but straight forward dance. The idea is to get the kids on board. It is very hard to conduct therapy with a kicking and angry child. You can tell them that session is not about just one person. It is a chance to allow each member to feel safe about opening up and speaking about there fears, anxiety, etc.
Seek the help today to get your family on track and running like a well oiled machine. By setting the example as parents, you children will get on board. Start the journey of recovery.