What is family therapy?
Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.
How does family therapy work?
Thriveworks family therapists in Bellingham, WA usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.
What is the most effective family therapy?
The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.
How do I know if my family needs therapy?
This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.
What is included in family therapy?
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
What is the success rate of family therapy?
Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.
Is family therapy conducted in person or online?
Thriveworks therapists in Bellingham, WA offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does family therapy last?
Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.
Need more help deciding?
Family Counseling in Bellingham, WA—Therapists and Counselors at Thriveworks
Your family has likely experienced its fair share of highs and lows. Disagreements, bickering, and tension are natural, but sometimes, these hard times can persist and strain your family relationships. If your family is facing challenges, know that there is hope for resolution.
The licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA, understand the complexities of family dynamics and are prepared to help you today. Call our office at (360) 526-6856.
What Problems Can Family Counseling Help Solve?
Family therapy is designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and help families work through difficult times. Whether your issue feels too complicated or too small, our professionals have helped countless families with a range of problems, from mild to severe and short-term to chronic. Common issues that bring families to therapy include:
- Breakdowns in communication and respect
- Prolonged conflict
- Big changes or life transitions
- Divorce or separation
- Lack of boundaries
- Dealing with financial strain
- Loss or grief
- Substance abuse
- Mental illness
- Parenting disagreements
- Behavioral problems
- Acclimating to a step-family dynamic
While family therapy typically involves multiple family members, not everyone needs to attend every session. If you’re concerned about who should participate, you can start with a one-on-one session to explain your situation and identify a course of action that makes sense for your family. Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA, also offers online options for sessions via phone or video chat to accommodate everyone’s schedules.
Types and Benefits of Family Therapy
The type of therapy you receive will depend on your family’s specific issues and goals. Family therapy tends to be short-term but is designed to provide long-term solutions. Common types of therapy used in family sessions include:
- Family Systems Therapy: Treats the family as a unit, addressing communication patterns and conflicts within the group.
- Supportive Family Therapy: Creates an open environment for discussing problems and building trust, understanding, and empathy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns that negatively impact moods, behaviors, or family relationships.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Uncovers underlying problems to reduce conflict and help families work through difficulties openly.
All these approaches aim to foster closeness and understanding within the family. Over time, clients learn to practice empathy, communicate effectively, and work through issues collaboratively. Our licensed mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA, are here to guide you every step of the way.
Begin Working With a Thriveworks Professional in Bellingham, WA
The mental health of your family is just as important as physical health. Give us a call today at (360) 526-6856 to set up an appointment with one of our counselors or therapists at Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA.
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