Jasmine has always had a rough relationship with her older brother, Jason. As adults, they clash over things like politics, where to celebrate the holidays, or how to best care for their aging parents. Though Jasmine doesn’t always like the way that her brother has treated her, she knows that they’re family; and that means that Jasmine ultimately has his back. But she doesn’t feel the same support in return.
In fact, the last time that they’d met up, Jason had been in a bad mood. After getting into an argument with her, and started swearing loudly in a public restaurant. Jasmine walked out and hasn’t tried to connect since. It’s now been several weeks ago—and sooner or later, she knows that one of them will break the silence, and their vicious cycle will continue. Jasmine would rather resolve the tension first. That’s why she’s scheduling a session with a family therapist to help guide them towards a healthier connection.
Jasmine and Jason’s situation isn’t unique—for many of us, close relationships with our relatives can be rewarding, yet difficult when family dynamics turn negative. It’s important to stop negative dynamics and actions before they start to damage your meaningful relationships. At Thriveworks in Clearwater, FL, our family therapists can help you and your relatives to enjoy healthier methods of communication and to learn how to compromise successfully.
Should My Family See a Family Counselor? How Can It Help?
Positive relationships with family members are typically a source of comfort and respect. But when these connections turn sour, boundaries of respect and healthy communication may be crossed. Each family will have certain negative dynamics and personalities that will clash on occasion, but repeated negative interactions are a sign that deeper issues may be going on. Some common signs of dynamics that can be remedied by a family therapist include:
- Residual anger or resentment between relatives over perceived wrongs or shortcomings
- Stress from caring for a disabled or elderly member
- Untreated or potentially undiagnosed mental illness or disorders that family members are suffering from, like ADHD or depression
- One or more family members struggling with PTSD
- Undiagnosed behavioral issues in kids, teens, or adults
- Deaths within the family that haven’t been processed
- Constant arguments and bickering
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol in response to stress
As industry-leading mental health professionals, our family therapists are experts at helping you navigate conflict, ensuring that every family member is heard and respected during sessions. Their sole interests are to bring you and your relatives closer together, by highlighting the positive aspects of your relationships, and by helping you work through negative situations. Teaming up with a family counselor can be a great way to:
- Create stronger boundaries of respect and encourage compromise
- Take advantage of a counselor’s presence—a neutral third party that allows for more balanced dialogue and candid discussion
- Strengthen your relationship with your loved ones by utilizing a safe space for each of you to speak candidly about your experience
- Foster compassion and encourage compromise towards one another
- Improve your communication skills and become a better listener
Benefits of Online Family Therapy
Online therapy grants more mobility and freedom in your family therapy sessions. You can meet virtually, knowing that your session will be HIPAA-compliant, and any discussion with your family members and therapist will be secure, safe, and private.
By scheduling an online appointment with your family therapist, you’ll all gain peace of mind knowing that you can:
- Meet with your shared therapist anywhere, as long as you have a solid internet connection and a private space to speak during your session
- Avoid tension between family members who don’t get along
- Explore the sources and effects of your family’s issues while traveling, taking a break at work, or from home
Schedule a Family Therapy with Thriveworks in Clearwater, FL
When you and your relatives are ready, give us a call to enroll or go online to book your first session at Thriveworks in Clearwater, FL. You’ll be assisted in every step of the process by our scheduling specialists and with their help, you can easily set up your insurance to cover costs, find a provider (even if there’s no one available locally), and find the perfect session time to fit everyone’s schedule. Enrolling also gives you access to:
- High-touch support, seven days a week
- Weekend and evening availability—not typically offered by other providers
- Email or call your counselor to stay in touch between appointments as needed
- No waitlist
If negative dynamics like hostility, resentment, and anxiety in your family life are allowed to continue, the distance between your loved ones and yourself may continue to grow. One of our family therapists at Thriveworks in Clearwater, FL is waiting to help. With their support, your family can start to enjoy healthier relationships and a happier household.
