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.
The best way to work through a messy conflict isn’t always apparent. Fortunately, you can seek help from a professional by working with a family therapist or counselor. In family therapy sessions, you can work on skills such as:
- Active listening
- Clear communication
- Conflict resolution
- Mutual respect
- Trust building
If your family is interested in cultivating these skills together, then our family counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA, are here to help. Call our office today to get started.
Can a Counselor or Therapist Help My Family?
Family therapy is a form of treatment that helps families deal with their issues and create healthier relationships. During treatment, your provider will investigate your family’s roles, rules, and patterns of behavior to help you find healthier and more productive ways of interacting with each other.
There are many situations where a family could benefit from working with a mental health professional, including:
- Parenting disagreements
- Financial strain
- Major life changes
- Behavioral problems in children
- Sibling rivalries
- Estranged or strained relationships
- Mental health issues
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Sexual orientation
- Chronic illness of a family member
- Grief and loss
- Divorce or separation
Many times, conflicts or challenges that start small can end up affecting the entire family. This is why attending therapy or counseling as a group can help the healing process. Group sessions help every person get the acknowledgment, validation, and guidance that they need.
What to Expect from Family Therapy or Counseling
Family therapy is typically a short-term process, with most families attending around 12 sessions. However, it can also be a longer-term process as needed — it depends on your family and your needs.
In these sessions, you’ll learn some long-term skills applicable to the specific challenge your family is going through as well as future challenges. So how does a therapist or counselor help you get to that point? Your provider knows that each person in your family is unique, with their own experience and perspective. Sometimes, to get the best sense of the problem, a therapist might decide to meet each member individually before bringing the group together to tackle a problem.
How a therapist or counselor runs a session can look different based on their style, what type of therapy they practice, and your family’s needs. For instance, your therapist might use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practices for your treatment. CBT involves recognizing and changing unhealthy learned patterns of thought and behavior.
We also understand that bringing a family together for regular sessions can be difficult due to busy schedules or family members living in different areas. Online appointments are a great option in these kinds of situations. Your family can work with a provider over the phone or through a video chat, allowing your family to work with a provider in a comfortable, convenient format that fits your needs.
Schedule a Family Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks in Fairfield, CA
Family disputes are a natural part of life as a family grows and changes. Taking the time to address these issues can show everyone how much they mean to each other. If you want to start family therapy or counseling today, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA.
Many families have busy schedules and struggle to find the time for treatment. That’s why we offer evening and weekend sessions, convenient online appointment options, and a flexible cancellation policy. We also take many major healthcare plans, so working with a mental health provider might be more affordable than you think.
Working with a family therapist or counselor can help bring your family closer together. Call us today at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA, to set up your first session.
