The Baker family had been through some tough times together. When Mr. Baker lost his job unexpectedly, his two teens started helping out more around the house while Mrs. Baker worked longer hours. After the family made the decision to move into a smaller home in a different area, the kids had to change schools. Through all of these changes, the Baker family supported each other without question.
After some time, Mr. Baker found a job again and it seemed like the family had weathered the worst of the storm. But adjusting to the move was still proving difficult. Both parents felt overwhelmed by their financial situations and it seemed like every family dinner ended in a screaming match.
Unsure of how else to close the rift between the family, Mrs. Baker suggested they try family counseling. Though there was some reluctance at first, after a few sessions the Baker family noticed a difference in their communication and understanding. Though there’s still more work for them to do as a family, they couldn’t have imagined getting through it without the help and support of their licensed therapist.
Is your family experiencing a similar situation? Do you feel like there have been more disagreements and fewer hugs lately? The same help is available to you. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Counseling center in Flowood, MS are here to help you. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
When Is Therapy the Right Choice for Your Family?
Deciding when to reach out to a therapist is a personal decision for each family. People often wait until they feel they have no other options, similar to the Baker family. However, had the Baker family decided to start attending therapy when hard times initially fell upon them, they could have gotten help sooner.
Tensions can occur in families with major changes like moves and financial difficulties, but there are many different situations that might bring a family into counseling. Some examples of these situations could include:
- Recurring conflicts without resolution
- Supporting a family member through mental illness, such as depression or anxiety
- Behavioral problems in children or teens
- Going through a divorce or separation
- Blending families together
- Coping with the loss of a loved one
- Difficulty defining rules, roles, and expectations
- Mending emotional strain between family members
It’s common to go through difficult times with your family. In many cases, working through problems might necessitate the help of a licensed mental health professional. Ultimately, going to family therapy is about resolving conflict and strengthening family relationships so you can strengthen your family system once again.
Consider reaching out to Thriveworks in Flowood, MS if this sounds like a path you’d like to take with your family.
How Therapy Helps Family Relationships
Family therapy differs from individual therapy in that it looks at how a problem affects the family systems, which can include immediate family, extended family, significant others, and so on.
In your initial therapy sessions, a therapist or counselor will speak with each person about their specific issues to best understand each person’s perspective. They might also want to hear about each family member’s goals for therapy. With the knowledge of your family’s needs, your provider can then develop a treatment plan that is specific to your family and your family only. Typically, treatment is short-term and lasts nine to twelve sessions, though it can run for shorter or longer periods of time.
It’s also important that each person is heard and listened to, so a therapist can help resolve conflict in a collaborative manner. Therapy can help your family find long-term solutions to how you all can learn to face challenges and stressors together. Treatment is most effective when each family member is open and willing to participate in therapy sessions.
Family therapy sessions can help your family find a way forward by improving your communication and understanding of one another. When conflict comes your way in the future, you can know that you’re in it together as a family, rather than feeling like you are each struggling alone.
Meet With a Family Counselor at Thriveworks in Flowood, MS — Appointments Available Now
Tending to our family relationships is not always easy, but it’s important. If you believe your family can benefit from working with a therapist or counselor, consider reaching out to our Thriveworks Counseling office located in Flowood, MS. New clients that call our counseling center or book online through our portal can typically see a therapist or counselor within 24 to 48 hours of reaching out.
We understand it can be hard to get everyone in the same place at the same time, so we offer in-person and online counseling at flexible times throughout the week and on weekends. We also accept most major insurance plans. We look forward to hearing from you.
