Families come in all different shapes and sizes. They can be made up of adopted and biological children, married couples, extended relatives, and even friends that have become so close that they’re considered family. What makes a family so special is that it can be a source of joy and a place to turn to when you need support, inspiration, and guidance.
But living and growing beside your loved ones can also lead to tense disagreements, overwhelming emotions, and a number of other issues. Conditions entirely outside of your control may affect how you interact with one another on a daily basis and can impact not only your mental health, but the entire family dynamic as well.
For example, a family’s ties can be strained by income loss, a big move, or differing political opinions. One person’s experiences at work or school may follow them home, influencing how they treat others and react to stressful events.
The good news is that licensed therapists and counselors are trained to address the issues that commonly impact families from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. They can suggest new communication strategies, recommend relationship-mending techniques, and get to the root of complicated circumstances.
If you think your family could benefit from therapy, consider calling our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Fremont, CA. Our providers are eager to lend a helping hand.
Why Do Families Seek Therapy?
Therapy is not only for mental disorders or extreme conflict. The reality is that many people attend therapy, either as an individual or part of a group, in order to overcome temporary roadblocks to their happiness and nurture already meaningful relationships. Common reasons to pursue family counseling include:
- Incongruous parenting styles
- Prolonged conflict
- Mental illness
- Major life transitions
- Trouble establishing boundaries
- Sibling rivalries
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Behavioral problems
- Divorce or separation
- Shared custody decisions
- Financial difficulties
- Coping with grief or loss
If you’re dealing with any of the above scenarios, your family may need the assistance of a trained and compassionate therapist. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or reason to feel ashamed. Taking steps to ensure your family relationships are healthy and strong can be empowering. If you’re ready to take the first step, our family therapists and counselors at Thriveworks are here to support you.
How Can a Licensed Counselor Help My Family?
Family counseling typically occurs in a short-term format. You may attend approximately 10 to 12 therapy sessions, which last around an hour each. But it all depends on your particular situation. At Thriveworks in Fremont, CA, our therapists and counselors work closely with families to determine a reasonable timeline for implementing therapeutic techniques and altering unproductive behavior patterns.
The benefits of group sessions can include:
- Assessing your family’s methods for problem-solving and de-escalating conflict
- Identifying important roles within family systems to set sensible boundaries
- Welcoming new perspectives on complex and long-term disputes
- Making room for new shared experiences
- Discovering new ways to support and encourage one another
You or a family member may already visit a licensed mental health professional to help treat other disorders like depression or anxiety. Group sessions are great because they can be carried out alongside individual counseling. Nobody has to choose between one or the other.
Overall, the plan to meet your family’s goals may incorporate multiple techniques, such as narrative, structural, and systemic therapy. These are all evidence-based programs that have helped countless families regain control over their family systems.
Remember, the strategies that work best for one family may not be the best fit for the next. A positive attitude and willingness to try new things will go a long way towards making improvements during counseling.
Thriveworks’ Family Therapy Appointments in Fremont, CA
When it comes to family, there’s no need to find solutions on your own. Licensed family therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Fremont, CA will help you navigate the ups and downs of your family’s dynamics.
We offer appointments at convenient times throughout the week and weekend, including morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. If you have family members who live far away or traveling to and from a therapist’s office doesn’t fit your schedule, there are online options available as well through phone calls or video chats. Additionally, you can message your provider between sessions using text or email.
We accept many major insurance plans and new clients can often receive their first appointment within 24-48 hours of reaching out. Thriveworks’ clients also get access to:
- Exclusive video chat
- A free e-copy of the book “Leaving Depression Behind”
- A 24-hour Q+A service with a life coach
If you’ve been thinking about therapy, consider working with a licensed counselor at Thriveworks in Fremont, CA. You can get in touch by calling or using our online booking tool today.
