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 psychiatrist Robert J. Waldinger stated, “It’s the quality of your relationships that matters.” Someone can have 10 brothers and sisters, but still not feel like part of a family. Someone can be adopted in their teens and feel loved unconditionally. You can’t judge families by how big they are or what the blood relationships are. Perhaps you can only define family by quality. Similar values, mutual love and trust, having each other’s backs. These elements can be integral parts of successful family systems.
But what happens when family harmony breaks down? Sometimes a presumptive family leader like a parent tries to repair the damage, but they’re just too emotionally close to the situation. Sometimes the usual solutions don’t work. Sometimes an issue feels overwhelming or insurmountable. In these cases and others, a family therapist can help.
The licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) at Thriveworks in Little Elm, TX have extensive experience and training in family therapy modalities that can help couples and family members solve their problems with love, dignity, and values intact. A family therapy treatment plan is usually short term, not long term, and can be successfully completed in fewer than 12 sessions.
What Are the Indications for Family Therapy?
People often come to family therapy at Thriveworks in Little Elm, TX because they’re dealing with a specific issue or stressor at home. These issues might include the following:
- Mood disorders
- Postpartum depression
- Anxiety
- Anorexia or bulimia
- Behavioral problems
- Neurodiverse children issues
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Trauma
- Bereavement
- Financial stress
- Marital stress
- Rebellion
- Juvenile delinquency or crime
- Estrangements
- Conflict and tension in family relationships
- Emotional or verbal abuse
- Chronic illness
- Caregiver burnout
- Codependency
- Perfectionism
- Unhealthy parenting styles
- Conflicting parenting styles
If one person in the family is suffering from a psychological or behavioral health condition, it can affect the whole family. As the saying goes, a family can only be as happy as its least happy member. A family therapist might be able to identify areas where one family member could benefit from individual counseling or social work.
The Goals and Benefits of Family Therapy
The goals for marriage and family therapy can differ from family to family. Some common goals that mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Little Elm, TX may encounter include the following:
- To heal or reconcile
- To improve communication
- To reduce conflict and tension
- To forgive, or ask for forgiveness
- To establish healthy boundaries
- To manage anger, anxiety, and other emotions
- To build or rebuild trust in each other
- To explore the origins of misunderstandings
- To deal with specific external stressors
Lessons related to these goals can serve family members for their entire lives.
How Does a Family Counseling Session Work?
A family counseling session works by first gathering everyone in the same room. (Though keep in mind that the room can be virtual these days. Thriveworks LMFTs offer online counseling sessions to families as well as traditional in-person sessions). Then the therapist, acting as a facilitator in this safe space, uses their communication skills to encourage each family member to talk about their goals for therapy. Depending on the ages and comfort levels of everyone involved, a therapist might use icebreaker exercises or games to put everyone at their ease. For example, one popular activity is called the miracle question. This is when the therapist goes around and asks every family member what they would wish for if they could wake up tomorrow and witness a miracle. Peoples’ answers can help a therapist understand what everyone values and dreams of achieving in their family.
One thing a family therapist doesn’t do is assign blame. LMFTs at Thriveworks in Little Elm, TX are responsible for finding new ways that everyone can work together and find solutions to their problems. They can also foster compassion between family members by helping them see each other’s points of view.
Reinforce Your Bonds with Family Therapy at Thriveworks in Little Elm, TX
The licensed family therapists at Thriveworks in Little Elm, TX accept most major forms of health insurance coverage. If a family is paying out-of-pocket, Thriveworks offers competitive self-pay rates. This all helps enable access to critical mental health services for the people who need them.
Thriveworks family therapy can enhance the quality of your family bonds in myriad ways. All you have to do is call the office to get started. Our high-touch staff can help match you to a licensed counselor. If you call today, you and your loved ones may be able to meet with your exceptional therapist as early as tomorrow or the next day. Additionally, you can access your provider by phone or email between sessions.
Thriveworks providers are recruited from the top 4% of applicants, ensuring that clients get premium care at the best possible rates. We look forward to helping you and your family!
