Ben has always had a bit of a rivalry with his older brother, Tom. As adults, they still like to rub each other about the clashes that happened when they were younger, and it’s usually good fun. Even though Ben doesn’t always agree with what Tom thinks or says, they’re family, and that means that Ben ultimately has his back.
But the last time that they met up for dinner, Tom was in a bad mood, and after getting into an argument with his brother, started insulting him. Ben had walked out and hasn’t tried to connect with Tom since then. But that was several weeks ago, and sooner or later, familial obligations will require them to meet up again. Ben would rather resolve the tension first, but he feels lost and wishes that they had someone impartial, a mediator, to help them reconcile.
Ben and Tom’s situation isn’t unique—for many of us, family life can be difficult. Though there are always going to be ups and downs to any relationship, it’s important to stop negative dynamics and actions before they start to damage relationships. And at Thriveworks in Madison, WI, our family counselors can help you and your relatives to find common ground again, and to enjoy healthier methods of communication.
Should My Family See a Family Counselor? How Can It Help?
Families are a source of companionship and support, as well as comfort and respect. However, when these close relationships turn sour, boundaries of respect and healthy communication can be crossed. Still, there’s no universal method for determining if your family needs relationship counseling, but some common signs and warnings include:
- Stress from caring for a disabled or elderly member
- Deaths within the family that have occurred without time to process the event
- One or more family members struggling with PTSD
- Undiagnosed behavioral issues
- Residual anger or resentment between relatives over perceived wrongs or shortcomings
- Communication skills that aren’t fully developed, resulting in constant arguments and bickering
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol in response to stress
- Untreated or potentially undiagnosed mental illness or disorders that family members are suffering from, like ADHD or depression
It’s also common for one or many family members to feel resistant or hostile towards the possibility of connecting with a family counselor. Common fears include being ostracized from other relatives by the counselor, or that the counselor will choose sides or chastise them for their shortcomings. The reality is that our mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Madison, WI aren’t going to judge you or try to divide you all. Instead, their interests are to highlight the positive aspects of your relationships by helping you work through negative situations. Teaming up with a family counselor can be a great way to:
- 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
- Create stronger boundaries of respect and encourage compromise
- Get treatment for previously undiagnosed mental illness
- Take advantage of a counselor’s presence—a neutral third party that allows for more balanced dialogue and candid discussion
Schedule a Family Therapy Session Today at Thriveworks in Madison, WI
We understand that you might still feel uncertain about talking with a family counselor about your private family life. But rest assured, their number one goal is promoting better mental health for you and your family. Plus, our family counseling services are also available virtually. If you and your family members are separated by distance, come together as a group for online counseling with your provider.
As long as everyone has reliable internet and somewhere private to attend the session, you’re set. And, you can attend counseling at ease, knowing that your personal information will be kept confidential—online counseling still follows the same strict guidelines from the APA and HIPAA as our in-person sessions.
So, give us a call to enroll when you and your relatives are ready. When you do, you’ll be assisted in every step of the process by our scheduling specialists, standing by seven days a week. With their help, you can easily set up your insurance to cover costs, find a provider (even if there’s no one local), and find the perfect session time to fit everyone’s schedule. Enrolling also gives you access to:
- Our Q&A with Thriveworks life coaches
- Access to our ebook, “Leaving Depression Behind” and other valuable electronic resources
- Some weekend and evening availability usually not offered by other providers
- Ability to email your counselor in-between appointments as needed
- No waitlist
- Flexible cancellations
Hostility, resentment, and anxiety don’t need to rule the interactions between you and your loved ones. Call Thriveworks in Madison, WI. One of our family counselors is waiting, and with their support, your family can enjoy healthier relationships and better mental health.
