What is family therapy?
Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.
How does family therapy work?
Thriveworks family therapists in Modesto, CA usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.
What is the most effective family therapy?
The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.
How do I know if my family needs therapy?
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.
What is included in family therapy?
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
What is the success rate of family therapy?
Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.
Is family therapy conducted in person or online?
Thriveworks therapists in Modesto, CA offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does family therapy last?
Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.
Need more help deciding?
Every family has unique patterns and behaviors that can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Whether it’s a mother compulsively cleaning or a father engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, these subtle habits can cause tension and stress within the family unit.
At Thriveworks in Modesto, CA, our family therapists can help you identify and address these issues to foster healthier relationships. Call our office today at (209) 653-2672
The Importance of Family Therapy
Family therapy provides valuable lessons that can improve your communication skills and strengthen your family dynamics. Our experienced family therapists in Modesto, CA can guide you through practical techniques such as:
- Deepening empathy for others
- Solving problems effectively
- Communicating honestly without causing harm
- Reducing tension between family members
- Managing anger constructively
- Helping each other forgive
- Creating a supportive atmosphere
- Reinforcing positive behaviors
These skills can have a positive impact not only on your family relationships but also on your interactions with others.
Is Family Therapy Right for You?
Seeking family therapy is a proactive choice to enhance your family’s well-being. Therapy can benefit every family, even if you’re not currently facing significant conflicts. Some signs that your family might benefit from therapy include:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Individual psychological disorders
- Substance abuse within the household
- Bullying
- Difficulty managing anger
- Nightmares or bedwetting
- Special needs or chronic illness
- Eating disorders
Remember, a family is only as strong as its weakest member. If one person is struggling, it can affect the entire family. A family counselor can help identify individual needs and recommend continued one-on-one therapy if necessary.
Techniques Used in Family Therapy
Understanding what to expect in family therapy can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Our family therapists use a variety of techniques to engage everyone and facilitate better communication, including:
- Truthful Questioning: Asking everyone to answer a question like, “What kind of miracle would you wish for and how would it change your life?” helps the therapist understand each family member’s goals and ideals.
- Icebreaker Exercises: These activities, such as sharing colored candies with prompts (e.g., green for a favorite family memory, red for a worry), can help loosen up family members and encourage open communication.
- Family Scavenger Hunt: This fun activity, especially great for families with children, involves finding items around the house that hold particular meaning, such as “something that makes you feel happy” or “something that makes you feel worried.”
These techniques serve as launch pads for deeper discussions and addressing bigger pain points within the family.
Online Family Therapy at Thriveworks in Modesto, CA
Scheduling family therapy sessions has never been easier. At Thriveworks in Modesto, CA, we offer convenient online appointments, allowing family members to participate from different locations. Online therapy sessions are also covered by most medical insurance plans, making them an affordable option.
Start Family Therapy Today
Take the first step towards healing and strengthening your family relationships. Call Thriveworks in Modesto, CA today to get matched with a family therapist. Our team is ready to provide the support and guidance your family needs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Thriveworks in Modesto, CA at (209) 653-2672. We’re here to help you on your journey to better family relationships.
