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.
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.
Your sister will not help you with your dad who just got out of surgery. Your mom is tired and overwhelmed with your dad’s health and she starts arguing with you over little things. Now your son is calling you to let you know that he’s mad that his brother took his favorite video game with him when he went back to college. Your husband is working 60 hours a week and can’t help you with chores around the house. It feels like nothing can go right and you are tired of being the family mediator.
Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man, the victory of just cause, the triumph of truth. –Menacheim Begin
If you can relate to any of the chaos above, just know that every family goes through ups and downs. Sometimes to get to a better flow of being, it takes the help of an outsider. Family therapy can offer the support and guidance you need to jump over hurdles, learn how to communicate better, and love harder. Thriveworks Counseling has a team of licensed family therapists in our New Haven, CT office who enjoy helping families get the help they need. They also have the tools you need to come together and gain control of balance once again. If you are ready to get you and your family some individualized help, reach out to our office today (203) 586-4264.
Why Start Family Therapy?
Is there a lot going on in your family right now? Do you feel overwhelmed and unable to talk about your feelings? Are another family member’s actions hurting the whole family unit? Take a moment to consider these questions and reflect on what may be going on in your life. If you feel like there is something that you all could benefit from learning, changing, or moving on from, consider working with a family therapist. Here are a few examples of why clients have started seeking help at Thriveworks Counseling:
- Overbearing parenting that has resulted in rebellious, unruly children
- Particular hard times such as losing a job, moving to a new state, or missing out on an opportunity
- Tension or hostility among family members
- Hormonal changes in a teenager that may contribute to tension in the home
- Marriage conflicts such as infidelity, lack of trust, or intimacy problems
- Family members with unmet needs
- Taking on the burden of caring for a sick, elderly, or disabled family member without divvying up the work
- Neglect, addiction, or abuse with a member of the family
- Behavioral disorders like ADHD
- Eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and more
There is no right or wrong way to rekindle the peace inside of your home. Although there isn’t a “quick-fix” for any of the above problems or something else you may be facing, a licensed family therapist can help you start with a little extra help, support, and guidance.
What is Family Therapy Like?
Once you and your family decide to pursue family therapy, you may have some questions on what to expect. Family therapy is designed to include all family members during the sessions when possible. Your family counselor will listen to the wants, needs, and concerns of each family member in the family unit. In order to fix the unit as a whole, we need to understand what’s going wrong and where. They will want to identify any physical, emotional, or psychological issues that anyone is experiencing such as addiction, behavioral disorders, or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The cause of some of the conflict in your home could be directly related to one of these concerns.
Because there are so many reasons why you may be interested in seeking professional help, your therapist will craft a unique plan of action that is specific to you and your loved ones. Together, you will learn how to work together, resolve issues, and communicate more effectively. For example:
- You can learn how to better express to your sister why it upsets you that she hasn’t helped out with your sick did. You might also learn that your sister is dealing with other issues in her personal life and that’s why she’s been absent.
- Your mom can learn how to manage her stress and properly ask for help when she needs it.
- You and your husband can learn compromising techniques to implement with your sons who bicker. They may even work out some of their unresolved issues during therapy as well.
- Lastly, you and your husband can work out a plan of action when it comes to upkeep with the house. Your therapist can help you express why you’d like your husband to take a small step back from work to help out more at home.
If you feel like your family could benefit from working with a family therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT today.
Help for Families at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT
When you are ready to start making change, call to schedule an appointment with one of our caring family therapists at (203) 586-4264. When you schedule an appointment with us, you will be connected with a scheduling specialist who can help you find the best time and date for you and your family. We understand how hard it can be to get everyone together and over to an appointment. That’s why we also offer online counseling. Whatever method you choose, just know that we are here and ready to help you thrive.
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +10 more 
