Every family has its fair share of problems. You’ll disagree, you’ll fight, and maybe you’ll even go a few days without wanting to talk to one another. No matter how much you love each other, these occasional moments of discomfort are to be expected.
However, what happens when those disagreements never resolve and the occasional fight turns into constant conflict? What happens when a family member is dealing with anger management issues or is struggling with addictive behaviors that are impacting the rest of the family? What do you do when you’ve moved to another city and your children are having a hard time adjusting?
If you’re experiencing an issue within your family that is impacting your day-to-day life, it might be time to seek out help from a family therapist. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a neutral, external perspective to help you mend old wounds and rebuild stronger relationships.
For many families, the most difficult part is taking the first step. Family members may be ashamed to admit they have a problem. They may think their problem isn’t that serious. Or they may have trouble convincing other members of the family to get help.
However, family counseling is nothing to be embarrassed about. It shows that you care enough about the people you love to take steps to make their lives better, as well as your own. When you’re ready to start, give us a call at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA. Our experienced marriage and family therapists look forward to helping you find a better path forward for your family.
When Is the Right Time To Consider Family Therapy?
Every family is unique so the reasons that may prompt family therapy can differ as well. At a base level, if family issues are interfering with your health or happiness, it may be time to reach out for help.
Here are some common situations that may benefit from family therapy:
- A blended family: When one parent with children marries another parent with children, problems can arise as the families try to adjust to one another.
- Disconnection: When family members don’t communicate well with one another, it may feel easier to shut down and disengage rather than work through problems together.
- Long-standing disagreements: While some arguments are quick and painless, others can lead to hurt feelings and resentment.
- Mental health issues: When one member of the family struggles with anxiety, depression, or another mental illness, it can impact the rest of the family in significant ways.
- Substance abuse or addiction: If a family member is exhibiting addictive behaviors, struggling with substance abuse, or otherwise engaging in self-destructive behaviors, family therapy can relieve stress for the whole family and help with recovery.
- Divorce or separation: When parents decide to get divorced, the family may want to see a therapist to address any potential concerns.
If you are dealing with a family issue, Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA can help. Consider scheduling an appointment with a family therapist to get started.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
Once your family decides to move forward with family therapy, the first step is to chat with a licensed counselor or therapist about your problems. You’ll each have a chance to express your concerns — the goal is not for a therapist to determine who is “right” and who is “wrong,” but rather to understand where everyone is coming from so they can create a sensible path forward.
Depending on your situation, one type of therapy or another might be most appropriate. Here are some of the most common types of couple therapy:
- Family systems therapy: This type of therapy is based on the theory that a family’s problems cannot be simply boiled down to the problems of the individual family members. Instead, clients discuss the feelings, ideas, and attitudes of the larger family in order to resolve conflicts and improve stability.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Many behavioral problems and emotional difficulties actually stem, at least in part, from our own thought patterns. By adjusting those thoughts, clients learn how to take control of their mental well-being and bring a different perspective to their family relationships.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of CBT that focuses primarily on skills that help clients improve their ability to tolerate distress, communicate effectively, and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
Your couples therapist will work with you to determine the right course of action for your specific situation. When you’re ready to open up lines of communication and build stronger family bonds, consider contacting our team at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA.
Start Family Therapy at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA
The family therapists at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA make it easy to get started. We offer extended hours throughout the week and on weekends to help you find a time that fits everyone’s schedule. You can also skip the commute by opting for video or phone sessions instead of in-person therapy appointments.
We accept health insurance and offer access to our therapists in between appointments so you always feel supported. When you’re ready to take the first step, call Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA to get access to professional family counseling services.
