Your family has been with you for a long time. Most times, they’re the ones that see behind the scenes of your successes and failures, just as you witness theirs. A family knows each other with a closeness that you often can’t quite find in other relationships.
This is why, when problems come up, family issues can be difficult to navigate. The closeness you share with your family can make it hard to have an objective view of an issue. Or, it might make you want to ignore the problem altogether to preserve a sense of peace, even if that’s unhealthy over time.
It’s normal for families to go through difficult periods, but not all families feel equipped to work through their issues in a healthy way. Ignoring issues can build resentment and allow a problem to grow. Thankfully, there’s an option for families who want to solve a problem in their lives — family therapy or counseling.
Could your family benefit from working with a therapist or counselor? If you’re ready to take the next step, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO, today. Our scheduling team can help set you up with your first appointment.
Would Therapy or Counseling Be Right For My Family?
Family therapy is a form of treatment that helps families deal with their issues and create stronger relationships. During each therapy or counseling session, your provider will explore your family’s roles, rules, and patterns of behavior to help you find healthier and more productive ways of interacting with each other.
Many families can benefit from attending therapy. A few common reasons for seeing a mental health provider include:
- Poor communication
- Increased or frequent arguments
- Confused roles or boundaries
- Household tension
- Infidelity
- Difficulty resolving conflict
- Ignored issues
- Children’s behavioral problems
- Separation or divorce
- Changing family dynamics (such as new stepfamily members)
- Loss of a loved one
- Supporting a family member through addiction or mental illness
Working with a professional doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with your family. In fact, it’s completely normal to ask for support when you need help getting through a difficult time. Family counselors and therapists from Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO, can spark helpful conversations among your family members and help you work toward better habits.
What Happens During Family Therapy Sessions?
Mental health professionals can help your family manage a wide variety of situations. Your family therapist or counselor may use one or more therapeutic techniques depending on your family’s specific issues.
Family therapy and counseling typically focus on teaching things like:
- Active listening
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Anger management skills
- Boundary setting and respecting
There are a few different approaches to family therapy that teach your family these skills. Different therapeutic methods can be utilized depending on what you’re facing as a family.
One common type of therapy is called family systems therapy. This type of therapy focuses on the idea that every family is a unique system with its own structure. Family systems therapy focuses on teaching communication and conflict resolution approaches and aims to change the unspoken rules and roles within a family.
Your provider might also approach the problem using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to reframe dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior. Supportive family therapy is another approach that emphasizes creating an open and supportive environment for everyone to share their emotions.
The type of therapy you receive and the length of time you spend in family therapy largely depend on your issues and goals. Every family is unique, and your family’s treatment plan will be individualized to you.
Working with a therapist or counselor can help families get through a crisis, navigate a period of extreme change, or simply learn how to communicate more productively. Reach out to us today at Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO, if you think family therapy is right for you.
Meet With a Family Therapist at Thriveworks in St. Charles, MO
Family problems are a natural part of life as a family grows and changes. Taking the time to manage these issues can show family members how much they mean to each other. If you want to start family therapy or counseling today, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO.
Our scheduling experts can help you get started quickly. If you’re worried about coordinating a session in your family’s busy schedule, we offer evening, weekend, and online appointment options. We’re also proud to accept many different insurance carriers and offer affordable rates for those paying out of pocket.
Working with a provider from Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO, can help your family grow closer together. Call our office today if you want to set up your first appointment.
