Lisa’s family is a rowdy crowd. Their annual barbecue has always been a source of new memories as relatives from across the country gather to celebrate family. Lisa’s always gone, and as she’s gotten older she’s viewed it more as a meaningful way to spend time with family, and less like the cheesy event it’s seemed like in the past.
That doesn’t mean that Lisa necessarily feels comfortable attending. Even though she loves her family and is happy to see all of them, certain dynamics between her and other relatives have tended to cross her boundaries. Whether it’s her cousin’s comments in college about her choice of major or her uncle’s tendency to pester her about finding a partner, Lisa does her best to tune these things out. But as an adult, she’s finding it harder to avoid the deep-seated knowledge that eventually she’ll need to speak up. Though she’s close enough with many of her family members to talk with them about their actions and habits, she’s afraid that the conversation will turn into a disagreement or even a fight.
If Lisa’s family dynamic is familiar to you, then it’s possible that you’re also feeling the urge to confront these negative tendencies and the people they’re connected with. But it’s not something that you need to do alone. Thriveworks in Taylorsville, Utah, can offer you professional support and guidance through family counseling. If you’re feeling the need to establish newfound boundaries of respect and love, then we hope to partner with you to create a better family atmosphere.
The Benefits of Family Counseling
Family counseling is similar to individual counseling, but the sessions involve relatives speaking collaboratively with a counselor who acts as an intermediary. Some people who are initially resistant to family counseling often don’t understand the purpose that a family counselor serves; they might feel that a mental health professional will judge them for their transgressions, or choose a side in a family dispute. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Our family counselors are mental health professionals; it’s their job to highlight the unique bonds that hold families together, and they do that by providing you all with the tools you need to communicate and grow effectively.
Family counseling often looks different for every household, but our counselors commonly help people whose families are experiencing the following:
- An inability to communicate, with many attempts to converse turning into full-blown arguments
- Children or teens acting out of character as a response to negative dynamic at home
- Alcohol or drug abuse, possibly as a response to external stress
- Undiagnosed mental health conditions for one or more family members
- Relationship difficulties between parents
- Verbal or physical altercations or verbal and physical abuse
- Anxiety during or before family get-togethers
- Unresolved tension between relatives
Got an issue that isn’t listed? That’s perfectly okay. As we said, each family is unique, and our counselors know how to adapt to help you find the treatment method that works best. At Thriveworks in Taylorsville, UT we know that you value your connection to your relatives more than anything, and that’s why we provide our clients with the tools they need to:
- Resolve tension and establish trust
- Learn to compromise successfully
- Foster understanding and compassion between family members— not resentment or bitterness
- Respect each other’s boundaries and needs
It’s common to not reach a consensus as to whether mental health services will be beneficial or necessary. This often arises from concerns that a counselor will disrupt your family’s connection to one another. However, a licensed counselor’s only goal is to help you and your relatives to enjoy more meaningful relationships with one another.
Connect with a Family Counselor at Thriveworks in Taylorsville, UT
Ultimately, the decision to seek mental health services is an independent choice, but when you decide to call our office in Taylorsville, UT, our scheduling specialists will help you find a skilled and caring provider. With their assistance, each step in the client experience is made easier—from booking appointments to setting up your insurance to help cover any costs, we’ve got you covered.
And when you do choose to enroll with Thriveworks, you’ll be getting access to some stellar benefits, like:
- Weekend and evening session availability
- Email communication with your provider in between appointments
- Our life coach q/a chat line
These perks are just another way that we’ve worked hard to make sure that quality mental health care is available for people everywhere. Our team of mental health professionals across the nation are dedicated to improving the lives of their clients. If making the proactive decision to work with a family counselor sounds like it could benefit you and your loved ones, call our Thriveworks office in Taylorsville, UT.
