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.
Think back to when you were a child. What are some memories that come to mind? You’ll probably recall favorite memories from beach vacations and other fun adventures; but you’ll probably also recall some not-so-great memories of getting in trouble or fighting with family members. You might even be reminded of grief, trauma, or another turning point in your life. These challenges can drive a major wedge between family members and throw off otherwise healthy relationships.
Sometimes problems don’t require a solution to solve them;
instead they require maturity to outgrow them.”
–Steve Maraboli
The good news is that we can resolve these challenges that we encounter within our family. Some, we can learn to work through ourselves; but others we need a little outside help. In any case, with the right time, care, and dedication, we can repair and improve our relationships with our loved ones. If this sounds like something that your family is working on and could use a little help with, consider reaching out to a therapist. There are therapists who specialize in helping families, and they can likely help your family, too.
If you’re interested in pursuing family therapy, you can find the help you need at Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA. We have family therapists and counselors on our team who have accompanied many families through their given challenges. These mental health professionals can also help you improve certain areas of your relationships such as how you communicate and how you resolve your conflicts. The skills that they work to equip you with will help you better navigate future problems and build a stronger foundation for these relationships.
Who Should Pursue or Receive Family Therapy?
Let’s first talk about what family therapy is! Family therapy is a type of counseling that helps families work through family issues and improve their relationships with one another. The course of therapy can change from family to family, but the main goals include:
- Improving channels of communication
- Working through specific issues that are harming the family unit
- Learning how to better handle stress or conflict with family members
Many different families can benefit from tackling these goals. The reality is that we all fight with our parents, our siblings, and other members of the family. And there is always room for improvement in our relationships! Now, there are some common family issues that our counselors help their clients work through, including…
- The loss of a close friend or relative
- Financial stress or problems
- Mental health conditions, such as addiction
- Loss of a job or career changes
- Parenting challenges
- Physical illnesses, such as cancer
These challenges, and other issues that are specific to your family, can make healthy engagements with your loved ones feel impossible. The thing is that these problems can’t be brushed under the rug—this will only lead to resentment and likely more issues down the road. It’s important that you have these tough conversations with your family members and work through the problem in front of you as soon as possible. Our Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA family therapists can help you do it.
What Can We Expect from Family Therapy?
Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA tailors family therapy to each family. This means that we plan the course of therapy only after getting to know the family members on a group and individual level. We want to understand your needs, your problems, your goals—ultimately, we want to understand how we can best help you. Then, we can design an informed treatment plan for you.
If you’re feeling a little nervous or uncertain about starting therapy and you want to ensure that your therapist is qualified to help, you can ask them questions like:
- How long have you counseled families?
- What kind of problems have you helped families work through?
- Do you have a specific approach to family therapy you like to utilize?
- Where is your professional degree from?
The family therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA will welcome your questions and do everything they can to help your family find resolution or the right way forward.
Work with a Family Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA
If you’re in need of family counseling, you’re already one step closer to receiving it. Thriveworks in Watertown, MA can get you scheduled with your first family therapy session now. And often, our new clients get to meet with their therapist the same or following day.
We’ll provide your family with the compassionate, helpful care you’re looking for. Just contact our office to schedule.
