Davie was raised to believe that feelings were not something you shared. The youngest of three sons, he quickly learned to hide his emotions when it came to his siblings’ teasing, his father’s bullying, and his mother’s indifference.
Now married and a father of two growing boys, he sometimes catches himself saying the same discouraging things his father used to say to him. He wants his sons to grow up healthy and happy but he knows he’s still holding onto outdated ways of thinking.
Frustrated by his sons’ misbehavior but determined to do better than his parents did with him, he asks his wife about enrolling their family into therapy. She agrees to the idea, and the four of them are seen by a family therapist. Their provider is warm and friendly, and she works with them to open up lines of communication and address some underlying issues that Davie and his family have never talked about.
Initially somewhat skeptical, Davie soon fully opens up to the benefits of family therapy. When he plays with his children, he’s able to use the techniques he learned during therapy to reexamine his old modes of thoughts. He can feel himself making positive changes and is thrilled to see his boys behaving better as well.
You want what’s best for you and your family, and sometimes what’s best is a little outside help. Our licensed professionals can help mediate conflict and ensure that every voice feels heard. Call us at Thriveworks in West Des Moines, IA to schedule a family counseling appointment today.
Why Do Families Choose Therapy or Counseling?
Families seek therapy for the same reasons individuals do: to address problems or strengthen certain areas of their lives.
Because of the interconnectedness of family systems, small problems can easily snowball into more complicated matters. The mental health of one family member can have a profound effect on the entire family. Petty arguments over chores or responsibilities may be hiding feelings of resentment from years ago. A licensed family therapist can solve these kinds of problems and ensure that every family member’s needs are heard and attended to with compassion and empathy.
Some of the different needs that can be addressed during counseling include:
- Bickering siblings
- Behavioral problems
- Abuse
- Bullying
- Divorce or separation
- Mental illness
- Physical illness
- Life transitions
- Loss and grief
- Anger management
- Differing parenting styles
- Differing political views
One of the many benefits of attending therapy sessions is that they often uncover unknown or hidden grievances. Your Thriveworks therapist in West Des Moines, IA can help you address your family’s unique challenges and growth opportunities. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
What Can Therapy Teach My Family?
We never stop learning even after we complete our schooling. Every day, we encounter new situations that force us to process information differently than the day before. Therapists and counselors, like teachers, encourage us to approach life’s problems with an open mind.
A mental health professional will team up with you and your family to help you work through whatever life problems you’re facing. Some of the types of therapy that may be used during family therapy sessions include:
- Narrative therapy, where family members focus on changing the stories they tell themselves about their experiences.
- Transgenerational therapy, which involves multi-generational communication.
- Structural family therapy, which focuses on boundaries and power dynamics.
- Psychoeducation therapy, which uses educational information to promote healthy practices and cope with illness.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which encourages the reframing of negative thoughts in a more accurate or positive light.
- Strategic family therapy, or short-term therapy that focuses on child behavioral problems.
- Play therapy, which allows children to use games to express their needs and concerns.
Regardless of which type of therapy your provider chooses to use as part of your family’s sessions, therapy tends to work best when all participants are as open and honest as they can be. To assist with this, your provider will teach you communication techniques that you can use both inside and outside of your sessions. Open communication coupled with engaged listening will make it easier for you and your loved ones to reap the benefits of therapy.
To begin family therapy sessions, please give us a call at Thriveworks in West Des Moines, IA to set up an appointment.
Meet With a Family Therapist at Thriveworks in West Des Moines, IA
When you’re ready to give your family a little extra care and attention, please set up an appointment with one of our providers. We know that syncing schedules can be difficult, and that’s why we offer weekend and evening sessions, both in-person and online. As new clients, you may even be able to meet with one of our providers within 24 to 48 hours.
Family relationships are invaluable. To get started with family counseling, give us a call at Thriveworks in West Des Moines, IA.