There are many different forms of therapy. From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), many options are available for those who want to better their mental health and focus on individual growth. Another difference between types of therapies is who participates.
Individual therapy is when an individual receives therapy from a licensed professional. This is the most common form of therapy, with many people taking advantage of its benefits. Most therapists in the US provide some form of individual therapy. Another type of therapy is family therapy.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is when a family works with a therapist to provide them with group therapy. The therapist leads the family through intentional conversations. Many families that go to therapy together have a goal, such as resolving a conflict or strengthening their relationships. Especially for families that are in crisis, getting an assessment can be crucial.
Some therapists specialize in family therapy. Finding a therapist specializing in this area is essential to many people considering this form of therapy. Making sure that the therapist you choose is the right fit for your family is necessary, so it’s okay to speak up if you haven’t found the right person.
While most people in family therapy sessions are related, it is possible to bring in other individuals. If there’s a close friend that would like to join in on a session, speak with your family and your therapist about that option.
Many people appreciate the holistic and comprehensive nature of family therapy. It’s an excellent way to target multiple problems and develop solutions as a team. If you struggle with feeling connected to your family, then therapy can be an excellent way to have productive conversations that strengthen your relationships.
The Benefits of Family Therapy
There are many reasons why family therapy works for people.
One reason why family therapy can be beneficial is that there is a third party involved. Family discussions can be emotional, and having an individual not personally invested in an emotional sense can be beneficial. If you find that your family discussions often get off track and are hurtful, then a therapist can be someone that can help mediate the situation.
Family therapy allows you the opportunity to do difficult emotional work with people that are close to you. Having challenging discussions can be difficult, so a therapist is someone that can guide you through that process. If you feel like your family struggles to have productive conversations, a therapist is someone that can help your family build that skill.
Family cycles can be hard to break. If you notice unhealthy patterns that exist within your family, then collective therapy can be an incredible way to break those cycles and develop healthier patterns. For some families, addiction is the pattern that exists.
Family Therapy and Addiction Recovery
Attending family therapy can be incredibly effective for those that are in addiction recovery. Getting support from those close to you is important for many people in recovery. Family therapy is an excellent way to get that clarity and ensure that the rest of the family knows how to support the individual in recovery.
For parents with children in recovery, it can be challenging to know how to support them and encourage their sobriety. Family therapy is an excellent place to discuss this and ensure that everyone is on the same page. It might be the right option if someone in your family is struggling with substance abuse.
Family Therapy and Mental Health Disorders
It’s extremely common for families to have with that has a mental health disorder. Parents must support their children and provide them with options that work well. If you’re a parent that’s struggling currently, family therapy can be an excellent way to connect with your child and learn more about their needs.
Considering Family Therapy?
If you’re thinking about beginning family therapy, then it can be difficult to know what the first step is. Consider speaking with your family and seeing if they would be open to attending therapy together. You can also reach out to a therapist in your area. This can be another significant first step, as some therapists may not be accepting new clients.
In your first couple of family therapy sessions, you will most likely work together to identify goals and topics for your future sessions. While you may not address these topics in every session, they can be a great guide for future conversations.
Another thing to consider is how often you’d like to go to family therapy. Some families choose to go to weekly sessions, while others may go monthly. This is an individual choice and one that you can make together.
At Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention, we believe in the potential that family therapy holds. By meeting with a therapist, your family can grow closer together and have a mediator there to guide tough conversations. Working with a licensed therapist is an incredibly powerful tool that your family can use to strengthen your relationships and build stronger bonds. If your family is experiencing a crisis, we may be able to help. We work with a variety of clients to assess and treat their mental health needs. We’re proud to support the San Diego community and provide quality mental health options for all. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, you can call us at (866) 986-1481 now.
