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.
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
Family systems are dynamic and incredibly complicated. Each person has different needs, different opinions, and different goals. You may love your family members dearly but things aren’t always going to be perfect. Fights happen, parents make decisions that hurt their children, and external stressors can shake even most stable family foundations.
If family issues have you feeling overwhelmed, our family therapists at Thriveworks in Arlington, TX are here to help. We offer family counseling services in-person and online to help your family unit overcome differences and chart a healthier, happier future together. Reach out today to get started.
Is There a Right Time to Seek Family Counseling?
Every family has its share of disagreements. But there are some signs that could be telling you it’s time to take action and seek professional counsel for what you’re going through.
Here are just a few examples:
- Someone’s addiction or substance abuse is impacting the family
- Someone’s mental health disorder or physical illness is taking a toll on the family
- A lack of communication means disagreements never seem to resolve
- Parents disagree on how to raise the children
- Family members are having trouble dealing with the death of a loved one
- Family members are struggling with a major life transition (such as a move to a new city)
- Financial difficulties are causing the family new stress
- Divorce or remarriage is causing conflict within the family
- Children are exhibiting behavioral problems
These, and many other reasons, are signs that a marriage and family therapist could be beneficial in your life. Our licensed mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Arlington, TX will work to identify your underlying issues and then establish a treatment plan that is right for your family’s unique needs.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
Your therapist will start by talking to your family to find out about your issues and conflicts and determine what’s causing them. Everyone will get a chance to share their concerns and their side of the story. The goal is not for the therapist to pick who is “right” but rather to get a better understanding of where each person is coming from so they can help mediate effectively.
Your therapist will then decide what course of action would be best suited for your situation. They may help you resolve specific issues during the course of your sessions or they may ask you to practice communication techniques at home so you can get on the same page.
They may teach you validation techniques, coping mechanisms, or distress tolerance skills so you can interact in a more harmonious and resilient way with your family members. If one member is dealing with addiction or a mental disorder, your therapist may also recommend an individual treatment plan to help that person get their own mental health back on track.
Schedule Family Therapy at Thriveworks in Arlington, TX
It can be hard for you to find time in your schedule for counseling, especially for your entire family. At Thriveworks in Arlington, TX, we make it easy with online therapy appointments accessible by video.
We also offer morning, evening, and weekend appointments to help you find a time that’s convenient for the whole family. And if something comes up unexpectedly, you can take advantage of our flexible cancellation policy. We accept insurance and offer our clients a number of additional convenient benefits.
At Thriveworks in Arlington, TX, we are ready to help you and your family members get your lives back on track. Click or call to schedule an appointment today with one of our mental health professionals and take the first step toward a brighter future.
