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 counseling is a safe and effective way to address communication issues, solve problems, and strengthen relationships. The licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) at Thriveworks in Huntington Beach, CA facilitate meaningful conversations that can help family members see problems from each other’s perspectives. This process can deepen bonds, reinforce what’s already working, and identify dynamics that might need further attention. Reach out today to schedule your first appointment.
Common Issues Discussed in Family Therapy
Marriage and family therapy can help all families, not just those with acute problems. It’s similar to individual therapy and couples therapy in that way. Everyone can benefit from the psychological insights, deep listening skills, and expertise of an exceptional mental health provider. That being said, many families come to therapy at Thriveworks in Huntington Beach, CA to address specific issues. These issues might include the following:
- Mood disorders
- Postpartum depression
- Anxiety and anxiety disorders
- Anorexia or bulimia
- Behavioral problems
- Support for neurodiverse children
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Trauma
- Grief
- Financial stress
- Marital stress
- Rebellion
- Juvenile delinquency or crime
- Estrangement
- Infidelity
- Blended family issues
- Reproductive issues
- Conflict and tension in family relationships
- Emotional or verbal abuse
- Chronic illness
- Caregiver burnout
- Codependency
- Perfectionism
- Unhealthy parenting styles
- Conflicting parenting styles
The LMFTs at Thriveworks have extensive training in family therapy techniques that can help loved ones heal and reconnect.
What Is the Major Goal of Family Therapy?
Each family member might have a different goal for family therapy, which is why treatment plans should be highly individualized, as they are at Thriveworks in Huntington Beach, CA. One of a therapist’s jobs might be to help loved ones identify and synthesize their goals. Common therapy objectives include the following:
- To heal or reconcile
- To improve communication
- To reduce conflict and tension
- To forgive, or ask for forgiveness
- To establish healthy boundaries
- To manage anger, anxiety, depression, and other distressing emotions
- To build mutual trust
- To explore misunderstandings
- To deal with specific external stressors
An LMFT might also recognize when someone in the family could benefit from individual therapy. This family member might be struggling with substance abuse or a mental health condition. The issue affects everyone, so family therapy is still indicated, but it’s also important for the person to receive the individual help they need, separately.
The idea of family therapy might be intimidating at first, but Thriveworks therapists are trained to put everyone at their ease and move at an emotional pace at which everyone can feel comfortable. Therapists can use icebreakers, games, and other exercises to help achieve successful communication within the session.
Schedule Family Therapy at Thriveworks in Huntington Beach, CA
At Thriveworks in Huntington Beach, CA—and at Thriveworks nationwide—all mental health providers are fully licensed. Plus, we can accept most major forms of health insurance. If a client is paying out of pocket, Thriveworks offers competitive self-pay rates. This all helps keep therapy affordable for more people who need it.
Thriveworks clients can make an appointment today and be seen as early as this week. The family therapists and other providers at Thriveworks in Huntington Beach, CA can meet with clients in-person for traditional therapy sessions at the office. They also offer online counseling sessions through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth software. Clients can choose whatever type of session best suits their schedules and comfort levels.
Call today to get the support that your family needs. We look forward to helping you!
