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.
Richmond, VA—Family Therapy and Counseling
Family dysfunction is a common occurrence because when one family member experiences trouble, often other family members are affected. It does not take much for families to start working against each other instead of working for each other. Overcoming the dysfunction can be difficult without an outside perspective.
The counselors and psychologists at Thriveworks Richmond understand the challenges that threaten to tear families apart. We love seeing families face their difficulties together and grow closer as they find solutions that work for each individual family member. If you think you could benefit from family therapy, reach out to Thriveworks today to schedule your first appointment.
Common Family Problems
Every family, regardless of size, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, will have hardship, and these times can either tear family apart or bond them closer together.
Crises can change life in a moment. When unforeseen events happen to one family member, others are inevitably affected to some degree as well. Crises can blindside and disorient families, but a skilled therapist can help families connect and work together during unexpected disruptions such as:
- A family member’s death
- An accident that results in a disability or injury
- Losing the family’s home
- A financial disruption
- Job loss
Not every challenge, however, is unexpected. Some family problems begin small and manageable, but they grow when left unaddressed. It often does not take long for these problems to overwhelm a family, but therapy may help families make necessary adjustments to deal with on-going challenges such as…
- Resolving marital conflict
- Caring for a physically ill or special-needs family member
- Addressing mental illness
- Working through parenting challenges
How Might Family Therapy Help?
These challenges to not have to harm families. Many families bond in the midst of challenge, but finding balance in the midst of a crisis or on-going difficulty is hard. Often, the outside perspective and safe space that therapy can provide are the help families need to make progressive together. A skilled therapist may help by…
- Opening communication barriers that have formed.
- Using integrated and calming techniques to resolve tension among family members.
- Findings ways for each family member to contribute to the family and receive support from the family.
Family systems therapy and family structural therapy are two popular techniques in family therapy. Their foundational idea is that understanding an individual means understanding their family of origin—people gain their role in life and sense of identity from their family. Even when people distance themselves from their families, the family unit provides the context necessary for understanding the individual.
Schedule Family Counseling at Thriveworks Richmond, VA
Family counseling is not a magic formula that will make life easier, but when family members are ready for a more harmonious home life, counseling can guide the process.
At Thriveworks Richmond, we aim to give each client first-rate care. When you schedule family therapy at our office, know that evening and weekend appointments are available. Many first-time clients see their therapist within a week of their call, and we accept many forms of insurance.
If your family is ready to work together, call Thriveworks today. We are ready to help.
