If your family is going through a rough patch, you may start to wonder – what is family counseling? By definition, family counseling is a form of therapy that addresses issues affecting the healthy functioning of a family. The treatment is effective for helping people to overcome painful periods like a significant transition, substance use disorders, or mental health problems.
The successful recovery of your family will be realized when the treatment plan factors in the dynamics of the group. Also, the treatment plan should have several types of treatments, including:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Medication therapy management
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Group counseling program
- Psychiatric treatment programs
Benefits of Family Counseling
Family therapy is typically short-term and may include some or all family members. The specific treatment plan you’ll receive will depend on the situation of your family. Therapy is beneficial for troubled relationships amongst partners, parents, children, and other extended family members.
With this type of therapy, you can address all issues that affect the family unit. If one or multiple members also have underlying mental health conditions, these should be addressed during therapy.
For example, if a particular member has schizophrenia, the person has to receive individual counseling for the illness. Also, the person must be present during family therapy for complete healing.
In cases of a substance use disorder, the person suffering from addiction can attend residential treatment, while the rest participate in family therapy.
So, what is family counseling? And is it beneficial? Therapy is a useful resource for any family facing situations that can cause conflict, anger, grief, or stress. It fosters understanding in your family while teaching you better coping skills.
How to Prepare for Family Therapy
Before you book an appointment for your family, ensure that you’re well prepared for the task ahead. Although the therapy is effective, success depends on whether your family is ready and willing to receive treatment.
Before you attend the sessions, take several steps, such as:
- Talk to everyone about why your family needs therapy
- Note essential topics for discussion before each appointment
- Reflect on what you’ll say during therapy
- Avoid interruptions and arguments during therapy
- Consider the emotions of all family members
- Don’t take sides
What Is Family Counseling? The Best Type of Family Therapy
The number of therapy sessions often range from 5 to 20, but this may vary depending on your family’s situation. The most common type is structural therapy, which focuses more on the interactions between family members than on an individual’s mental condition. The best therapy program will help your family to outgrow any unhealthy patterns inhibiting unity.
Excellent communication with family members is a pillar of a healthy functioning unit. As such, communication therapy is used to settle any differences caused by traumatic personal experiences. This type of treatment is useful for families as it addresses any underlying issues that contribute to conflict.
Family Counseling at Remedy Therapy
Now you have an answer to the question – what is family counseling? Family therapy teaches you how to maintain healthy relationships for the well-being of all family members. Don’t let mental health problems cause rifts in your family. Contact Remedy Therapy today at 561.414.2607 to book an appointment or for more information on how family therapy can benefit you and your loved ones.
