Family Therapy: What You Need to Know

Supporting a loved one through a challenging time can be difficult for the entire family. Additionally, there are times when families need professional help to communicate and establish a supportive environment. Family therapy, a specialized form of psychotherapy, offers families the tools needed to navigate these difficult experiences together.

Improved Communication and Connection

Family therapy sessions aim to improve communication and strengthen the connection between family members. Whether the group includes just two people or an extended family unit, participants learn how to open up and discuss their feelings more effectively. Improved communication can resolve conflicts and enhance the family's ability to support one another.¹

Understanding Each Other’s Perspectives

No two people, even individuals in the same family, will have the same thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of an experience. During family therapy, a trained therapist helps family members understand how they each communicate and react to emotions such as anger or frustration. By creating a safe environment for sharing their thoughts and feelings, families can practice and learn healthier ways of navigating conflict and resolving challenges. Family members can break out of negative communication cycles. This process often involves discussing how each person feels and reacts in various situations, which can build empathy and mutual understanding within the family.²

Learning New Skills

Family therapy is not just about talking; it also involves learning and practicing new skills. An important skill that can be learned and practiced in family therapy is how to navigate conflict when it inevitably arises between family members.

Therapists frequently assign "homework" to help families apply these skills in real-life situations. For example, families might be encouraged to spend time together in specific activities, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.

Practical Outcomes

By consistently attending sessions and completing assigned tasks, families often notice improvements in their day-to-day interactions. These changes can lead to a more supportive home environment. Enhanced communication and problem-solving skills make it easier to navigate challenges collaboratively.

A Commitment to Better Days

When all family members commit to participating in therapy, the results can be profound. Even those who were initially skeptical often come to appreciate the positive impact of the sessions. Over time, family therapy can transform relationships, making each day more manageable and filled with more understanding and support.³

Conclusion

Family therapy serves as a vital resource for families dealing with internal conflicts or supporting each other through a difficult time. By improving communication, understanding, and mutual support, therapy helps families create a healthier and happier environment for everyone involved. If your family is facing challenges, consider seeking the guidance of a licensed therapist specializing in family therapy. The journey may not always be easy, but the rewards of stronger family connections are well worth the effort.

Sources:

1. About Marriage and Family Therapists. (n.d.). Www.aamft.org. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (Oct. 2013). Family Therapy Can Help: For People in Recovery From Mental Illness or Addiction. [Brochure]. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma13-4784.pdf
3. Jiménez, L., Hidalgo, V., Baena, S., León, A., & Lorence, B. (2019). Effectiveness of Structural⁻Strategic Family Therapy in the Treatment of Adolescents with Mental Health Problems and Their Families. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(7), 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071255