Apple Valley, CA 92307
 
Family Therapy
A Place Where People Are Helped to
Help Themselves.
Help Themselves.
What Is Family Therapy
Family therapy is intended to deal with problems that especially affect the mental health and functioning of families. It can assist each family member in forging closer bonds with one another, enhancing communication, and handling disagreements among family members.
What Family Therapy Can Help With
Family therapy can help people with many different issues. Some of these include:
- Behavioral problems in children or teens
- Changes within the family
- Communication problems
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce, separation, or marital problems
- Parent-child conflicts
- Problems between siblings
- Parenting issues
- Stressful events or major life transitions
- Trauma
What Are the Risks of Family Therapy?
Family therapy isn’t for everyone. If one or more members are reluctant to participate during the sessions, it can increase family conflict.
Family therapy is more likely to work if those participating:
- Are open and honest with the therapist.
- Are committed to making positive changes.
- Follow their agreed-upon treatment plan.
- Are ready to fully commit to therapy and do homework assignments (if applicable).
- Depending on your situation, you or your family members might feel slightly more upset during therapy.
Stages Of Family Therapy
Family therapy typically involves several stages that build upon one another. These stages are designed to help families identify and work through their problems, improve communication, and strengthen their relationships.
Initial Stage
Engagement and Assessment
The therapist establishes rapport with the family, identifies their goals for therapy, and gathers information about their history and dynamics.
Second Stage
Goal Setting and Treatment Planning
The therapist works with the family to set goals for therapy, identify conflicts to address, and assign roles and responsibilities.
Third Stage
Working Through Issues
The therapist helps the family identify and express feelings, improve communication, and develop new conflict resolution strategies.
Fourth Stage
Consolidation and Termination
The therapist reviews progress, identifies ways to maintain progress, and prepares the family for the end of therapy.
Types of Family Therapy
01. Family Systems Therapy
This type is an approach that focuses on helping people utilize the strengths of their relationships to overcome mental health problems.
02. Functional Family Therapy
This is a short-term treatment often utilized for young people experiencing problems with risky behavior, violence, or substance use. It helps teens and families look for solutions while building trust and respect for each individual.
03. Narrative Family Therapy
This type encourages family members to each tell their own story to understand how those experiences shape who they are and how they relate to others. By working with this narrative, the person can start to view problems more objectively than just seeing things through their own narrow lens.
04. Psychoeducation
This type of treatment is centered on helping family members better understand mental health conditions. By knowing more about medications, treatment options, and self-help approaches, family members can function as a cohesive support system.
05. Supportive Family Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on creating a safe environment where family members can openly share what they are feeling and get support from their family.
Techniques
The techniques utilized in family therapy typically depend on factors such as the theoretical orientation of the therapist and the specific needs of the family. Some methods that may be utilized include:
Behavioral Techniques
These methods focus on skills training and psychoeducation to address specific problems. Techniques may include modeling and role-playing to improve communication.
Psychodynamic Techniques
These methods assess how each family member interprets and responds to problems and develop new emotional insights and responses.
Structural Techniques
These methods focus on boundaries and power dynamics within the family to improve functioning.
What Are the Benefits of Family Therapy?
Several research studies have shown the effectiveness of family therapy in treating a variety of mental and emotional conditions and health issues, like adolescent substance use, depression, and obesity. Studies also show significant improvements in family member relationships and conflict.
These improvements can also lead to better functioning at work or school.
After participating in family therapy treatment:
- Almost 90% of people report an improvement in their emotional health.
- Nearly 66% report an improvement in their overall physical health.
- In child-parent cases, about 73% of parents report that their child’s behavior improved.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
Family therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for families to improve interactions and communication, and incorporate healthy behaviors to improve functioning and well-being. A mental health professional guides the therapy by asking each family member about concerns, encouraging conversation, clarifying feelings, and suggesting strategies for change. Active participation from all family members is crucial for success. The frequency and duration of therapy vary based on each family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a type of counseling that helps family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. It can address a wide range of issues, including mental health problems, addiction, divorce, and behavioral issues.
What should I expect during family therapy sessions?
During family therapy, you can expect to have open conversations with a mental health professional who will guide you through the process. You’ll work on improving communication, identifying and resolving conflicts, and developing healthy behaviors to improve your family’s functioning.
How do I know if family therapy is right for my family?
Family therapy can be beneficial for any family experiencing conflict or communication difficulties. It’s especially helpful for families dealing with mental health issues, addiction, or major life changes, such as divorce or the birth of a child.
Will my insurance cover family therapy?
Many insurance plans cover family therapy, but it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and what isn’t. You can also discuss payment options with your therapist.
How long does family therapy usually last?
The duration of family therapy varies depending on the specific needs of your family. Some families may only need a few sessions to resolve their issues, while others may require ongoing therapy over a longer period.
Is family therapy confidential?
Yes, family therapy is confidential, and your therapist is bound by professional ethics to keep your conversations private. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality, such as if someone is at risk of harm or if the therapist is legally required to report certain information.
Let's connect and get started!
You are your most valuable possession, and you owe it to yourself to make this your best life ever!