The Mayo Clinic defines family therapy as a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. In most cases, family counseling is a short-term commitment to resolve issues from a specific event. Each session will be focused on teaching your family communication skills to renew or establish the family connection you deserve. If your family is going through a stressful time or if you believe you could benefit from a communication and team-building program, Dr. Keise and the Insyte Psychiatric team in New Brunswick are only a call away. With years of experience and dozens of successful sessions, we understand that communication and understanding are the keys to connection and trust.
What is family therapy?
The definition above gives a pretty broad idea of the goal of family therapy, but what does it really consist of?
The first appointment is more of a “getting to know you” session where each person shares a bit about themselves and is able to introduce the issues concerning them. Dr. Keise or one of her licensed and certified counselors will focus on a few different things during this session, including:
- How family members interact with each other
- Unhealthy communication patterns
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Concerns & Conflicts
- Family History
- Parenting or relationship approaches to conflict
- Decision making process
Now it’s time to ask the big question: What brought you to family counseling?
Together with your counselor, you and your family can work through the concerning issues in a treatment plan focused on communication skill building and relationship strengthening.
Signs your family may need family therapy.
- The Silent Treatment – If no one is talking when you are together, something is wrong. Or even worse, when everyone knows something is wrong and everyone is collectively ignoring the issue.
- Substance Abuse – The effects of substance abuse are not only felt by the person using the substance. The entire family shares in the stress of the side effects, causes, and aftereffects. If you need help starting the conversation or help with the consistency of addiction/relapse treatment, it is time to speak to an Insyte Psychiatric professional.
- Family Trauma – A recent major change can affect many people at the same time. Death, divorce, adultery, and even finances can drive wedges between families who do not have the communication skills to rebuild.
- Anger – Anger can come from many sources. Frustration, sadness, misunderstandings, etc. If you are experiencing anger that seems as if it cannot be resolved or if a child or loved one seems to be consistently or overly angry, it may be time to seek help.
- Struggling Child – If you have a child at home who is acting out, there is often an unspoken cause to the problem. “Nothing” is an all too common response to “What’s wrong?” Your child may not have the skills or confidence to share their stresses or may be fearful to share their experience. A trained professional can help guide the entire family to a safe place to share and talk.
5 Benefits Of Family Therapy
Family therapy can be helpful to all family members on many different levels. The goals of family therapy are often also the greatest benefits.
1. Develop and maintain boundaries
2. Build communication skills and practices
3. Introduce and reinforce problem-solving skills
4. Incorporate empathy & understanding into every conversation
5. Reduce conflict, anger, sadness, and frustration within the family
We know that family therapy won’t resolve every conflict that your family may endure. However, we strongly believe that the skills you build can make all the difference. Together you can cope and find solutions while communicating your needs and concerns in a safe environment with empathy for one another.
