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Family Psychotherapy

What is Family Therapy /Family Psychotherapy?

Family therapy or family psychotherapy is a form of treatment that is designed to address specific issues affecting the health and functioning of a family and its family members. It can be used to help a family through a difficult period, a major transition, or the mental or behavioral health problems experienced by one or more  family members. Counseling services can be provided by a trained clinician to address family dynamics and specific issues which may arise within the family unit to improve family cohesion, communication and improve conflict resolution.

We tend to think of therapy and psychotherapy as two different forms of treatment, but in fact, they are the same thing. This ambiguity is enhanced when we introduce the term “counseling” as well. Generally, counseling is applied in situations where an individual (or, in the case of family counseling, a family) engages the services of a counselor or other mental health professional to help with a specific problem or set of problems.

Family Psychotherapy: Taking It One Step Further

 Family therapy allows families to address familial issues with the guidance of a mental health professional in a safe and controlled environment. Family therapy enhances family functioning, improves communication and conflict resolution, and enhances the family’s ability to problem solve. By improving these skills, families can successfully address and overcome targeted family issues while promoting healing and recovery.

The benefits of family therapy include:

  • · A better understanding of healthy boundaries and family patterns and dynamics;
  • · Enhanced communication;
  • · Improved problem solving;
  • · Deeper empathy;
  • · Reduced conflict and better anger management skills

 

More specifically, family therapy can improve family relationships through:

  • · Bringing the family together after a crisis;
  • · Creating honesty between family members;
  • · Instilling trust in family members;
  • · Developing a supportive family environment;
  • · Reducing sources of tension and stress within the family;
  • · Helping family members forgive each other;
  • · Conflict resolution for family members;
  • · Promoting healing;
  • · Improving communication and conflict resolution
  • · Bringing back family members who have been isolated