Family Therapy

Life in families is dynamic.

Just because we are family doesn’t mean that we are close.

You can be physically close to someone but emotionally not present. You can become so busy dealing with your issues that you forget to see each other.

There is also a lot that is going on for each person in the family unit. At times, we lose each other and fail to understand each other’s language, decisions, and approaches.

Feelings can get out of hand.

Parents may feel that their kids don’t do enough and don’t listen. Kids may feel that parents demand too much or are not present at all.

Then there may be fear and anxiety about your kids’ behaviors. If you don’t think your partner is on the same page, that creates another layer of frustration.

There are endless stories and experiences that can accrue in one family.

It’s easy to feel exhausted from trying to be seen, understood, and respected.

Perhaps it’s time for objective help.

“Family session? Oh, no way!”

This reaction is common when a family session is suggested. I get it.

However, as scary as “family session” sounds, it is one of the best tools to bring the family dynamic to a healthier place.

The family unit can become complex because we are all different individuals living together in one intimate unit that by its nature can bring positive and negative experiences.

So, as “heavy” as the family session may sound or feel, it is an important step to take to strengthen and heal the family unit.

How does family therapy work?

One goal of family therapy is to provide a safe space to each member of the family so that they can express themselves with their voices and experiences within the family.

In family therapy, you are going to talk about yourself and your thoughts, feelings, and needs, as well as what you think should or shouldn’t be happening. However, you are also going to truly listen to your family members as they share their issues, thoughts, feelings, and what they think should or shouldn’t be happening.

The real work is not always going to be comfortable. It can be raw and emotional. But it will lead you and your family to a better understanding of each other and a healthier relationship with one another.

You will work on bettering your communication skills, creating healthier boundaries, learning to be together, learning to give each other space, learning to respect rules, having the ability to say “no” while respecting each other’s views.

Become one team and respect the players.

You are going to work on voicing, listening, seeing, being heard, being vulnerable, and being willing to disagree.

It is about learning that disagreements will occur; not everyone likes the same thing. Disappointments will occur, and there is not always a solution. At times, you must be willing to accept things as they are.

It’s about accepting each other and remembering that family members may have different views and values from yours.

You may not agree or love their ways, but this is where practicing acceptance is needed. Acceptance doesn’t mean loving what is – it means accepting what is. If you first accept what is, change becomes easier to achieve.

Not everyone on the team always agrees, but each player should respect each other by communicating and setting healthy boundaries with one another.

Courage leads to change.

You may have heard that magic happens when you get out of the comfort zone. I am not looking for any magic. But…

We all have our comfort zone; however, setting strong limits on that zone can drag you down or keep you stuck.

For the family to work better together, family therapy requires leaving the comfort zone and facing each other while being willing to make changes required for a healthier, happier family unit.

This type of change takes courage on the part of each family member because changes will be required.

Family therapy is beneficial at teaching everyone how to have the courage to work as a team.

Let’s create a positive family dynamic!

Through family therapy, we can work together to create a more positive family unit, one based on mutual respect and love, healthier boundaries, and better communication skills.

Contact me today!

“Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so, too.”
– Voltaire