Family Conflicts

What is family therapy?

Even close, happy families experience stressors and life transitions. These short-term situations can require developing new coping strategies and developing stronger communication skills. Family therapy is designed to reduce familial conflicts and increase cohesion between members of a family unit. 

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy where therapy focuses on patterns of behavior and roles are explored. A therapeutic plan aims to improve interactions between family members to reduce conflict.

Unlike individual therapy, family therapy uses a framework that takes each member of the group into account when developing a treatment plan. And even though “family therapy” suggests having everyone in the room during a session, this isn’t always feasible. That said, even if they aren’t present, each family member gets consideration. 

Family therapy is about relationships

The goal of family therapy isn’t to fix a single family member but to improve family relationships. The strengths-based model of family therapy is focused on improving the mental health of each family member.

Focusing on improving family cohesion is especially important when a member of the family is dealing with mental health challenges. Families dealing with loved ones with neurobehavioral conditions, addiction, anxiety or panic disorders, and depression often seek out family therapy.

It can be helpful to talk to someone when your family is facing difficult or uncertain times.

What are some situations that may create a need for family therapy?

When stressful situations arise, they can lead to feelings of overwhelm. If your family life is less than peaceful, it might be time to consider family therapy to improve communication.

Common reasons that families seek a family therapist or conflict resolution strategies vary. It would be nearly impossible to list every family issue that causes a family to seek out marriage and family therapy. 

Many families find professional support and behavioral therapy helpful when dealing with:

• Parental conflict
• Divorce or relationship issues
• Eating Disorders
• Substance use
• Behavioral problems
• Academic or social challenges at school
• Domestic violence
• Financial insecurity
• Chronic Pain, Health Conditions, or End of Life 
• Grief or loss of a loved one
• Self-esteem struggles
• Workplace stress

Scheduling regular therapy sessions can help prevent harmful thought patterns from taking over when your family is facing stress or periods of transition. Instead, a compassionate professional can help you establish boundaries and develop coping strategies as you work through stressful situations.

What if my whole family doesn’t want to attend counseling sessions?

Ideally, when there is conflict in the family, all members of the family should be involved in the treatment plan. It’s important to understand: you can still seek out help to improve your emotional well-being, even if your family isn’t able or willing to participate. 

We can provide support to you if you are the only family member seeking help. 

You’ll work closely with a therapist to understand your family members’ feelings and how those feelings influence their behavior. Our licensed professional counselors will support you with communication tools to use in your day-to-day living.