For numerous reasons, issues within a family might be “swept under the rug” or ignored, leading to resentments, misunderstandings and varying levels of dysfunction. In family therapy, however, each member is provided with the opportunity to openly discuss concerns in the presence of an objective, compassionate mental health professional who provides guidance and support for achieving a healthier family dynamic.
Family therapy can address a number of problems, including:
- Ineffective communication
- Lack of problem-solving skills
- Difficulty creating/enforcing boundaries
- Effects of a family member’s substance misuse/mental illness
- Inability to resolve conflict
- Ineffective parenting skills
- Marital concerns
- Relationship/parenting issues following a divorce
- Difficulty adjusting to a major life change
- Impact of chronic illness or death in the family
The following examples* from family therapists at Travco Behavioral Health illustrate how their clients have benefitted from family therapy:
Case Example1
Mary, age 10, and Steven, age 12, were siblings who argued constantly. Neither felt heard (by their parents or each other). Over time, the siblings’ relationship became so toxic that they would often refuse to be in the same room with one another. Their parents, Sarah and Michael, were frustrated and worn down by the deteriorating relationship between their children, which led to an overall negative “vibe” in the home as well as some marital issues (as they disagreed about how to handle their children’s arguing). Feeling they had tried everything, Sarah and Michael reached out for help. At Travco, their family therapist helped them to develop a treatment plan that identified the main goal and mapped out how to achieve it. Over time, Sarah and Michael learned how to improve their communication with each other and their children gained skills to resolve their conflicts as siblings—leading to a healthier, happier family relationship.
Case Example 2
Todd and Angie were the newly divorced parents of two young children (Douglas, age 2, and Stella, age 4). Todd and Angie were struggling with how to navigate their shared parenting (joint custody). They wanted to provide consistent parenting even though the children were now splitting their time between two different households. In family therapy, Todd and Angie were provided with education on healthy discipline and parenting styles and their therapist helped facilitate discussions about what they both wanted for their children long-term. Although it was a big change, Todd and Angie were able to implement a consistent discipline and parenting style about which they both agreed, leading to a smoother transition for their children and an overall healthier family dynamic.
These are just a couple of many examples about how addressing concerns with an objective, skilled family therapist can be a transformative experience!
* Names and identifying details have been changed to preserve client confidentiality.
To get started with family therapy at Travco, contact us today at 330.286.0050!
