How Family Therapy Can Improve Communication and Relationships
Communication and relationships are foundational to the operations of a home. When these areas become difficult it can be hard to know what to do to get back on track. It is important be parents to understand that behavioral, relational, or communication challenges with young children or adolescents do not exist in a vacuum. A child lives within a system and that system (environment) perpetuates habits and/or cycles–for better or worse.
It is important to remember that a key component to creating long-lasting change in a person(s) happens not only within themselves but also, and especially in children, within their system. Over the years, studies have supported the fact that family therapy is an effective way to create and keep systemic change by creating the ideal space. Some of the key areas that family therapy helps to address and improve are:
Addressing unhealthy dynamics: A big barrier for change can be feeling stuck in the same dynamics. “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Having a therapist provide insight into the changes that need to occur within the dynamic of a family system can dramatically impact everyday interactions. It can be hard to see how the system is operating if you’re in the inner workings of it. Because a therapist carries an outside perspective they can act as key helpers to help the internal system understand what needs work on a larger scale.
Develop healthy boundaries: Discussing boundaries among family members can be a challenge. Finding a middle ground where everyone's needs and expectations are being met can be even harder. This is where the therapist would come in to moderate the discussion and ensure that all sides are being heard, considered, and making reasonable requests that all members feel are appropriate and fair. This is especially important for families with adolescent children when being heard is an important aspect of their development.
Work on unified goals: Families may have the desire to improve and change certain behaviors or patterns of communication. Having clear goals that are attainable, realistic, and frequently checked in about, as well as, discussed intentionally can help families reach their goals quicker and more effectively while keeping all members accountable. Therapists can help to maintain this balance and to check in with the entire system, or individual players. A great thing about family therapy is it can be tailored to best fit the needs of the whole system.
Have support to navigate difficult topics without avoidance or escalation: There may be subjects that no matter how many times you have tried to discuss, you cannot make progress on the topic. Family therapy sessions are a great space to have difficult conversations about any topic: trust issues, emotions, gender identity, change requests, etc. Having a trusted therapist in the room can enrich the experience and gently push individuals outside of their comfort zones to experience growth.
Therapy is for everyone, including a family, and if you are struggling in finding balance within your family system finding a family therapist can be a great first step in helping you reach your goals!