When Is It Time To Try Family Therapy?

Are you questioning whether or not your family would benefit from family therapy? Well first things first, every family would benefit from this form of therapy due to the ability to process difficult feelings in a safe place with the family system. Homeostasis is very important in maintaining a healthy balance and relationship between family members. If there’s a disruption within the family system, if there lacks communication, if there are behaviors that are worsening.. it may be best to try family therapy. The goals for family therapy usually include helping develop healthy boundaries, facilitating healthy communication patterns, and building empathy and understanding.

One key to a successful family system is the ability to understand and identify the needs of every individual in the family. There are plenty of life situations that can cause difficulties in managing or navigating within a family system. You may want to try family therapy when or if the following occurs..

-       Adjustments to daily life

o   Moving to a new town or house, divorce or separation, or grief. All of these adjustments can create difficulties within the family system. If a child is experiencing distress over any of these areas, it may be best to engage in family therapy to help with the adjustment.

-       Adjusting to teenage years

o   If youre a parent and experiencing a change within the parent/child relationship due to the age that the child is at currently, it may be due to the fact that teenage yeas are full of emotion and questioning. This stage in life can impact the family as a whole and affect communication styles within the family. these adjustments may also be difficult for the parent to endure. This would be a good time to engage in family therapy.

-       Communication issues arise within the family

o   If you’re family is experiencing constant arguments or conflict arises very easily, it may be best to try family therapy. Communication issues within families are very normal and tend to occur. If you’re family is holding resentment or the conflict is worsening, it may be best to see a professional.

-       Children’s behavioral problems

o   If you’re child is misbehaving or having significant behavioral issues, it may cause dysfunction within the family system. Child and teen behavioral issues may include- acting out at school, difficulty controlling emotions, or substance use.