Family Therapy | What Are the Benefits of Family Therapy?
Family therapy also known as family counselling or family systems therapy is psychological work that the family unit partakes in, with the aid of a licensed therapist. This systems approach helps the family in a holistic way rather than the individual. As communication patterns and feedback loops, conflicts, and dynamics are identified and addressed the family can work with the therapist to improve all areas that need it.
There are many benefits to family therapy the first of which is, better communication skills. As the family meets with the therapist, this facilitator will help them uncover patterns in communication that are not conducive to a healthy family dynamic. Effective strategies and practical application of them are introduced as well as monitored ongoing while in therapy. By allowing for open and honest communication the family begins to understand one another and this leads to healthy relationships.
Different Strategies for Couples Therapy
Constructive Conflict Strategies are at the heart of healthy relationships and within the family there is no exception. Every relationship has conflict, and the goal is not to resolve it but rather work through it and come to a place of compromise and understanding. We all have differing points of view. When we understand one another better, we can empathize and agree to disagree so to speak.
Finding common ground is important for working through the conflict since it isn’t going away due to human nature. How it is dealt with can be healthy and lead to constructing a strong family dynamic that is loving, accepting and peaceful. Therapy is a safe and structured place to work through this as a family unit.
Conflict can be a good thing
Healthy conflict leads to the next benefit of family therapy, which is having strong relationships. Once patterns are discovered and underlying issues are addressed, communication skills can be put into action. A family therapist is the key to facilitating all these moving parts. Imagine the unity that is formed within your family unit by having healthy and strong relationships.
Improve problem-solving skills using couple’s therapy
Improved problem-solving skills is another benefit of a family working with a therapist. Not only does the family learn to problem solve together, but the individuals also learn to use this same skill in other areas of their lives. Finding solutions together as a family brings hope and belonging to all involved. Additionally, coping skills grow as family members learn to deal with the stressors and triggers within the family. There are a number of different strategies that are encouraged, from deep breathing or exercising to setting healthy boundaries.
Family Dynamics are uncovered, and this is a major benefit that sometimes only a therapist can help with. This is especially true because therapy is a safe place to do it. You don’t know what you don’t know. A therapist can help you with your blind spots. The only way to address and change dynamics that aren’t healthy is to put them under a spotlight. From there they can be challenged and changed for the better. Things that are hidden cannot be changed so with the help of an objective point of view from an expert with tools and strategies, your family has a chance to thrive.
Major life changes are challenging
Going through a major life change can challenge even the strongest person or family. Transition support and strategies is another benefit from working with a therapist. Many families consider working with a therapist when there is a divorce, remarriage, birth, death or even a relocation. A therapist will help the family process the emotions that come up as well as help members adjust to the evolving roles within the family structure.
Unique individual concerns come up in family therapy. One member may struggle with something like a serious health crisis, mental health or substance abuse which affects the whole family. Family therapy takes a holistic approach to have the family work together in addressing the unique issues.
Family member support is one of the most emotionally nourishing benefits to family therapy. If the family is going through a crisis, it needs this direct support to deal with conflicting or difficult emotions. Every member needs a safe place to express themselves and their concerns.
Avert Future Issues
Future issues are averted because of the work done in family therapy. If communication and problem-solving skills are stronger, future conflict can be worked through easier. There are healthier family interactions going forward. Problems will always arise, but the escalation of them doesn’t have to be an issue when the family has the skills necessary to deal with them.
The interconnectedness of the family takes on new meaning as the family works in a holistic manner to work through issues. Every member of the family knows their roles and takes responsibility in doing their part to make the family thrive. Each person contributes to the healthy dynamics of the group by taking ownership of individual emotions and behaviours.
Set healthy boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is not easy to do at first for anyone. Family therapy helps set and sustain these within the family. Instead of enmeshment, where one person sacrifices themselves to keep other members happy by being too involved, personal autonomy is encouraged and celebrated.
Nurturing empathy is a key to long term success of a thriving family unit. Each member works to understand the other members’ feelings and points of view. In turn this leads to compassion and care in a supportive and healthy way.
Contact A Professional Today
Family therapy is only effective and useful if the members that participate in it are willing to grow and engage in the work. Having a therapist isn’t a magic wand to make things better, but rather a support and guide on moving the needle from a broken, hopeless group of disjointed members to a thriving, healthy unit. Good family therapy sessions have the members of the family feeling safe and heard, not judged, nor feeling afraid to be open and honest, and free to express themselves and their emotions. However, the most important thing about attending family therapy is that the inner work continues between and after sessions are over.