Family therapy is a type of counseling that helps family members improve communication, strengthen relationships, and resolve conflicts. It can often serve as a powerful tool for both individuals and families to improve their lives and bonds between them. For many people, family therapy can be intimidating and thought of as invasive at first, especially if they have no prior experience in therapy. Therefore, it is important for those individuals considering family therapy as a solution to understand how they can best contribute to the process. At Proliance Center in Boca Raton, we place a great deal of value on the process of family therapy and see it as a means to an improved family life. Our goal is always for the family to have the most successful outcome possible. In order to do this, we stress some of the same concepts that we teach through counseling.
The most important aspect of family therapy to ensure success is an open line of communication with your family therapist. During an initial family therapy session, or even when scheduling your first appointment, be open and descriptive about what it is you are seeking. A good family therapist can best treat you when they have a solid understanding of the problem. Much of this is often discovered in the initial family therapy session. Work with your family therapist to paint a clear and honest picture of the presenting concerns. Also, allow each individual to share their own unique experiences as a member of the family. With each account, your family’s story will become more detailed and accurate to your family therapist.
Another concern of those seeking family therapy is whether or not to share openly in sessions. Honesty is a key component of the family therapy therapeutic process and although it can seem uncomfortable at first to share your thoughts and feelings with a family therapist who you have known for only a short period of time, it is the best way for the therapist to assess and address the issues at hand. If at any time you feel uncomfortable sharing information in the family therapy setting, you can communicate this discomfort with your family therapist, who will guide you and help you decide how to address the issue.
Whatever your concerns with family therapy may be, an open line of communication with your family therapist is the most important factor to ensure you and your family’s success in treatment. Come prepared, share openly, ask questions, and voice concerns as needed. Not only does this give your family therapist the best and most informed picture of your needs, but it strengthens the relationship with your therapist to reach the best possible outcome.
