How Can Family Therapy Help?

Family—whether by blood, marriage, adoption, or any close relationship that is part of the foundation of your life—plays a monumental role in your physical and mental health. That is why it is crucial to work through challenging situations impacting those family relationships and dynamics. 

With so many personalities and belief systems at play, it can be difficult to know where to begin healing a family relationship. Unfortunately, not addressing issues of discontent can only compound problems. Family therapy can help. 

At CW Psychological Services in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, our staff is well-versed in many evidence-based practices in family therapy. We regularly work with clients to heal strained relationships, tackle stress/anger, improve communication, establish boundaries, face trauma and grief, and cope with chronic illness/substance use disorders and life transitions, among other things. 

How does family therapy work?

Family therapy sessions provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, safe environment for family members to talk openly with a mental health professional. It is a place where each person should feel comfortable sharing their true feelings so the counselor or therapist assisting can guide you to resolution. 

A family therapist may ask each family member to share their concerns, challenges, and goals for treatment. Everyone will be encouraged to talk and listen to each other calmly. The therapist will ask questions to help clarify everyone’s words and feelings to increase understanding. A therapist will try to help participants see and understand the impact of words and behaviors and explore ways to make positive changes. Various communication strategies and boundaries may be explored to help change problematic behaviors and patterns. 

Conversation is the main part of family therapy. Each family member involved in treatment must be an active participant to ensure the most successful resolution. Trust must be established between the participants and the therapist. 

The frequency and amount of sessions will depend on each family’s unique circumstances. Sometimes conflict is resolved in a few sessions, other times sessions continue for several months. Your counselor or therapist may suggest meeting as a group and individually.

What are some of the benefits of family therapy?

If all participants are willing to put in the work to resolve conflicts and improve relationships, family therapy can have many benefits, including:

1.) Improved Communication — Communication is a big problem in many relationships. The therapeutic environment gives family members a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings and gain overall understanding. Participants also frequently learn valuable communication skills to help resolve future conflicts. 

2.) Boundary Development — Boundaries are important in any relationship. They help to honor each person’s needs. For example, if a parent frequently makes unannounced visits to their adult child’s home, increasing stress on the adult child, a healthy boundary could be asking the parent to call and ask before coming over.

3.) Stronger Bonds — Gaining the ability and knowledge to work through family conflict, strengthens bonds. Part of family therapy is recognizing what is meaningful to each person, creating a deeper understanding of each individual and how they want to relate to one another. People change over time. Often family members see an old version of a person, failing to recognize who they are currently. 

4.) Individual Support — Family therapy is not just about the group dynamic. It is also about each person and what they are going through. In family therapy, individuals will receive support to face personal challenges.

5.) Personal Growth — It can seem easy to flow through life without actually dealing with or facing conflicts. It takes courage to make changes and to do the work, and along the way, you will learn a lot about yourself and those you love.

These are just a few of the many potential benefits of family therapy. What you gain during therapy, is determined by what you put into it. Our goal at CW Psychological Services is to see you become a healthier, happier version of yourself who is content in the relationship bonds you have established. 

Can you combine individual and family therapy?

Yes, of course. There are many benefits to combining family and individual therapy. A therapist may recommend combining the two types of treatment to help further the growth of an individual. For example, a child who is struggling with academic stressors or family dynamics may start by meeting individually with a therapist and later meet as a family with a separate provider. In this scenario, the family sessions may help work through any family conflict regarding the child’s struggles. 

Where can you find a family therapist?

When searching for a family therapist, its important that you find someone who makes you and your loved ones feel comfortable. Look for a therapist who can accommodate your schedules, help you feel safe and heard, and meet you where you are. 

At CW Psychological Services, we have several licensed and associate clinicians available to perform evidence-based family therapy. We suggest reading their bios and then scheduling an appointment to determine fit. All therapists can be accessed under the “Our Team” tab here. Please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns. We want to see you thrive. 

Ready to begin counseling in Pennsylvania?

Counselors and associate-level clinicians at CW Psychological Services are professionally trained. We have openings for online or telehealth therapy appointments. Email us at [email protected] or call (610) 308-7575. We want to help.