Counseling for Families
What to Expect from our Therapists?
When working with families, the therapists at RHC strive to make every member of the family feel seen and heard. We understand that conflict is part of growth and a signal for desire for change.
We do find that there are several common concerns that we address in family therapy. One reason people start therapy is due to concerns of one family member that is causing distress within the family unit. Often, that is a child that is having problems such as behavioral issues, difficulties at school, or a recent mental health concern that the family is trying to understand. Sometimes the focus of therapy maybe on the adult child who is going through a problem such as being released from jail or undergoing substance abuse. In all these cases, the family can learn how to support and communicate with their loved one.
Another common problem that brings families to counseling is experiencing a traumatic event. Some examples could be the death of a loved one, moving to a new city, a house fire, job loss, or severe illness. One of the most common tragedies that we see is separation or divorce. Through family therapy, the unit learns how to process the event together and gain support not only from the therapist but also from one another. Therapy improves the chances that the family unit will move through the trauma with greater healing and wholeness.
Renovating Hope Counseling, also works with families to understand past stories and how they impact future relationships and attachments. Family counseling works to strengthen the family unit through utilizing the inherent strength of the relationships to resolve conflicts impacting the family’s level of functioning and help them to assume individual responsibility for the problems. Individuals and their families who are experiencing a wide range of issues including depression, substance abuse and relationship problems can benefit from a family therapy approach. Likewise, there are many transitions a family goes through in their journey: Pre-marital couple; newly married; a family with a newborn or children of various ages; a family divorcing or remarrying; single parenthood; young adults returning to nest temporarily; mental illness; adoption; career changes; empty-nesters; retirees; chronic illness; adult caregivers of their parents; grieving the loss of a loved one. Whichever stage you and your family are in, we are equipped to guide you through these life transitions to make the adjustments smooth and healthy.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
When working with families, the therapists at RHC strive to build rapport with each member of the family. The family itself is seen as the client and we will meet with the entire family together to listen and here each point of view. From there, we may speak speak alone with individual members of the family depending on what needs to be addressed. We will strive to diagnose those needs and desire for change, and work together to set goals and develop a plan of action to serve the entire family unit.
The challenges of everyday life can often create the need for families to seek support. Family counseling encourages families to grow and change to benefit themselves as individuals and as a family unit. Frequently when an individual experiences a life stressor it can have a direct impact on the family as a whole. If you or a family member is experiencing a mental health issue, or other problem that is effecting the whole family, family counseling might be right for you.
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The Family Systems Approach
In family therapy, we use a family system approach as we address the family unit. Renovating Hope Counseling focuses on helping each person understand their interactions and communication patterns within the family. We teach skills to help members verbalize their thoughts and feelings to their loved one. Our counselors offer assistance practically in creating healthy boundaries, creating space for interaction, developing a schedule, and learning how to appropriately care for one another. Family therapy treats the family, thus helps each individual move forward in their lives.
