There are lots of benefits to family therapy. It helps improve communication and allows you to solve problems cohesively, which can bring everyone closer together. There are up sides for each individual member of the family, too. Having good self-esteem is critical for children to thrive and live their dreams. Family therapy can have a positive impact on your child’s self-esteem in many different ways.
When one person in a family is struggling, it affects everyone. Many people seek family counseling when a spouse or child has an addiction problem, mental health issue, eating disorder, or other chronic condition. Traumatic events, like domestic violence, the death of a loved one, divorce, or another loss can throw everyone into a tailspin. Dealing with feelings of grief, anger, anxiety, and depression is challenging for adults and kids alike. Family therapy can help you sort it all out and give you tools to develop communication and coping skills that lead to healing.
Low self-esteem can be caused by many different factors. Children and teens may compare themselves to others, and with the rise of social media they often have the perception they have to look a certain way or have certain things to be happy.
Children who are struggling at school, dealing with bullying, depression or other problems, sometimes have a hard time opening up to their parents. Sharing in a safe setting with a therapist present can make it easier for them to express themselves. Unloading negative feelings is often a relief. Parents may not even be aware that their children are suffering. Talking about these serious issues in family therapy and responding to your child in a supportive way can make them feel safe and loved, which can boost their feelings of self-love and confidence.
Family therapy can help parents learn how to listen and support their children without judgment. When parents share they struggle sometimes, too, it can help children feel like they’re not alone. We all have different things that make us who we are. Celebrating uniqueness and telling your child you love them just as they are can give them a solid base of confidence and allow them to build good self-esteem, regardless of the challenges life may throw at them.
Seeking therapy as a family can also help you develop and maintain healthy boundaries, understand family dynamics and patterns, foster communication, and build empathy and understanding. Reducing family conflict and learning how to deal with it productively when it does arise can make everyone feel more confident and provide your children with the knowledge and skills that they need to form loving, healthy relationships with themselves and others.
If you’re concerned about your child’s self-esteem or need to improve your family’s communication skills, we can help. Contact a therapist at Kayenta directly to schedule an appointment for family therapy.
