If you’re thinking about attending family therapy, you’re probably feeling many strong emotions. Perhaps your marriage or partnership is in trouble. Or maybe you’re going through a divorce and your children are having difficulty coping. You may think of therapy as a last resort for when your life is falling apart, but the truth is something far different. Family therapy is a positive experience that can greatly enhance your family’s life.
Family dynamics, divorce, addiction issues, anxiety, grief, and communication problems are just some of the reasons people find themselves seeking family therapy. A qualified family therapist can help you identify and uncover what keeps you from reaching your full potential as a person, as a partner or as a parent. People from all walks of life consult with counselors to make their lives more gratifying and to gain better focus on communicating effectively.
So, what does a family therapy session entail? Professional therapists understand that every person has specific needs and each situation is different. Sessions, therefore, will vary based on what approach works best for you.
At Kayenta Therapy, therapists are trained in a wide range of specialties, including cognitive behavior (CBT), Gestalt, mindfulness-based (MBCT), Jungian, and many more. Each method addresses specific issues that are affecting your family’s life. Using different techniques and exercises, your therapist will thoughtfully guide you through what’s behind behavioral or emotional problems family members are coping with.
The goal of family therapy is to strengthen the family unit so everyone is better equipped to interact with one another and make decisions together. Here are just a few of the approaches a family therapist might use:
When you meet with a family therapist for the first time, you may feel an enormous sense of relief. The nurturing and non-judgmental environment can help you not only pinpoint problem areas, but also recognize and admire the strengths of the family unit. Learning to celebrate the good things and feel a stronger connection as a family is just one of the many joys of therapy.
There are many professionals practicing family therapy, and if you don’t feel a connection with the first one you meet with, keep looking! If you’re ready to find the right family therapist for you, browse our online directory and contact the therapist of your choosing to schedule your first session.
