Family therapy
Our behaviors and state of mind occur in the context of those around us. When one member of the family is struggling, the entire family is affected.
People come to family therapy for a variety of reasons. Mental health issues, unhealthy communication patterns, or distressing life transitions such as divorce, remarriage is often helped by family therapy. Similarly, child behavioral and emotional concerns are also addressed most effectively when the entire family benefits from therapy.
People come to family therapy for a variety of reasons. Mental health issues, unhealthy communication patterns, or distressing life transitions such as divorce, remarriage is often helped by family therapy. Similarly, child behavioral and emotional concerns are also addressed most effectively when the entire family benefits from therapy.
Understanding the context of your family
Context organizes us - our thoughts feelings and behaviors operate within a context of our relationships with others and our environment.
The family is our primary context and is continuously changing and transforming. Pressures can form from both within and outside the family unit. Therapy can provide education and assistance in managing changes and challenges. Through successful therapy sessions, relationships can heal, the family can identify its strengths and weaknesses and work within the context to cope with challenging situations as well as foster resilience and togetherness. |
Family therapy sessions may focus on:
- Improving communication strategies
- Solving interpersonal problems such as conflict or abuse
- Coping with challenging issues that affect the whole family
- Building an emotionally healthier home environment
- Exploring family roles, rules, and behavior
- Teaching parents how to manage child behavior problems
Family therapy for child behavior or emotional issues
If your child is struggling with behavior or emotional issues not only is the child distressed, but the entire family is affected. Children with oppositional disorders can be very difficult to manage and the parents may not know how to help them. In this case a family-based intervention includes psychotherapy and training for the child as well as the rest of the family. Behavior disorders are unique as they occur in the context of a family unit. If the child is to be helped, the entire family must be involved.
Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression/sadness, or obsessive-compulsive disorder also occur in children. Contrary to what some parents think, emotional difficulties in children are not just a phase that he or she will grow out of. Children with emotional disorders benefit from therapy to help them learn how to manage their thoughts and feelings. In the case of young children, the behavior of the parents and siblings can help or hinder the child’s progress. Learning coping skills and healthy communication strategies as well as understanding the child’s issues and where they are coming from improves the situations for the child and the entire family.
Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression/sadness, or obsessive-compulsive disorder also occur in children. Contrary to what some parents think, emotional difficulties in children are not just a phase that he or she will grow out of. Children with emotional disorders benefit from therapy to help them learn how to manage their thoughts and feelings. In the case of young children, the behavior of the parents and siblings can help or hinder the child’s progress. Learning coping skills and healthy communication strategies as well as understanding the child’s issues and where they are coming from improves the situations for the child and the entire family.
What happens in a family therapy session
Family therapy offers a holistic approach to develop a supportive environment that will reduce stress at home and create a space for growth and wellbeing. A family therapy session offers the space to express concerns and emotions in a safe place.
In a therapy session, the goal is to help family members understand each other’s concerns as well and teach skills to bring about a more nurturing and supportive family environment. Each family is unique and the therapist will tailor the therapeutic approach according to their needs. |
We have experiences therapists in our five different locations within the metropolitan Chicago area that can help your family deal with a variety of issues and challenges.
Child behavior and/or emotional problems as well as issues challenging the marital relationship can be addressed in a safe and nurturing environment. Help is available with family therapy in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Bannockburn, and Libertyville. |
Proudly powered by Weebly