Family therapy seeks to improve communication and resolve conflicts within a family unit. There are a variety of different approaches used. The length and phases of family therapy can vary depending on the approach used and the dynamics of your family. Read on to learn more about how it works, the benefits and how to go about finding a therapist, so you can make an informed decision.

How Does Family Therapy Work? 

Family therapy is based on the view that we cannot be fully understood in isolation from our family unit. The family is seen as an interconnected system where each member's behaviors and emotions affect the whole. Issues can only be fully understood in relation to one another.

The main objective of family therapy is to facilitate change and development in the family system. This involves improving the interactions between family members and addressing issues that disrupt family functioning.

Family therapy is a collaborative process ideally involving all relevant family members working with a trained, licensed family counselor. Maintaining flexible timelines is key to permit the therapy to be adapted to the specific needs and progress of each family.

Typically there are three phases to the work, as follows:

Phase 1: Assessment and Therapeutic Alliance 

Duration: 1-3 sessions

The therapist observes interactions, gathers family history, and understands individual perspectives. In this phase, therapists:

• Assess the family dynamics. How members are interacting
• Identify the problems by helping bring out the main and secondary issues
• Establish a trusted therapeutic alliance with all family members
• Gather information as needed 
• Set goals together with the members

Phase 2: Intervention and Change

Duration: 5-20+ sessionsThis is the core of the therapy, where specific interventions are applied by the therapist to address the identified issues. The therapist works with the family to:

• Develop new communication patterns to strengthen how the family interacts
• Resolve conflicts as they arise
• Work towards goals and tool building that members can use at home
• Alter dysfunctional behaviors such as interrupting, talking over, being defensive

Phase 3: Consolidation and Termination

Duration: 1-3 sessionsThe focus lies in consolidating gains, ensuring that positive changes are maintained, and preparing the family for the end of therapy, including applying tools. Therapists help the family plan for:

• The transition home
• The future
• Anticipating potential relapse into old patterns
• Developing strategies for independent problem-solving

Ongoing Evaluation

Throughout all phases, the therapist conducts ongoing assessment of the family dynamics and communication patterns. Therapists continuously evaluate progress and, if necessary, adjust the therapeutic approach based on the family's evolving needs and dynamics.While work within these phases varies with the type of family therapy, the overall goals remain the same: 

• Facilitate positive change
• Enhance communication
• Promote understanding within the family unit 

What Can Family Therapy Help With? 

Family therapy isn't confined to families in severe crisis or those with extreme dysfunction. Instead, it offers valuable insights and strategies to a wide array of families, from those grappling with everyday stressors to those facing complex interpersonal issues. Family therapy can help with the following kinds of issues:

• A teen with behavioral issues
• A teen with mental health challenges
• A teen with substance abuse challenges
• Communication issues between teens and parents or siblings
• High conflict levels with teens
• Significant transitions like divorce or marriage
• Blended families
• Trauma or loss

And family therapy is not just for families in acute distress, but is a beneficial resource for any family seeking to improve their relationships, communication, and overall functioning. 

Benefits of Family Counseling 

There are many benefits to family counseling including:

Improve Communication

• Enhance the clarity, effectiveness, and openness of communication among family members.

Resolve Conflicts

• Equip families with strategies to manage and resolve disputes, reducing tension and promoting harmony

Strengthen Family Bonds

• Enhance the emotional connections between family members, fostering a sense of belonging and support

Address Behavioral Issues

• Work collaboratively to modify harmful or disruptive behaviors, improving the well-being of the family and individual members.

Support Through Transitions

• Assist families in navigating life changes, minimizing stress and ensuring a smooth adaptation process.

Enhance Parenting Skills

• Provide parents with the tools and insights needed to raise their children effectively, aligning on parenting approaches and values.

Facilitate Individual Growth Within the Family

• Encourage personal development while ensuring that individual growth benefits the family system as a whole.

Heal from Trauma

• Address and heal from family-wide or individual traumas that affect the family dynamics.

Build Resilience

• Strengthen the family's ability to cope with future challenges, promoting adaptability and resilience.

Promote Understanding and Empathy

• Deepen family members' understanding of each other's perspectives, experiences, and feelings, enhancing empathy.

Finding The Right Family Therapist 

There are a number of factors to consider in your search:

• Define what your main issues and objectives are
• Inform yourself on different types of family therapy. There are many.
• Discuss with other family members why this would be beneficial
• Try and gain their buy-in before proceeding too far but be aware there are often one or two members who may be resistant or even hostile. Carry on without them to start.
• Understand your insurance and consider your finances
• Ask for referrals from trusted people you know
• Start by searching locally through various resources
• Search online for qualified therapists
• Consider searching with national organizations
• Create a list of questions to ask prospective therapists
  
  

Interview your prospective therapist and ask your questions. It’s your right to have clear, understandable answers. Don’t be afraid to shop around first. Look for someone you and other family members may be comfortable with. Most therapists will offer one or two sessions before you decide. It’s a big decision so don’t be afraid to try several before settling on one. 

Family Focused Care for Teens in Florida 

At Lotus Behavioral Health our focus is on renewing and restoring wholeness for teens and their families. Our addiction treatment programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. We provide supervised care at our Florida residential treatment center or flexible outpatient services to meet teens and their families at all stages of recovery.

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