Family therapy is often used when an individual has a problem that has started to affect the entire family. It combines individual therapy sessions with group sessions to address family-wide problems. All members of the family meet with the psycho analyst and are part of the therapy process. Here is what you should know before you begin this therapy.
When you should consider family therapy
Family therapy is a specific type of therapy that goes beyond addressing a problem at the individual level. It recognizes that the problem can impact other people in the family and may impact each member differently.
Problems with one family member may reflect larger problems within the family. Family therapy focuses on specific solutions with defined end goals. It requires everyone in the family to work together to support the person with the problem and follow the therapy
treatment recommended by the psycho analyst.
What you should expect
During family therapy, the psycho analyst generally meets with each individual separately as well as the family as a group. After a few meetings, the therapist will create a therapy treatment plan. The plan may include specific instructions for each family member, such as having an older sibling offer guidance when a younger sibling is acting out.
The therapy session can treat a variety of problems that may come up in families, such as conflicts among members or better methods of problem solving. It can also be used to help with depression, alcoholism, and drug abuse.
How to prepare for your session with the psycho analyst
It is important to let each family member know that they are not alone and that you are working as a group to make things better. This is especially important if you are going to family therapy to help a child. You do not want them to feel as if they have done something wrong.
This type of therapy works best if all family members are willing to meet with the psycho analyst. However, not all members have to attend every session. Your analyst will create a schedule so that everyone knows what they need to do. In some cases, family members will also be given assignments as part of therapy, such as communicating with each other about a specific topic.
Family therapy can be very beneficial as long as everyone in the family puts in the work. Look for a local therapist near you who specializes in this type of therapy or ask your doctor for a referral.