Group therapy is a type of family counseling.It is usually short-term and can teach families how to resolve conflicts and improve communication.Only willing family members can work with family counseling.Talk to your loved ones about attending if you are interested in this type of therapy.Start working on your issues with the help of a therapist.
Step 1: Have a discussion.
It might be difficult to get loved ones to attend family counseling together.If you want to convince your spouse, your parents, or your siblings, you need to have a frank talk.If you want to communicate with your loved ones, ask them to sit down.Let your loved ones know that you want to talk.I want to talk about something very important with you.They will be able to focus their attention and communicate that they should take what you have to say seriously.A good place to talk is when you choose a good time.When your loved ones are not busy, you can give them all your attention.After they return from work, you might approach them in the evening.Pick a time when your family members are at ease.If you are fighting, don't bring up the subject in public.
Step 2: If you want counseling, propose it.
If you want to propose family counseling, be direct and to-the-point.Prepare for a possible push-back.Try not to get angry or defensive when approaching the topic.Say something like, "Maria, I wonder if we might communicate better with some help."What do you think about family counseling?I only said this because I care about you and our relationship.If your loved ones don't like what you say, consider using "I" statements."I would really try and find a way to stop fighting with you, and I think having some help would be useful for me."This wording can help you express your feelings, but avoid language that blames others.
Step 3: Look for solutions.
If you focus on how it can solve problems, your loved ones will be more receptive to the idea of family counseling.Therapy will teach you to fix problems in your relationships and communication, rather than giving you the chance to vent your feelings.Point out that family therapy can show you problems in your behavior and family roles, instead of saying, "I want to go to counseling so you can understand me better."Family therapy can help you and your loved ones improve their ability to communicate and solve problems together.
Step 4: You can explore alternatives.
Your loved ones can either be receptive to counseling or not.Therapy can work if people are afraid, distrustful or skeptical.Don't lose hope even with a refusal.Other alternatives to family counseling can help improve your relationships.You can discuss the state of your relationship at a weekly family meeting.Listen to your loved ones feelings for 10 minutes every day.You can try self-help.Communication, conflict and power struggles in relationships are explored in books like Getting the Love You Want and The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.It is possible to seek counseling on your own.Every member of the family is responsible for the quality of relationships.Even if your other loved ones are not present, you can still learn.
Step 5: Decide what kind of program you need.
Family therapy can be used to deal with problems in family relationships.There are different focusesFor example, family therapists can help parents deal with a child who acts out or improve communication with their spouse.It depends on your needs.Do you have an at-risk child?There are family therapies for kids and adolescents who have behavioral problems.Does a family member have a drug or alcohol problem?Another focus of therapy could be this.When a family member has a mental or physical illness, there are family therapists who can help.
Step 6: Talk to a doctor.
If you wish to see a therapist, your primary care doctor should be able to refer you.You could also get advice from a psychologist, nurse, or social worker.Just ask.They should be able to help you find someone in your area.Ask a lot of questions about potential therapists.What are his or her credentials?Are they licensed and specialize in family therapy?Ask about location, availability, and format.How long is the family counseling session?What are the usual number of sessions?Is the therapist available during emergencies?Inquire about cost and insurance.How much does the therapist charge?Does she have to pay up front?Will she accept payment from you?
Step 7: You can search the internet.
Family therapists and family therapy resources can be found online.Go for a general search in your area.Family therapists in Baltimore should not neglect other specialized search engines.There are websites that can be used to find therapists around the country.A Therapy Group search engine can be found on Psychology Today's website.You can narrow the results by looking for specialists in things like divorce or family conflict.The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has a therapist locator.There are lists of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in your area.
Step 8: Ask about local organizations.
You can also consult with local health organizations in your area.Contact places like hospitals, mental health clinics, community centers, or even university counseling services to see if they offer family therapy sessions.You can either call or email.Ask your local hospital if they can provide family counseling services.Family therapy clinics can be found at places like the Rhode Island Hospital.Most universities have counseling services for students and staff.If you can make use of the programs at a college or university, contact them.
Step 9: The methods of therapy are discussed.
You will want to know how the therapist will use treatment methods.There are a number of techniques that family counseling can use.The method may be decided by the therapist.Ask if Structural Family Therapy is right for you.The therapy focuses on interactions in the group rather than on the individuals because it assumes that problems are inside of the family structure.The therapist is supposed to change the way the family interacts.You could also ask about Brief Strategic Therapy.This form of counseling tries to understand how the family interacts with a system.The therapist will try to identify problems and set goals for change with tasks for members to do outside of sessions.If you have an at-risk child, you should consider Functional Family Therapy.FFT tries to change the behavior of the family by focusing on the individual.Members can work on their parenting, communication, and problem solving skills.
Step 10: You should expect to participate.
The majority of people think that family counseling involves the entire family in the same room.This is only the beginning.Group sessions can be used for family therapy, but the therapist may want to meet individually with each member of the family.If you are part of the group, be prepared to participate.The counseling's success will be dependent on the cooperation of each member.The whole family can be together in sessions.You should expect to have full sessions in addition to some apart or in smaller groups with the therapist more often.It takes about 50 to 60 minutes to complete a session.Family therapy courses last no longer than 6 months.
Step 11: You can see yourself as a part of the unit.
One of the ideas behind family counseling is to see your family as a unit.People who are part of social groups and systems make up families.The behavior of other members of a family is influenced by each member of the family.Say that you are in therapy to deal with your child's behavioral issues.A therapist can help connect the child's problems to what he experiences as a member of the family.He may be doing poorly in school because a parent has been laid off, or he may act out because he is afraid his parents will divorce.Changing your behavior and relationships with other members of the group could be asked of you by a family therapist.She might ask you to change how you communicate.
Step 12: You should be prepared to learn about yourself and your family.
Family therapy needs to include exploration of you, your loved ones, and your roles in the larger unit of the family.Getting family counseling can teach you a lot about how you interact, express your thoughts and emotions, and solve or create conflicts.The therapist wants to help you see how you interact with your loved ones.What are the rules for the family?You can find ways to work out issues more effectively with this knowledge.The strengths and areas that need improvement can be pointed out by a therapist.You are loyal to each other, but do not express emotion easily.The therapist might encourage you to communicate more openly.Family therapy should help you find ways to cope with family conflict and gain a better sense of understanding with your loved ones.