Family counseling or family therapy is an important part of treatment. It is common for families to have communication barriers. In many cases, disputes arise.
As a result, a mutual agreement can hold everyone accountable. An agreement is essential to family therapy goals in any treatment model. However, an agreement within a family system often cannot be reached without assistance.
Family disagreements can stem from a mental health issue or substance abuse. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to attend to family communication. Family therapy goals can be achieved by working with a therapist or family counselor.
Family Therapy Goals Improve Relationships
In the US, family therapists treat approximately six million patients every year. It is considered a form of psychotherapy that deals with intimate problems within a familial unit. As a result, therapeutic support improves communication between family members. Family therapists use different counseling techniques to accomplish family therapy goals.
At Newport Academy, we utilize Attachment-Based Family Therapy, an evidence-based approach for treating depression and preventing suicide in adolescents. This therapeutic modality utilizes a structured methodology that focuses on revitalizing empathy and authentic connection within the parent-child relationship.
Individual Communication Improves the Family Dynamic
Family therapists meet with individual members, the family as a whole, or a combination. This allows each person to express his or her concerns. It also addresses the feelings on the group. Self-expression fosters empowerment within the family. In addition, it promotes family therapy goals.
For example, if one child suffers from depression, or struggles with addiction, a family therapist can help each member understand how to best help. As a result of family therapy goals being realized, families learn how their behavior can either hinder or benefit. Furthermore, by looking at relationship patterns, therapists can identify what will help the family achieve therapy goals. The idea is to support each family member’s emotional development.
These techniques are crucial. Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are common during the teen years. A therapeutic place for family discussion can safely reveal and address problems.
Divorce and Family Therapy Goals
In addition, about 40% to 50% of couples in the U.S. divorce, according to the American Psychological Association. Hence, marriage and family counseling can help couples work through problems. A permanent split could require family counseling. Therefore therapy is usually advisable because of the effect on the children.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2014 to 2024, the number of marriage and family counselors will increase by 19%. Also, it reports that there are 168,200 counselors in practice today. More therapists and counselors illustrate that more families need deeper support.
For decades, family therapy goals were not common. Problems were swept under the rug. This caused further damage to family systems. Today, as family therapy goals become a priority, therapy can happen before and not just after a divorce happens.
Family Therapy Goals Improve Quality of Life
There are more than 800,000 children seeking a family therapist’s expertise every year. In addition, there are approximately 500,000 families visiting professionals as well. The techniques family therapists use can change the way families communicate. It can improve the quality of each family member’s relationships and teach the family to live harmoniously.
Newport Academy believes in family therapy goals. This is because is helps clients to achieve sustainable happiness and recovery. To learn more about how we can help both teens and families, please contact us today. Realizing family therapy goals is only one step away.
Newport Academy has multiple family intervention options that can help you cope with the difficult issues.
For more information on family therapy and counseling, take a look at this infographic below:
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