By Krystal Branch
Family therapy refers to a form of psychological counseling which is done so that there is improvement of communication between family members. It also enables them to solve conflicts easily. It is normally short term and could include some or all members of the family. Marriage counseling is also known as couples therapy and helps different couples to solve conflicts and improve relationships. It is also short term and mostly includes both partners. When looking for the services of a marriage and family therapist, one should know their scope of work and what to expect.
People that go for family therapy mainly do so for enhancement of relationships that are troubled. The conflict may be between partners, children and parents or other family members. Some of the problems dealt with are marital and financial issues, conflicts between parents and their children and even mental illness and drug abuse. In the event that an individual suffers from mental illness, they would have to seek other forms of treatment in addition to counseling.
In case of addiction, the therapist will advise that the affected individual undergoes residential treatment. There even are instances when other members of the family participate in therapy without the affected individual seeking treatment. Therapists in this field will help in any situations that cause grief, conflict, stress or anger. Those involved will understand each other better and develop a closer relationship.
One main advantage of this form of therapy is that it enables those concerned to develop proper problem solving techniques. They will also be able to openly express their thoughts and emotions whenever they feel like. Family roles and patterns of behavior are explored in a way that the issues contributing to conflict are reviewed and sorted out. Further, those involved will understand and accept their strengths and weaknesses.
With marriage counseling, people in all kinds of relationships can get help. These include those in homosexual or heterosexual relationships, those that are married and even the unmarried. Counseling does not however only come in handy when there are problems. There are those that go for it as a way of strengthening bonds between them and so that they are able to understand each other better. Premarital counseling helps those that are about to get married to develop deeper understanding and learn techniques of conflict resolution.
Counseling for married persons also comes in handy in the event of domestic abuse. This will however be useful when the violence has not escalated too much. When violence exceeds certain limits, such therapy alone would not work. Therapists will advice that the affected persons contact the police or the relevant authorities.
Getting the best therapist is a very important step. Primary care doctors usually give recommendations on the best therapists so that their patients get the best services. The other option is to get recommendations from relatives or friends who may be conversant with such information.
A marriage and family therapist is therefore an important professional. One should check that they have the right education standards. Checking their previous records will also give an insight on their ability to deliver services. Cost of their services will need to be considered too.
People that go for family therapy mainly do so for enhancement of relationships that are troubled. The conflict may be between partners, children and parents or other family members. Some of the problems dealt with are marital and financial issues, conflicts between parents and their children and even mental illness and drug abuse. In the event that an individual suffers from mental illness, they would have to seek other forms of treatment in addition to counseling.
In case of addiction, the therapist will advise that the affected individual undergoes residential treatment. There even are instances when other members of the family participate in therapy without the affected individual seeking treatment. Therapists in this field will help in any situations that cause grief, conflict, stress or anger. Those involved will understand each other better and develop a closer relationship.
One main advantage of this form of therapy is that it enables those concerned to develop proper problem solving techniques. They will also be able to openly express their thoughts and emotions whenever they feel like. Family roles and patterns of behavior are explored in a way that the issues contributing to conflict are reviewed and sorted out. Further, those involved will understand and accept their strengths and weaknesses.
With marriage counseling, people in all kinds of relationships can get help. These include those in homosexual or heterosexual relationships, those that are married and even the unmarried. Counseling does not however only come in handy when there are problems. There are those that go for it as a way of strengthening bonds between them and so that they are able to understand each other better. Premarital counseling helps those that are about to get married to develop deeper understanding and learn techniques of conflict resolution.
Counseling for married persons also comes in handy in the event of domestic abuse. This will however be useful when the violence has not escalated too much. When violence exceeds certain limits, such therapy alone would not work. Therapists will advice that the affected persons contact the police or the relevant authorities.
Getting the best therapist is a very important step. Primary care doctors usually give recommendations on the best therapists so that their patients get the best services. The other option is to get recommendations from relatives or friends who may be conversant with such information.
A marriage and family therapist is therefore an important professional. One should check that they have the right education standards. Checking their previous records will also give an insight on their ability to deliver services. Cost of their services will need to be considered too.