Common Reasons for Family Counseling

Family connections are crucial to the development of humans and societies, but no family is without troubles, and one of the best ways for families to cope with and manage problems is through family therapy.

Many families are realizing the benefits of seeking professional help. More and more families are seeking family therapy in Chicago, IL, and throughout the United States.

family therapy in Chicago

Since 1970 there has been a 50-fold increase in the number of marriage and family therapists, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. At any given time they are treating over 1.8 million people.

Therapists can help every member of the family in times of major crises, as well as helping family members cope and manage everyday stressors.

Some common types of family therapy approaches are:

  • Strategic Therapy
  • Systemic Therapy
  • Structural Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Bowenian Therapy
  • Transgenerational Therapy

Problems may be major ones such as financial issues, betrayal, substance abuse, and mental and physical illnesses. Families also grapple with everyday conflict such as

Problems may be major ones such as financial issues, betrayal, substance abuse, and mental and physical illnesses. Families also grapple with everyday conflict such as

How Family Counseling Can Help

Situations in which your family may need counseling to enhance the family unit and overall well-being include:

Poor Family Communication

Poor communication patterns in a family lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. Positive communication strengthens the bonds, builds a sense of safety, and allows for forgiveness. A therapist can teach you communication skills, especially during times of conflict; set goals for each member and the family; and guide you through the resolution of underlying issues and ongoing conflict.

Siblings Issues

Sibling rivalry is a common family problem. Grudges, jealousy, competition, close quarters, age differences, sharing, and complaints of unfair treatment are some reasons for siblings to bicker and get into full-blown fights. Therapists have a deep understanding of child and teen behavior and family dynamics. They can equip parents and children with skills to manage behavior and conflict.

Low-Self Esteem

Healthy self-esteem is vital to coping with the difficult situations of life. Children who lack self-esteem are at a greater risk of peer pressure, unhealthy relationships, poor school and work performance, and stress. Experts say children whose parents have low self-esteem are more likely to suffer themselves. A family therapist can help family members reframe their thoughts and feel better about themselves.

Disconnect

In the electronic era, people turn to gadgets rather than their family members. The emotional and mental separation of family members means the crucial family support system may be missing. Trust and connection must be there to help each other weather the storms of life. The feelings of acceptance and empathy give way to anger and anxiety. Family counselors can help people strengthen their bonds and cope with issues, thereby fostering happiness in the family.

Divorce or Separation

Seeing a family counselor can help save the family or provide a roadmap during and after the divorce. Sessions can allow family members to identify the root cause of conflicts, and find resolution and healing.

Family therapy aims to improve communication, resolve issues between family members, deal with family distress, and create a positive environment at home. If you also want to ameliorate troubled relationships, seek a family psychotherapist.

Author Bio:  Sunny Skousen’s aim as a Professional Content Curator is to engage and influence her audience with thoughtful and research-based blogs. She specializes in writing about Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Grief/Loss and Trauma, and more!

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