Family Counselling
What is family counselling
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to minimise distress and conflict by enhancing interactions between family members. Ideally, all family members affected by the situation should be in the same room; however, this is not always possible. Family therapy differs from individual counselling in perspective or framework, not necessarily in the number of participants.
Instead than focusing on a single individual's role in an issue, family counselling examines problems as patterns or systems that require adjustment. For this reason, it is commonly known as "strengths-based treatment." Solid family relationships are crucial to the mental health of each family member as a whole. This practice can assist family members in adjusting to, for instance, a family member's addiction, medical condition, or mental health diagnosis, as well as a new member of the family or some separation (divorce, empty nest, etc). Additionally, it can be utilised to enhance communication and lessen conflict.
What happens in Family Counselling
Family counselling sessions are often lengthier and begin with a 90-minute assessment session that focuses on the entire family. The counsellor assists each family member in talking about their experiences with the family and therefore creating a goal for counselling. The counsellor's primary goal is to assist the family in understanding how they interact with one another, identifying unhealthy/unhelpful patterns, and understanding how each individual's behaviour influences and is influenced by the family.
The counsellor assists family members in becoming more aware of each other and the system, adopting more helpful patterns, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. For this goal, the counsellor use a number of tools and strategies, and frequently coaches the family and gives homework as needed.
Weekly sessions are usually held, and the entire family is required (but this can vary depending on the circumstances) to attend all of them. The counsellor may meet with each client separately at times, but the focus is on the family as a whole. If necessary, the counsellor may refer one or more to solo or couple counselling. Family counselling relationships can last anywhere between 2 and 8 sessions on average.
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What are the outcomes of Family Counselling
Families in counselling often manage better with concerns, form stronger bonds with one another, and are more resilient when faced with problems.
