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Family counseling, also known as family therapy, is a therapeutic approach that creates healthy and functional family relationships. The objective is to identify and address problems within the family, which can range from emotional and psychological to behavioral.

At Elevate Rockwall, we use a variety of treatment practices like family therapy, EDMR, and more to assist in recovery and healing. If you’ve ever wondered what is the purpose of family therapy and if it can help you and your loved ones, read on to find out more.

Family therapy principles are grounded in the family systems theory, which suggests that families are interconnected systems, rather than groups of individuals functioning independently. According to this theory, a change in one family member will invariably trigger changes in other aspects of the family. This understanding guides the therapeutic process and enhances the effectiveness of family therapy in resolving issues and creating healthier dynamics.

​Family therapy empowers families to navigate challenges, resolve problems, and strengthen the family unit. Often, families seek therapy in response to distressing circumstances such as a child's illness, addiction, behavioral problems, or relational disputes. These stressors exert immense strain on all family members.

While family therapy can’t eliminate these stressors, it can equip families with effective coping mechanisms. That often involves letting go of expectations while working towards a better future. 

When we strive to alter circumstances or people without first accepting the reality of 'what is', we risk heading in an unhelpful direction. However, by learning to acknowledge that, and consciously determining how we cope, relate, and respond to each other, we can alter the patterns of the family in constructive ways.

​Family therapy harnesses the power of relationships and love to promote the well-being of each member, thereby contributing to a healthier family. This treatment provides several benefits for your family’s well-being:

Family therapy sessions improve communication, clarify each family member's role, and foster an environment where everyone feels safe to express their concerns and difficulties. When the whole family comes together to communicate openly and share their worries, it paves the way for constructive problem-solving. A family counselor plays the pivotal role of an impartial mediator.

Parents often struggle to connect with their teenagers who prefer solitude or the company of their peers. During family therapy, parents and their teenage children can spend quality time together and discover shared interests. This joint effort strengthens bonds and enhances family relationships.

​Stress is a contributor to both physical and mental health issues. Family counseling involves discussions around stress-inducing family situations. A family counselor provides strategies for family members to cope with challenging circumstances. That leads to a less stressful life, significantly benefiting each member's physical and mental health.

​When marital conflicts become commonplace, they can be highly distressing for children. Family therapists can step in to mediate such situations. The goal of family therapy extends beyond resolving conflicts; it preserves the family unit and creates harmony at home.

Family therapy can improve their self-esteem and confidence by addressing any negative beliefs or emotions stemming from family issues. A family counselor helps each member identify their strengths, talents, and areas needing improvement. Acknowledging and appreciating contributions makes family members feel more valued and respected. That can boost their self-confidence and motivation to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Family counseling takes various forms, each tailored to different family dynamics and situations. Below, we list the common forms of family counseling.

Functional Family Therapy (FFT): A short-term therapeutic approach that targets adolescents with behavioral issues, FFT focuses on improving communication and support within the family.

Multisystemic Therapy (MST): An intensive family and community-based treatment that addresses the aspects of a teenager's environment contributing to their behavioral problems.

Transgenerational Therapy: Explores generational behavior patterns and beliefs, helping families understand and change negative patterns.

Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT): Targets family interactions contributing to a child's behavioral problems. It includes direct interventions to change these interactions.

Structural Therapy: Focuses on adjusting and strengthening the family system to ensure each member can interact effectively and satisfy their needs. The therapist often joins the family to engage and realign the family's structure.

Narrative Therapy: Helps families create new stories about their lives and relationships rather than negative narratives. It empowers families to identify and use their strengths and values to overcome challenges.

​Bowenian Therapy: Based on the idea that families are emotionally interconnected systems and that every member's behavior affects the others. It helps families reduce anxiety, increase differentiation, and resolve conflicts.

Each type of family therapy serves a unique purpose, but all share the same objective – to create healthy family relationships.

Family counseling addresses the root causes of family issues through various therapeutic interventions. Different family problems may necessitate specific types of therapy. When seeking a therapist, individuals should ensure that their insurance plan is accepted and that their policy covers the required service. Family therapy with our therapists at Elevate Rockwall creates healthier and stronger family relationships. Call us today and one of our therapists will reach out to you.

In Family-Based Treatment (FBT), the therapist plays a significant role as a guide and mentor, providing a solid framework for the family to navigate the challenges of eating disorders. They serve as a bridge between the family members, facilitating open dialogue and communication to ensure the treatment process is productive and beneficial. 

The therapist takes an empathetic and non-blaming approach, empowering parents and family members with the necessary skills and techniques to help their loved one recover. They help create a supportive environment that promotes positivity, understanding, and acceptance. That is essential in cultivating a sense of safety and trust within the family, fostering a better response.

Therapists at Elevate Rockwall use play therapy, EMDR, and a variety of other treatment modalities to treat children with eating disorders. Moreover, we dedicate our full attention to each session, ensuring confidentiality and respect for the patient and family members involved. 

Is family-based therapy effective? Yes. When the whole family is involved in the treatment, the child feels seen and secure and will have the confidence to defeat the eating disorder. Below, we will explore what you need to know about family-based therapy and how it can work for you and your child. 

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) has proven effective, especially in treating children and adolescents with eating disorders. The approach uses the family's strength and commitment to the child’s well-being and lets them participate in their recovery.

Research has shown that FBT can improve outcomes in eating disorder recovery. This form of therapy acknowledges how the family can influence to aid in their child's healing journey. However, the effectiveness of FBT is dependent on their collective effort, readiness to engage, and willingness to create change within the family dynamics. Family members must be proactive, supportive, and consistent for this treatment approach to succeed.

At Elevate Rockwall, our therapists are highly committed to providing quality services, thus enhancing the effectiveness of FBT. Here, patients and their families receive unconditional encouragement and undivided attention from the therapists, creating an environment conducive to healing and recovery.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a well-structured, phased approach to therapy involving the entire family. It includes regular meetings with a professional experienced in adolescent eating disorders and family interventions. In addition, your family gets various assignments to work on between sessions. This therapeutic approach occurs in three stages: the Engagement Phase, the Weight Restoration Phase, and the Behavioral Family Therapy Phase:

​This initial phase aims to build a therapeutic relationship between the child and the caregivers. The primary focus is on re-establishing healthy eating patterns and behaviors. As parents or guardians, you have complete control over the child's food intake. A qualified nutritionist or eating disorder specialist creates a meal plan for the child, which you must follow meticulously. You are given various tools and insights to assist you during this phase, with any arising issues addressed in the subsequent therapy sessions.

​The second phase centers around weight gain and maintaining a healthy weight. Although the child has more autonomy over their food choices, you remain the final authority on their diet. The entire family receives nutritional counseling, practical tips and tools to aid in meal planning with a significant emphasis on regular, healthy family meals. Moreover, you are taught how to sensitively monitor your child's weight and eating behaviors with a careful understanding of how intensely triggering it is for individuals struggling with eating disorders.

​Upon achieving stabilization in eating behaviors, the family is ready to begin the final phase of therapy - the Behavioral Family Therapy Phase. This stage addresses the psychological and emotional issues that may have contributed to the onset of the eating disorder. It helps the family understand the complex interplay between the eating disorder and emotional well-being, which creates effective coping strategies and resilience.

Family-Based Treatment addresses each aspect of the eating disorder, from reinstating healthy eating behaviors and ensuring physical recovery to tackling the root psychological issues while placing the family at the heart of this healing journey. Here are some other ways this approach differs from traditional eating disorder therapy:

• Family involvement in treatment. 
• Treatment includes family meals in the therapist’s office.
• Parents are active participants in recovery.
• Food is at the center of recovery.

With these treatment tools, family-based therapy reveals the profound influence of the family in the recovery journey of a child or adolescent with an eating disorder. It emphasizes the potential of every family to become agents of positive change and healing with guidance and tools.

Family-based therapy has proven effective for many families who have seen improvements in recovery rates. As a collaborative approach, it gets the family to work together towards a shared goal of healing and recovery. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, take the first step today and talk to someone in recovery or simply learn more about the holistic eating disorder recovery programs we offer. At Elevate Rockwall, therapists use FBT and other practices, to provide the highest quality counseling services. With our commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and unconditional positive regard, we support patients and their families throughout their recovery journey. Call us today and one of our therapists will reach out to you.

Depression is a pervasive mental health condition affecting an estimated 17 million American adults, and it can be challenging to navigate. Fortunately, various treatment options are available that can make a significant difference in overcoming this debilitating condition.

Therapy has proven effective for countless individuals suffering from depression. In this blog post, we will explore the different types available and how they can help you cope with depression more effectively than relying solely on medication or attempting to address your symptoms alone.

It's crucial to learn more about depression to understand the symptoms and how it affects you. Depression is a mental disorder that can cause sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. It can also lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, or changes in appetite.

It's essential to find the right treatment for depression, as not all treatments work the same for everyone. Seeking help from a mental health professional like our licensed therapists at Elevate Rockwall is crucial in finding the best approach to manage your depression.

Remember, depression can be different for each person. However, most will have some of these symptoms:

• Feelings of sadness of emptiness
• Sense of guilt or worthlessness
• Feeling helplessness or hopelessness
• Irritability and rage
• Exhaustion
• Hypersomnia or insomnia
• Changes in appetite
• Somatic symptoms like headache or chronic pain
• Disinterest in hobbies
• Withdrawal from socializing
• Suicidal ideation

Treating depression involves a multi-faceted approach that combines various treatment options, tailored to address the specific needs of each individual. Antidepressants are frequently used to treat depression. These drugs are specifically designed to adjust chemical imbalances in the brain that result in depressive symptoms.

While these medications can ease feelings of sadness or hopelessness for many people, it's important not to rely solely on them as a cure-all. Alongside pharmacological interventions, engaging in mental health counseling or psychotherapy can provide vital coping strategies and help develop healthier thought patterns through techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy.

Additionally, implementing mindfulness practices into your daily routine can improve overall mood regulation while participating in support groups offers invaluable connections with others who understand firsthand what living with depression entails.

When discussing mental health treatment options for depression, it's essential to understand the differences between counseling and psychotherapy. Counseling typically focuses on providing short-term guidance in dealing with specific issues or stressors in one's life. For example, a counselor might help a client navigate relationship troubles, career changes, or grief.

In contrast, psychotherapy delves deeper into an individual's thought patterns and behaviors through long-term sessions. In some cases of depression treatment, people may benefit from both psychological counseling and psychotherapeutic interventions. Each person experiences depression differently; thus, working with a mental health professional is crucial for determining the most effective approach tailored to your unique needs.

​Therapy can be an effective way to help you cope with depression and improve your overall mental health. A psychotherapist works alongside you, helping to identify the root causes of your depression symptoms and providing the tools to manage these feelings in everyday life.

There are various types of therapy available for individuals looking to combat their depressive symptoms. A common practice is mindfulness meditation – a technique that helps people become more present in their current experiences rather than dwelling on past or future concerns.

This form of mental wellness exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels and cultivate emotional resilience over time. In-person therapy may not always be feasible for everyone; however, online mental health resources have made treatment more convenient than ever before. Many therapists offer virtual consultations via video calls or text-based platforms, ensuring help remains available regardless of geographical barriers.

In conclusion, therapy can be a vital component in helping individuals cope with depression and achieve recovery. By learning more about their condition, finding the right treatment, and focusing on coping strategies beyond medication alone, those suffering from depression can take steps toward improving their mental health and emotional well-being.

Taking advantage of resources such as SAMHSA's National Helpline (800-662-HELP) can provide you with information on treatment options and support services available.

Another beneficial method involves speaking with therapists who are trained professionals to help manage mood-boosting techniques as well as symptom management plans tailored specifically for you. 

The aim here should be to gain an understanding of what depression means for you personally so that together we can identify the most appropriate approach towards relief from its debilitating effects by finding the right treatment while being conscious of not relying on medication but incorporating ways to reduce symptoms and foster wellness.

Depression is a complex illness, and there are no catch-all solutions. Herbal supplements or alternative therapies may have some benefits for certain individuals but should never replace evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy. Remember that managing depression isn't just about finding the right medication – it's about creating a holistic plan that incorporates self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating habits, and good sleep hygiene alongside therapeutic support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, contact us at Elevate Rockwall Counseling Group and schedule an appointment. Our counseling services for individuals and couples focus on helping clients make lasting changes in their behavior.

Parents and educators seeking effective ways to support children's emotional well-being employ play therapy. There are different types of play therapy available, including child-centered play therapy and school-based registered play therapist interventions. Play therapy sessions led by trained professionals like our licensed therapists at Elevate Rockwall, offer numerous benefits.

This blog post will examine the various forms and techniques of play therapy and how it helps children overcome psychosocial issues. Finally, we'll explore some popular play therapy techniques licensed mental health professionals use with young clients.

Play therapy is a powerful method many therapists use that involves various activities and games to uncover and deal with psychological issues. Play therapy may be employed singularly or with additional therapies and medications to help children express themselves through play, granting therapists a better understanding of their emotions and circumstances to give them the necessary assistance. 

This method helps therapists better understand children's feelings and experiences, ultimately providing the support they need. Additionally, play therapy enables kids to comprehend and process their feelings, helping them cultivate beneficial coping mechanisms. Let's explore play therapy in greater detail.

Children often struggle to process emotions or articulate their problems to adults. Play therapy can help. Trained therapists observe and gain insights into a child's issues through playtime activities, and help them explore emotions and deal with unresolved trauma. According to Healthline, various licensed mental health professionals practice play therapy, including psychologists, psychiatrists, behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers.

Play therapy helps kids comprehend and communicate emotions, and build become better problem-solvers. Moreover, it can be tailored to each child's needs. Below we will explore the types of play therapy available.

In play therapy, therapists use two main approaches: Directive Play Therapy and Non-directive Play Therapy. In Directive Play Therapy, the therapist guides the child through specific activities to help them express themselves. This approach is more structured and goal-oriented. Non-directive Play Therapy allows children to engage in their preferred activities with minimal interference from the therapist. This approach fosters a more natural expression of emotions and thoughts.

Additionally, play therapy can be a potent way for kids to communicate, comprehend their feelings, and gain coping mechanisms.

Play therapy offers numerous benefits for children, with studies reporting that up to 71% of children experience positive change. Some advantages of this type of therapy are that children become more responsible for their behaviors, develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills, build self-respect, gain empathy towards others, alleviate anxiety, enhance emotional expression, improve social skills, and strengthen family relationships. 

Moreover, play therapy boosts language development and motor skills. It is important to note that play therapy should not replace necessary treatments or medications but can be used with other therapies.

The benefits of play therapy are vast, and the techniques used to implement it can be just as beneficial. By exploring various play therapy techniques, we can gain further insight into how this treatment maximizes its potential for helping children with their emotional needs.

In play therapy, various techniques are employed depending on the child's needs and preferred types of play. Sessions are about 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the therapist creates a secure atmosphere for the child to interact with toys while they observe. As comfort levels increase, more targeted activities may be introduced; common techniques include building blocks, art projects, sand play, board games, doll or puppet play, tea parties, card games like chess or checkers, hide-and-seek, and LEGO play.

Play therapy is a powerful tool for helping children understand their emotions and build healthier relationships.

Play therapy is a valuable method for addressing psychological issues in children used alongside other therapies and medications. To maximize its benefits, seek a licensed mental health professional experienced in play therapy. You can ask your pediatrician or primary care doctor for referrals or search for a credentialed registered play therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy.

There are various types of play therapy, including non-directive, directive, and group play therapy. Play therapy enhances verbal expression, creates a higher sense of self-worth, and reduces stress. Play therapists use techniques such as sand play, art therapy, and storytelling to facilitate healing in children.

If you want to learn more about Play Therapy for Children or explore options for your child's mental health needs, contact our team of licensed experts at Elevate Rockwall to schedule an appointment.

Family therapy often prompts the question of the role a counselor plays in addressing psychological well-being. This pivotal inquiry frequently arises when families contemplate seeking mental health treatment.

To further understand family therapy, this blog post will delve into its purpose and examine the role of a counselor in guiding families through therapeutic processes.

Family therapy is a method used to develop and maintain healthy and functional family relationships. It seeks to find the emotional, psychological, or behavioral problems within a family. In family therapy, a counselor or therapist plays a crucial role in helping families overcome challenges and fostering better communication skills among all members.

Family therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on helping families work through challenges and conflicts that arise in their lives. These issues can affect all aspects of a family member's life, including work, school, and everyday interactions with others. 

When problems within the family become too overwhelming to handle alone, it's time to seek assistance from a professional therapist. They can provide guidance on managing struggles effectively and addressing conflicts between family members, substance abuse concerns, mental health issues among relatives, or children's behavioral difficulties at school or with extended family.

The role of the counselor in family therapy is to facilitate communication and understanding between family members. They act as a neutral third party, helping each member of the family to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. 

The counselor also helps the family to identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to the problems they are experiencing. By working together, the family can develop new ways of interacting with each other that promote healing and growth.

A family counselor is a trained professional, like our licensed therapists at Elevate Rockwall who assists couples or families to resolve their mental and emotional issues in an effective way. They are trained to diagnose disorders and provide effective treatment measures, enabling families to resolve their issues in a healthy manner. Family counselors play an essential role in today's society by offering support and guidance when individuals cannot effectively address their concerns independently.

Family counselors are essential in modern times, helping people and families tackle problems that may be hard to confront without help. A family counselor typically meets with family members, diagnoses their mental or emotional problems, and provides effective treatment over time.

There are various approaches to family therapy, each addressing specific issues and dynamics within the family unit. Some popular types include:

• Functional family therapy: Focused on families with a child or adolescent experiencing emotional or behavioral problems, this approach helps families develop strategies for managing these challenges.
• Multisystemic therapy: This method addresses both individual and broader issues related to children's behavior, aiming to improve overall functioning in different areas of their lives.
• Transgenerational therapy: By examining interactions across generations, therapists can understand how past responses influence current behaviors and predict future patterns.
• Brief strategic family therapy: A time-limited intervention targeting problematic interaction patterns between family members that contribute to youths' symptoms.
• Structural therapy: This approach focuses on resolving problems arising from the overall structure of the family rather than specific behaviors causing difficulties.

If you’re wondering “what is the role of the counselor in family therapy,” then you might already know you want to see one. However, you should think about several different factors before choosing one.

What is the role of the counselor in family therapy? It’s simply to allow your family to talk in a safe space. Family therapy is a form of counseling that can help your family grow.

A family therapist's job is to help the entire family unit by providing assistance and guidance, to facilitate improved communication, conflict resolution, and strengthened relationships. Contact our experts at Elevate Rockwall, we are here to help.