How Does Family Therapy Work?

Good relationships require good communication, even when there is conflict. Yet many families don’t know how to talk to each other, especially when emotions like stress, anger, or grief are involved. During these times, family therapy is an essential tool that helps couples, parents, and children share emotions and resolve conflicts. Sessions are guided by psychologists, social workers, or therapists with extra training in family therapy such as our team of experts here at Elevate Rockwall. 

So how does family therapy work? This article will review the therapy types that might benefit your family.

What is Family Therapy?

​This type of psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, is provided by a psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed therapist. These professionals possess graduate or postgraduate degrees and may hold credentials from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). 

These sessions are usually short-term, include all family members or those who can or are willing to participate, and are designed for better communication and conflict resolution. The specific treatment plan depends on the family conflict and situation. Family therapy sessions can equip you with the mental and emotional skills to strengthen connections and navigate stressful times, even after you've completed the therapy sessions.

How Does a Family Therapy Work?

​Sessions usually last about 50 minutes to an hour. Family therapy is often short-term, typically around 12 sessions. However, the frequency of meetings and total sessions will depend on your family's specific situation and the therapist's recommendation. Family members typically attend therapy sessions together. 

However, a family member may attend sessions individually. During family therapy, you can expect to explore family roles, rules, and behavior patterns to identify strengths and resolve problems.

What are the Types of Family Therapy?

There are a variety of techniques used by mental health professionals. The type of therapy chosen depends on the needs and circumstances of your family. Moreover, therapists may combine various therapeutic approaches to find what works. Here are the most common forms of family therapy:

• Functional Family Therapy (FFT): evaluates the family dynamics causing a child's behavioral issues, focusing on family communication, better parenting skills, and positive reinforcement.
• Marriage Counseling/Couples Therapy: couples sessions mediated by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specifically trained to assist in identifying problems and finding solutions.
• Strategic Family Therapy: short-term therapy that analyzes the family structure, emphasizing behavioral changes in the family environment.
• Structural Family Therapy: uses direct interactions and conversation to bring about positive change.
• Systemic Family Therapy: considers and evaluates family issues contextually. For instance, the therapist will determine how each family member functions in this dynamic and how those attitudes affect their relationships.

What are the Benefits of Family Therapy?

Psychotherapy improves family relationships, leading to better functioning at work or school. Moreover, studies show that family therapy can treat mental and emotional conditions and health issues like adolescent substance use, depression, and obesity. After family therapy treatment, nearly 90% of people experienced better emotional health, and about 66% reported better overall physical health. About 73% of parents reported that their child's behavior improved.

If you're looking for a family therapist, give us a call at Elevate Rockwall to get started! Our team of local therapists provides high-quality counseling services to individuals, couples, teens, and children. We can help you improve family communication for a happy home environment.