Family counseling, also known as family therapy, is a psychotherapy approach geared to helping families and couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. With the help of a trained mental health professional, families and couples are joined together to process, identify, and address issues that may be affecting the relationship dynamic and causing stress, tension, or dysfunction.
Family counseling works by providing a safe and supportive space for family members to communicate, and understand each other's perspectives.
In online family therapy, a therapist will meet with multiple members of the family (either in the same physical or different locations) to identify patterns of interaction that may be contributing to the problems they are experiencing and help them develop new strategies and skills to improve communication, build trust, and strengthen relationships. Family therapy can involve all members of the family or just some members depending on the specific needs and goals of the family. Telehealth family therapy is more convenient and accessible for families who may not live in the same area.
Family counseling is helpful in addressing a wide range of relationship issues, such as communication problems, parenting difficulties, behavioral issues with children, marital problems, divorce, and dealing with major life transitions such as the birth of a child, the death of a family member, or a move to a new home.
This is a collaborative therapy approach for those who are willing and committed to improving the overall quality and dynamic in their relationships. Family counseling works best when all members work together for a common cause and resolution. It's important to note that this form of treatment may not be suitable for all couples or families, particularly those with severe mental health issues or in crisis situations.
During a family or couples session, a therapist will meet with the members of the couple or family (either in the same physical or different locations) to identify patterns of interaction that may be contributing to the problems they are experiencing and help develop new strategies and skills to improve communication, build trust, and strengthen the relationship dynamics. Family counseling can involve all members of the family or just some members depending on the specific needs and goals of the family.
Some common reasons why people may seek family counseling include:
- Communication problems: When family members struggle to communicate effectively, misunderstandings can occur, leading to conflict and tension.
- Parenting difficulties: Parents may seek family counseling to learn strategies for dealing with challenging behavior from their children, or to address differences in parenting styles.
- Behavioral issues with children: When young or adult children struggle with emotional or behavioral issues, family counseling can help parents and other family members support the child and work together to address the problem.
- Marital problems: Couples may seek family counseling to work through issues such as infidelity, communication problems, or differences in values or priorities.
- Divorce or separation: Family counseling can help families navigate the difficult process of divorce or separation and develop strategies for co-parenting.
- Major life transitions: Families may seek counseling to help them cope with major life changes such as the birth of a new baby, a move to a new home, or the death of a family member.
Online family counseling works in the same way as in-person therapy, with the therapist and family members meeting regularly to discuss issues, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve set goals.
In the initial stage of family counseling, a therapist meets with all the parties individually to conduct a mental health assessment and collaboratively determine if this is a recommended treatment approach. A therapist will inquire about each person’s individual history as well as stressors contributing to any disruption in the family dynamic. After an assessment is completed and it’s determined that this is an appropriate fit, the couple or family can begin joint services.
During a family counseling session, the therapist invites all parties to join using their smartphone, tablet or laptop and utilizes various evidenced based techniques, which may include screen-sharing or interactive exercises, to facilitate communication and engagement during the session. The family or couple will have the opportunity to practice new strategies in a safe environment and receive feedback from the therapist in the session.
A study in the Journal of Family Psychology showed that teletherapy was as effective as in-person therapy for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among family members and caregivers.
The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy also found that teletherapy was as effective as in-person therapy in improving relationship satisfaction, reducing distress, and increasing communication and intimacy in couples and families. It noted that teletherapy was more convenient and accessible for participants, particularly for those who lived in rural or remote areas.
The effectiveness of family counseling can depend on various factors, including the severity of the issues, the level of commitment and engagement of the family members, and the skill and experience of the therapist. Some families may require more intensive or long-term therapy to achieve their goals, while others may see significant improvements after just a few sessions.
Medicaid will typically cover family counseling as a form of mental health treatment. However, coverage and eligibility can vary by state and individual circumstances, so it's important to confirm if family counseling is covered and what services are available. In some cases, Medicaid may require a referral to access family counseling services.
Some Medicare plans cover outpatient mental health services, including marriage and family therapy, when they are provided by a Medicare-approved provider.
All Individuals can begin marriage and family therapy at Brave Health after completing an initial mental health assessment. In just one hour, our therapists will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s health and well-being, helping to create a tailor-made treatment plan that specifically caters to their individual needs.
Families are not able to see the same therapist for individual counseling, it must be different for each member and will not be the same as the family therapist.
