Family relationships are full of opportunities to grow. Each of us experiences life in different ways, the result being that sometimes we may feel misunderstood by or disconnected from the people closest to us. If you are currently experiencing stress, conflict, or isolation in your home, or if your family has recently been through a loss or big change, chances are your family could benefit from seeing a therapist.
A family therapist is a neutral outsider who will observe your family to assess how the group functions as a whole, as well as to identify each individual family member’s needs and communication styles. Whether your family is seeking assistance to navigate a specific situation or simply wants to learn how to communicate and resolve conflict more effectively, family therapy is an excellent resource for creating a cohesive family unit.
Still unsure? Keep reading for 10 Very Good Reasons To See A Family Therapist.
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Dealing with loss. The emotions we experience during times of grief are intense, far-ranging, and often confusing. We may feel extreme sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief that someone or something close to us is gone. Seeking the help of a therapist can help ensure that each member of your family feels supported, which will help everyone involved as you move through the mourning process.
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Depression, anxiety, or mental illness. If one family member is experiencing mood swings, emotional unrest, or mental instability, chances are the rest of the family is also being affected. When this happens, a therapist may be very helpful in teaching you to navigate the situation. Instead of pulling away from one another, your family can learn to support each other, to take responsibility for your role in the family, and to recognize that each individual affects the group dynamic.
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Substance abuse or addiction. When one family member suffers from substance abuse or addiction, the entire family is affected. The experience can leave families in disarray, with the children of an addict being the most affected. A family counselor is an excellent resource to help you and your family come to terms with a loved one’s addiction and learn strategies for continuing daily life.
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Separation or divorce. One of the biggest challenges posed to a family at this time is divorce. Oftentimes, this experience causes families to feel as if the world has been turned upside down. New homes, new routines, a new dynamic between parents, all of these will affect children and adults alike. A family therapist can be an important part of learning to remain whole and intact even during a separation.
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Infidelity. Infidelity is one of the most common reasons couples seek out counseling today. In long-term relationships, infinitely can manifest in many forms and the reasons behind it are numerous and varied. However, the good news is that with the help of a therapist, most couples not only recover but grow stronger and closer together after this experience. Don’t be afraid to seek the support of a therapist to help you and your partner rebuild your relationship in a brand new light.
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The blended family. In today’s world, creating a blended family is becoming more and more common. When two people come together, chances are one of them may have children from a previous relationship and challenges may arise. A family therapist is available during this time as you navigate changes and challenges as they pertain to your family, helping you to create a safe and harmonious space for everyone involved, and making sure each child feels loved and supported in the ways that they need.
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Disconnection or isolation. As our lives get busier and we spend more of our time on our devices, the feeling of connection in our homes may begin to decrease. If you feel your family growing apart, a counselor can assist as you recreate connection in your home. Silent meal times, lack of laughter, problems at school, all of these may be signs that your family needs help learning how to share experiences and openly express feelings with each other.
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You live with a teenager. It’s probably not news to you that the teenage years are full of drama and emotions. If you find that the teenager in your house is overly affecting the rest of your family in a negative way, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional to better learn to navigate these tricky waters. Too often, teenagers themselves don’t have a clear reason for their upset and angst, making it that much more difficult for parents and siblings to understand their emotional mood swings.
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A lack of sexual intimacy. It has been said that the health of a relationship can be judged by a couple’s sex life. If you and your partner are experiencing a lack of sexual connection, a therapist is an excellent resource to help you navigate the underlying issues that may be at play. Whether the sexual draught is the result of medications, communication problems, or simply aging, the effect of a couple’s disconnection is usually felt by the entire family and should be addressed.
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Serious health issues. If you or a family member is experiencing a serious illness, there may be many underlying emotions for your family to work through. Not only are daily routines interrupted, but stress, fear, confusion, and grief will suddenly be present. By attending therapy, your family can learn to work through trauma and grief and come up with solutions on how to work together to make the change easier for everyone.
To Sum Up…
Therapy is one way for us to learn to understand and express ourselves. At our core, each of us wants our needs met, and the more we feel acknowledged, the more we do the same for others. A result is a group of people who are able to resolve conflict faster, communicate more clearly, and better navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life.
Begin Family Therapy in the Sacramento Area and Online in California
If you’re experiencing family conflict then you may benefit from working with a family therapist. Family therapy in California can help you heal past hurt and move forward and build happy family relationships. To begin counseling in the Sacramento area or online therapy in California, follow these steps”:
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Contact our office to get more information about couples counseling and to schedule a free consultation
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Make an appointment with one of our Gottman trained therapists
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Find support and healing in your relationship!
Other Services offered at The Family Therapy Center:
Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.