Giving Family Therapy a chance can be transformative for your family, but the reality is that deep set patterns and dysfunction that span decades are tough to tackle. Layers of emotion, resentment and misunderstanding can make even the simplest conversations go sideways quickly. Family therapy can provide a supportive environment to address challenges, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
But how do you know if you’re family is ready for therapy together? The families that are ready to embrace the guidelines listed below are more likely to have a successful family therapy experience. Keep in mind that a therapy session is a short time to work through significant issues with multiple people present and you want to be prepared to make the most of your time together.
Be Willing to Establish Clear Goals Together
Before embarking on your family therapy journey, it’s important to take some time to identify your goals, individually and as a family. Goals don’t have to be perfectly refined early on, but it’s important to establish the direction you’re headed. What specific issues do you hope to address? What changes would you like to see in your family dynamics? Establishing clear goals will provide focus during therapy sessions, helping you track progress and stay motivated.
All Family Members Will Show up Prepared
Demonstrate Commitment with Open Communication
Effective communication is what all successful family therapy is built on. Set the precedent that every family member is free to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly and honestly, without fear of judgment or dismissal. Active listening and empathy are your family’s best friend for increased understanding of each others perspectives and experiences.
Be Open to Change
Family therapy often involves exploring entrenched patterns of behavior and challenging longstanding beliefs and assumptions. Staying open-minded and receptive to new insights and perspectives that emerge during therapy is important. Remember that change is a gradual process, and be patient with yourself and your family members as you navigate through it together.
Respect Your Family Members Boundaries
Respecting each other’s boundaries is crucial for creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Be mindful of personal space, emotional boundaries, and confidentiality within the family. Avoid making assumptions or imposing your own expectations on others, and instead, strive to cultivate mutual respect and understanding.
Practice Patience and Compassion
Family therapy can evoke intense emotions and trigger difficult conversations. Practice patience and compassion towards yourself and your family members as you navigate through these challenges together. Validate each other’s feelings and experiences, even if you don’t always agree, and refrain from criticizing or blaming one another.
Be Willing to Compromise
Compromise is key for resolving conflicts and finding mutually acceptable solutions within the family. Be ready to negotiate and make concessions when necessary, keeping the best interests of the family in mind. Your family’s willingness to practice collaborative problem-solving will go a long way in creating new family patterns.
Be Ready Celebrate Progress
Celebrate the progress you make as a family, no matter how small or incremental it may seem. By acknowledging your achievements along the way, you and your family members will be motivated to keep moving forward.
Virtual counseling is a wonderful, convenient option for multi-generational families with busy schedules or who are dispersed across state lines. Each member of the group must be a resident of a state that Lisa Rogers Counseling is licensed in. Contact Lisa Rogers today.