What is Family Therapy?

This short blog answers your question:what is family therapy? Along with that one, you may have several other questions. When would we need it? How many people will be attending family therapy? What if I want to start, but my family is not interested? Does starting family therapy mean something is wrong with us?

 

You may be needing family therapy if relationships are feeling contentious, and issues are increasingly difficult to talk about. At New Leaf Marriage and Family Therapy, we want to ensure equal focus on each family member. Therefore, we have a limit of 3 people per family attending.

 

If you want to start family therapy, but another relative doesn’t, then you may find greater success in individual therapy. Your family member cannot be signed up by someone else, unless they are under 18, and it’s by their legal parent or guardian. Even still, we want that young person to independently want to come to sessions.

 

Finally, this does not mean that something is wrong with you all. Starting family therapy in Simi Valley shows motivation towards healing or strengthening your family unit. There are great benefits to giving everyone space to feel heard and understood. Therefore, read our blog on 4 Reasons to Start Family Counseling!

 

What is Family Therapy?: Issues to address

For family therapy to be appropriate, all of the family members should agree upon experiencing similar issues. It could be that they have slightly different takes, but still are seeking on working towards the same goals. Goals could be: communicating better, respecting each other’s boundaries, working on emotional regulation, and more.

 

There are various issues that you may be seeking to address in family therapy. This includes:

 

• Parent-child relationships
• Setting boundaries
• Communication difficulties
• Divorced family issues
• Blended family issues
• Co-parenting
• Life transitions
• Extended family conflict
• Conflicting parenting styles

 

Family therapy in Simi Valley, CA provides space and support for all family members. At times, you may also be recommended to start individual therapy, if there is a need for additional support. Therefore, make sure to read our blog on Coping with Toxic Family Members.

 

What is Family Therapy?: What to expect

In family therapy, you can expect to work together to overcome an issue, towards an agreed upon resolution. Let’s say there are some communication issues in your family that cause disagreements or are difficult to manage. Being open-minded to the idea of doing some self-work can help the therapy progress effectively.

 

Every family member is expected to do their part in working on individual goals that contribute towards a common goal. Individual goals may look like regulating your emotions when you notice feeling angry or annoyed by something. You might find ways to better identify and label your feelings, and communicate them more effectively.

 

A common issue can also be a lack of understanding around how each of your actions and words affect one another. Working to meet each other’s needs, while expressing your own in a healthy way, is a goal you can have for starting this process.

 

Family counseling near Moorpark, CA considers everyone’s feelings and hopes for this therapeutic process. Therefore, make sure to read our blog on Taking Responsibility for Your Mental Health!

 

What is Family Therapy?: How to find a family therapist

Finding a family therapist can be tricky sometimes. You want to ensure that they have availability that works for each family member, that it is a good fit financially, and that you all feel good about the therapist themselves. 

 

Are your family members preferring in-person therapy, or virtual counseling? Are you looking to receive this service locally, or willing to commute a certain distance? Is there any preference towards a male or female therapist? Considering these things are good when searching for a family therapist. 

 

Make sure are holding consultations with the therapist prior to scheduling the session. This is for asking any questions you may have about the process, or any concerns coming up for you. From there, consider scheduling your first session to get started!

 

We can help your family unit in achieving your collective goals. Therefore, consider calling us today for a free consultation on getting started!

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Therefore, check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. However, another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. However, you don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.