The word family should evoke feelings of warmth and protection — sadly, that’s not always the case. When the family structure is cracked or dysfunctional, it can lead to emotional and mental difficulties. If anger, resentment, grief or blame have replaced love and laughter, family therapy may be the best option for you.
The family psychologists at Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates in Andover specialize in the family dynamic. By addressing behaviors and working through relational difficulties, this form of therapy can help heal the cracks in your family’s foundation so that you can move forward into a happier, healthier future together.
When to Seek a Family Therapist
No matter what the behavioral, emotional or psychological cause, if your family is experiencing issues that get in the way of maintaining healthy relationships, it may be time to seek out a family therapist.
From big problems to small concerns that build over time, there are a variety of situations that can benefit from family therapy. These situations include:
- Marital conflict.
- Blended families.
- Pre-adoption and post-adoption difficulties, such as bonding issues, attachment, cognitive delays, identity formation and other relational concerns.
- Conflicts between parents and children.
- Substance abuse.
- Grief.
- Trauma and abuse.
- Children’s behavioral problems.
- Family members’ mental health concerns, such as depression, bipolar disease or schizophrenia.
- Coping with eldercare and grandparent health issues.
Let Our Team Help Your Family Heal
What to Expect From Family Therapy
Family therapy is based on the concept that many individual problems can be understood within the larger family system. This therapy involves strategies and interventions that address the ever-changing relational interactions within a family, ranging from conflicts to life transitions.
Family therapy could involve the extended family, or it could help treat a single person or couple. Sometimes it’s the primary method of therapy. Other times family therapy is part of a larger counseling plan, such as when one individual in the family goes to therapy for a mental health condition like depression or addiction. Complementary therapies can increase the effectiveness of family counseling for everyone involved.
No matter this type of therapy fits into your life, family therapists generally focus on a few key characteristics:
- Understanding the problem or concerns that brought you to therapy
- Acknowledging and addressing dysfunctional behaviors and interactions
- Getting the thoughts of everyone involved
- Observing and improving the family dynamic
- Identifying roles and behaviors that contribute to conflicts
- Creating healthy boundaries between family members
- Improving communication and problem-solving abilities
- Exploring ways to actively resolve issues
- Developing coping methods to manage emotions and feelings
A family therapist’s role is to help the family reach a consensus about their treatment goals and the rules they will observe both in and out of sessions. Ultimately, therapy is meant to help find hope and healing for each member of the family unit.
Speak with a Licensed Counselor at (978) 482–7351
Benefits of Family Therapy
By involving other family members, this therapeutic process is often more effective at finding solutions. Family therapy also tends to be more goal-oriented, working toward an established end result. Some of the benefits our clients find by participating in family therapy include:
- Better communication.
- Healing from long-standing rifts and misunderstandings.
- Deeper family connection.
- Improved parenting skills.
- Better understanding and respect for each other’s differences.
- Improved ability to cope with life’s difficulties together.
Learn More About Our Family Counseling Services in Andover, MA
Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates is a counseling center located in downtown Andover, Massachusetts. Our compassionate team of family psychologists possesses a high level of experience and extensive training to help you manage and overcome family challenges.
Through our clinically tested and approved-for-use therapies, we’ll help your entire family — from children and adolescents to adults — reach your unique goals. Whether you stop by our counseling center in person or schedule teletherapy, we’ll accommodate your needs and make sure you feel comfortable and valued at every session.
Our family therapists are flexible, delivering individualized counseling services optimized to work best for you. We’ll help you get the most out of your experience with therapeutic approaches like:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy, can be used alone or with other therapies. It focuses on identifying and understanding how negative thoughts impact everything from coping with difficulties to managing mental health concerns. As part of your treatment strategy, you’ll learn how to develop healthier thought patterns and coping skills.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of CBT. This type of treatment creates a space for family members to share and understand their emotions. DBT encourages mindfulness, helping you learn how to understand and regulate emotions and be present.
- Person-centered therapy: Person-centered therapy, which is another form of talk therapy, will help your entire family feel accepted. Family members will be able to share their thoughts and feelings in order to understand themselves and their identity within the family. This therapy can be used alone or alongside other therapies.
Find a Family Therapist Serving Andover and Surrounding Communities
Whether your family is coping with trauma or learning to grow and adapt after an adoption, professional family therapy or family adoption therapy can help. The team at Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates offers a high level of experienced family counseling services to those throughout Andover and the surrounding communities.
We pride ourselves on the ability to relate and empathize with each family member, from the youngest to the oldest. Learn how to rebuild a strong family foundation, find solutions and heal wounds. Connect with us online or give us a call at (978) 482–7351.
Reviewed By
Dr. David Rainen, PsyD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with an extensive background treating a variety of different ages, situations, emotional and mental health disorders in individuals and their families. As part of my 10 year professional and training career in psychology, I have developed and refined my skills and approaches through my work in a variety of diverse settings including: hospitals, community outpatient facilities, college counseling centers, secure and unsecure inpatient/residential treatment programs, and therapeutic day schools.
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