What Happens During Family Therapy? (Pros and Cons)
Our families are often the foundation for our beliefs, behaviours, and decision-making patterns.
Our early family life continues to influence us into adulthood. And while our family members can be our biggest supporters, they can also create our toughest challenges.
Here at KMA, we know how much you value having healthy relationships in your life. For over 14 years, we’ve educated our clients on the various therapy options that are available and which will help them the most.
We’ve written this article to help you learn about Family Therapy and whether it could be an ideal fit for your situation.
After reading this article, you’ll know what happens during family therapy, what issues it can address, and signs it could be the best choice for you.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a form of group psychotherapy. A “family” in therapy is any group of people who care about each other and consider themselves a family unit.
A family is viewed as a system that works together, instead of being seen as only its independent members.
Families meet regularly to explore communication patterns, roles played by family members, and how to support healthy family relationships.
Family therapists may use methods like:
What Happens During Family Therapy?
Family therapy can address many issues, including behavioural and communication challenges.
Family therapy can help family members:
- Improve communication skills
- Talk openly about issues they’re facing
- Establish and maintain healthy boundaries
- Understand how behaviours impact one another
- Understand each other’s values, goals, and beliefs
- Stop blaming each other for problems and instead work toward positive solutions
What are the Pros of Family Therapy?
Family therapy can be a great way to help manage emotions and behaviours that happen during difficult times.
Pros of family therapy including helping families work through:
- The loss of a family member
- Divorce or separation
- Family conflict
Family therapy can also help address the behavioural challenges of a specific family member.
For example, a child struggling socially and academically may be acting out.
Family therapy will help see how family patterns may influence their behaviour, rather than only focusing on the child as an individual.
What are the Cons of Family Therapy?
Family therapy can be great if the whole group is willing to participate in the therapy process.
However, it can be challenging when one or more family members are reluctant to participate.
Cons of family therapy include:
- Challenges if the family inherently blames one individual for problems
- It can bring up difficult or painful issues that you weren’t previously aware of
- Feelings of isolation from other family members depending on topics explored in therapy
Depending on your challenges and goals, you may decide to see a therapist individually instead of in a family setting.
Next Steps For Starting Family Therapy in Toronto
After reading this article you understand what Family therapy involves, whether it could work for your situation, and when individual therapy may be a better choice.
Here at KMA, we’ve designed customized plans to help our clients thrive for over 14 years.
Our Family Therapy sessions are tailored to help your family strengthen your communication and relationships to live happier, healthier lives.
Your introductory appointment will help establish the therapist, duration of therapy, and treatment plan that will work best to help you meet your goals.
Register online to book an introductory appointment, or contact us directly to learn more.
If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, read these resources for more information:
- To find a great therapist, read: How to Find a Therapist in Toronto
- If you’re also interested in relationship counselling, read: Will Couples Counselling Help My Relationship?
- To learn how your family can impact your inner child, read: Five Healing Ways to Reparent Your Inner Child
