If your teen is struggling with their mental health, you may be wondering, “What is family therapy?” With so many options available to help your teen overcome their mental health challenges, it’s important to remember that healing the entire family unit can help them lay the foundation for a rewarding, meaningful future.
At Beyond Healthcare, we are committed to helping families heal. While our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs help adolescents and teens 11-17 overcome their mental health challenges, we also provide support for the whole family. You can find the structure and support your teen and family need in our Fairlawn, Ohio center, in your community, or online. Call 330.621.0725 or contact us online today to find out how we can help.
What Is Family Therapy for Teens?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development. In other words, it’s a therapy that focuses on improving communication and relationships within a family unit.
There are several focuses of family therapy, including overcoming issues like:
- Parent-child conflict – Teens may feel like they are constantly misunderstood or that their parents are too controlling. Family therapy can help improve communication and understanding between parents and children.
- Sibling rivalry – Jealousy and competition between siblings are normal, but they can sometimes escalate to the point where it becomes harmful. Family therapy can help siblings learn how to resolve conflict healthily.
- Substance abuse – If your teen is struggling with addiction, family therapy can help the whole family heal by providing support and education. Supporting someone in recovery from addiction or substance abuse is vital to their success, especially after they leave treatment.
- Grief and loss – If your teen is struggling to cope with the death of a loved one, family therapy can help the whole family grieve healthily.
- Mental health issues – If your teen is struggling with a mental health disorder, family therapy can help the whole family understand and support them.
The Benefits of Teen Family Therapy
There are many benefits of family therapy for teens. Family therapy can:
- Help identify negative patterns in the family that may be contributing to your teen’s mental health condition
- Teach your family how to communicate better with each other
- Help your family support your teen as they manage their mental health condition
- Strengthen relationships within the family unit
- Improve problem-solving skills
What to Expect in Family Therapy
If you’ve never been to therapy, you may wonder what happens during a session. Typically, family therapy sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes. You will meet with a therapist as a group to discuss the issues you’re facing. The therapist will ask questions about your family history and current home life. They may also ask you to participate in activities or exercises designed to improve communication within your family.
How Family Therapy Works with Other Therapies
Family therapy is often used in conjunction with other types of therapies, such as individual counseling or medication management. Your teen’s treatment plan will likely include several different types of therapies, depending on their needs.
Family Therapy in Fairlawn, Ohio at Beyond Healthcare
Now that you have the answer to “what is family therapy?” and understand how it can support your family, it is time to find help. At Beyond Healthcare, we understand how important it is for families to stick together during times of crisis. That’s why we offer supportive family therapy services designed to help families heal and grow together. Our team of licensed professional therapists is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us online or by calling 330.621.0725 today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.