Category: from Counseling

psychology

The Best Psychological Therapy Methods

 

Psychological Therapy

 

 

Psychological Therapy, or Psychotherapies, is forms of treatment which involve talking to a trained therapist to help you overcome your difficulties.   Within all the different modalities of psychological therapy, it is agreed that it is the relationship between therapist and client which most influences the progress and outcome of treatment.

Some of the most common procedures are briefly described below:

 

 

Behavior Therapy

 

The way we feel influences the way we behave.  If we can, therefore, learn to behave differently in a particular situation, this will help to reduce the complicated feelings. They are particularly useful for anxiety related problems.

 

 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

 

Similar to Behavior Therapy, but in addition to looking at how our feelings affect our behavior, CBT looks at the links between our thoughts (cognitions), feelings and behavior.  If we can change the way we think about something, this will help us change the way we feel, and the way we behave.

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are part of the new or “third wave” Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies.

 

 

Counseling

 

Involves the client talking about their difficulties with a counselor, who plays a listening and supportive role, and may sometimes provide practical advice on problem-solving.  Person Centered Counselling or Psychotherapy is based upon the work of Carl Rogers, who advocated the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, which includes genuineness, unconditional positive regard (non-judgmental), empathic understanding and active listening.  It is these attributes of a client-therapist relationship upon which all other modern psychotherapies are based.

 

 

Systemic Therapy (‘Family Therapy’)

 

This therapy focuses on how people get on as part of a group or system. This is often their immediate family but might also include their community or school/workplace. Systemic therapists often see problems as being in a group of people (or ‘system’) rather than in one person (the client).   If you see a systemic therapist, you may, but not necessarily, see them with other members of your family or social group.

 

Thrive Video: the power of evidence-based psychological therapies
Speakers: Professor David M Clark, Professor Lord Layard, Andrew Marr

 

(Brief) Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT)

 

Solution-focused therapy is a talking therapy that is brief and efficient. It can be brief because it is future-focused and because it works with the strengths of those who come to making the best use of their resources, and it can bring about lasting change precisely because it aims to build solutions rather than solve problems.   Rather than focusing on a person’s problems, the therapist, and client work together to identify the goal, what the client want to achieve, then use various techniques to reach this objective. Click for more about Solution Focused Therapy.

 

 

Group Therapy

 

Several people with similar problems meet. Group Therapy can vary, with the group facilitators or leaders using any of the therapies listed above.  Most group therapies last 1 – 1.5 hours, for weekly sessions. Some groups are ‘closed’ – being attended only by those who are invited, and no new members can join.  Closed groups run for a certain amount of time, typically several weeks.  Open groups are those that are run at the same time each week, and are open to anyone to join at any time (although group members are expected not to be late for the start of a session, nor leave early).

 

Some group therapies can be ‘led’ by a group leader, perhaps in an educational-type method, or in Inter-Personal Group therapies (Yalom); the group itself is the therapist.  The group member gains (Yalom’s Curative or Therapeutic Factors): support from other group members, the installation of hope, ability to identify with others and lessen feelings of being alone, exchange of information, help each other (each group member gains from giving as well as receiving), the group can resemble a family and the group members take on various roles which all can discuss and provide feedback on, improve social and interpersonal skills, trust and openness.

 

Group CBT is time-limited and usually psycho-educational.  See here for more information about CBT open group therapy.

 

 

 

Hypnotherapy

 

Hypnotherapy is simply a method of deep relaxation, which enables the therapist to use any of the psychotherapeutic approaches in a more efficient way.   In a deeply relaxed state, our conscious mind – while still being aware of what is happening, being said, and being fully able to ‘wake up’ – is less likely to resist the therapy with negative thoughts.  The subconscious mind is also more receptive to the therapeutic intervention, which it is considered makes treatment more effective.

 

 

From Psychological Therapies – Getselfhelp.co.uk
divorce counseling

Divorce Counseling

 

 

Divorce Counseling – What Qualifications Does a Divorce counseling therapist Need?

 

Since divorce can be one of the most emotionally and psychologically challenging events that impact numerous aspects of person’s life, it is no surprise that the qualifications of a divorce therapist are quite involved. When a marriage ends traumatically, a divorce therapist is usually responsible for helping an individual cope with the challenging mental, financial, emotional, and physical process of the uncoupling. Not only can divorce counseling therapists act as an intermediary to ensure that the separation is achieved with minimal hostility, but they can also equip individuals with the essential skills needed to navigate through all of the choppy waters associated with this life transition.

 

If you are interested in concentrating your career in helping clients through the painful process of divorce, the following are the qualifications that are expected for divorce therapists. Education Requirements to Become, a Divorce Therapist Similar to other mental health and therapy careers, starting a successful career as a divorce therapist involves lots of education beyond the baccalaureate level.

 

Usually, individuals seeking to become a divorce therapist will start by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, sociology, or social work with elective coursework focusing on marriage and family situations. Upon degree completion, most aspiring divorce therapists then go on to graduate school to earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, community counseling, or clinical mental health counseling. Although it is not required at this time, some divorce therapists go a step further to earn a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy as well.

 

 

 

Qualifications for Becoming Licensed as a Divorce Therapist Along with earning a master’s or doctoral degree in a field closely related to marriage or couples counseling, there are a set of training requirements that are needed to obtain licensure and certification as a divorce therapist.

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), qualified candidates for licensure must have graduated from an accredited program and obtained, at least, two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience working in direct service to married couples. Once these requirements have been met, divorce therapists must then pass a state licensing examination or the national examination for marriage and family therapists conducted through the AAMFT Regulatory Boards. Most Important Skills that Divorce Therapists Need In addition to the extensive training and educational requirements for this vital mental health profession, it is important for divorce therapists to gather the essential skills that will enable them to succeed in the career choice.

 

Since divorce therapists need to help their clients feel comfortable enough to share their deepest feelings, it is important that individuals possess strong interpersonal, communication, and listening skills to be compassionate in this extremely challenging transition. Divorce Therapists should also develop solid organizational skills to maintain thorough case notes, keep detailed paperwork files, and manage insurance claims.

 

Furthermore, divorce therapists often must work in close collaboration with spouses, children, family members, and other healthcare professionals, so strong collaboration skills are also a must. Overall, recent shocking United States divorce statistics indicate that 41 percent of first marriages, 60 percent of second marriages, and 73 percent of third marriages end in divorce.

 

As a result, the projected job growth for divorce therapists and other marriage counselors is expected to grow at a rate much faster than average at an impressive rate of 41 percent before 2020. For those who are seeking to take advantage of these plentiful job opportunities and actually make a difference in the lives of others struggling through a difficult time, it will be required that you fully complete all of the qualifications above of a divorce therapist.

 

Bibliography

 

“What Qualifications Does a Divorce Therapist Need?” . n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 21 Feb. 2016.

Mental Health Counselor

Why We Love Mental Health Counselor – And You Should, Too!

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health issues tend to be multi-faceted. In light of this, mental health counselors are trained to treat their clients in a holistic manner, working in tandem with professionals in education, medicine, and related fields to get to the complex roots of each individual client’s unique struggles.

Their methods of assisting clients are diverse, as are the locations in which mental health counselors work. They might treat substance abuse at a rehabilitation center or provide in-home family counseling, for example.

Important Facts About This Occupation

Median Salary $40,850 per year
Similar Occupations Social worker; physician; psychologist
Job Outlook (2012-2022) 29% growth
Key Skills Interpersonal skills; Compassion; Listening skills; Organizational skills; Speaking skills

Duties and Responsibilities

Mental health counselors help patients work through personal issues like anger management, depression, suicidal thoughts, aging, parenting, self-image, relational problems, stress, or addiction. They provide psychotherapy, assessment, diagnosis, substance abuse treatment, and crisis management. Field Specialties Mental health counselors handle records and documentation of their cases and use these to collaborate with other professionals.

Common specialties are substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, career counseling, marriage counseling, and family counseling. Mental health counselors may choose to specialize in a particular patient group, such as children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, couples, or families.

Most mental health counselors in the U.S. work in outpatient and residential care centers, individual and family services, and local governments. They are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress, problems with self-esteem, and grief. They also help with job and career concerns, educational decisions, issues related to mental and emotional health, and family, parenting, marital, or other relationship problems.

Mental Health Counselors also continue to play a growing role in the military mental health crisis, helping military personnel and their families deal with issues such as PTSD. Mental Health Counselors often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors. In the U.S. states, Mental Health Counselors diagnose as well as treat mental illness, though the scope of practice for mental health practitioners varies from state to state.

A typical day for a counselor begins by reviewing upcoming scheduled patients and meeting with those patients. After each patient meeting, a recorded assessment of progress is noted in their patient file. Follow-up calls with other professionals to discuss patient care and treatment may be necessary. Meeting with hospitalized, institutionalized, or home-bound patients may also take place during the work day. Patient paperwork and notations to fellow professionals often require additional time in the office or at home.

A licensed mental health counselor spends many years training for this position. After successful completion of a master’s degree in mental health, a prospective counselor then performs two years of supervised clinical experience. Then, the candidate takes a licensing exam to receive the title of licensed mental health counselor.

Education

After earning a bachelor’s degree, a mental health counselor completes a master’s degree in counseling. In a typical program, students take courses in psychotherapy, diagnosis, psychological assessment and testing, psychopathology, group counseling, and research. They also study counseling theory, human development, career development, lifestyles, and social contexts.

Training and Certification After completing a master’s degree in counseling, candidates gain at least two years of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor, according to the American Mental Health Counselor’s Association. Upon successful completion of a certification test, the candidate is licensed as a mental health counselor.

Work Environment

Mental health counselors work with community agencies, substance abuse centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, health care organizations, corporations, youth homes, and independent practices. They work with other professionals, including social workers, psychiatrists, and school counselors.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) are highly qualified, Master’s level, 3rd party reimbursable, cost-effective, public service oriented mental health practitioners. LMHCs work in private practice settings, and agencies, clinics, schools, and hospitals, providing quality mental health services for consumers. Licensed Mental Health Counselors are prepared to assist clients who are coping with a wide variety of problems and concerns.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors specialize in many areas such as the emotional problems of anxiety and phobias, depression, child and spouse abuse, family conflict, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, drug and alcohol abuse, crisis intervention, job and career issues, personal growth, bereavement, and crime victimization.
LMHCs have rigorous clinical training which includes clearly specified, comprehensive, educational and field training requirements:

• A Masters degree in counseling or a related field
• 60 credit hours in total
• 700 hours of pre-masters supervised clinical practicum and internship training
• 3360 hours of post-masters, supervised, clinical work experience prior to licensure
• A passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE)
• Training supervisors of LMHCs must have five years post-masters clinical experience

Importantly, LMHCs must continue their education and training to renew their license. They must obtain 30 hours of continuing education credits every two years. Additionally, to ensure the highest quality of care and protection for mental health services consumers, there are National Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Standards to which LMHCs must conform.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state. In all states, mental health counseling licensure is required to independently practice, but can be practiced without a license if under the close supervision of a licensed practitioner. Licensing titles for mental health counselors vary from state to state: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and various forms of these titles may list differently per state statutes. The titled “Mental Health Counselor” (or variation thereof) is a protected title and a violation of state laws for persons to hold themselves as such without the proper credential.

“About LMHCs | MAMHCA” . n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
“Licensed Mental Health Counselor Salary”. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
“Mental health counselor ” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
“What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?”. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.

Relationship Counseling

Marriage Counselling Video - His Needs vs Her Needs - W.F.Harley

Relationship counseling is a good career choice in that it offers a number of different opportunities. In fact, the growth rate for marriage counselor jobs is expected to increase at a faster rate than other professions. There is an expected rise of thirty percent by the year 2016.

In fact, it has been reported that since the 1970s there has been a fifty-fold increase in the number of marriage counselors. The expected salary for a marriage counselor depends on experience, education as well the type of agency that you work for. Working in a public agency may pay less than a private agency. The median salary for a marriage counselor is around $45,000 a year with experienced private sector workers making much more than this.

Overall becoming a marriage counselor may be a good choice for you. It can provide a lot of job satisfaction and opportunities for employment both in the public sector and the private sector.

Before you decide to become a marriage counselor, you need to look at the time commitment as well as the licensing requirements for your state.

You may also want to talk to a practicing relationship counselor to get a better feel for the job from someone who is actually doing it. And of course, don’t forget to search for psychology schools offering programs to become a marriage counselor in our graduate school search engine. In the end, only you can decide if being a marriage counselor is the right job for you.

Marriage Counselor is just one of the many options available when it comes to deciding which area of psychology that you would like to focus on. Before deciding that you would like to become a marriage counselor, there are a number of things that you need to consider. These range from what does a marriage counselor do as well as how do you become a marriage counselor.

What Does A Marriage Counselor Do?

One of the first things to realize is that a marriage counselor does not only work with people who are married but can also work with any couple that is experiencing difficulties. This can include married couples, unmarried couples, and even same-sex couples.

You may decide to focus on individual counseling, group counseling or conjoint therapy. You can work in one or all three of these areas. You may also decide to focus on particular age groups ranging from children all the way to senior citizens. As a marriage counselor, it is your decision as to what, if any, specialization you would like to focus on.

The first step in becoming a marriage counselor is to complete your education. Most relationship counseling professionals will have at a master’s degree, doctoral degree or have completed a post-graduate clinical training program.

What Are The Marriage Counselor Requirements?

In the United States, the profession of the marriage counselor is regulated and licensing exams are required. The Federal government classifies marriage and family therapy as a “core mental health profession” in the same fashion as it views psychiatry, psychology, social work or psychiatric nursing. Approximately forty-eight states require licensing or certification to work as a marriage counselor.

In order to qualify for a license to be a relationship counselor, you need to graduate from an accredited program and complete an internship. This internship is usually around two years where you will be provided with close supervision.

After the internship, you will be qualified to write a state licensing exam. Instead of the state licensing exam, you may want to become a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy which will also require you to take a national examination. This examination by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy can be used for the state certification requirement. You will need to carefully check the licensing requirements for the state where you plan on working.

 

 

Bibliography
“Marriage Counselor ” Is It Right For You?. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 31 Jan. 2016
Nutritional Counseling

3 Nutrition Counseling Strategies That Will Transform Your Life

 

TED Video - Dr. Wendy Pogozelski speaks about how knowledge is power in nutrition.

 

Everywhere you turn, there’s a different diet book or plan promising you’ll lose weight fast. But what works?  Well, some experts from Prevention.com provided the following tips.

 

DON’T FOCUS JUST ON CARBS

 

1 “Cutting carbs can lead to weight loss, but only if it results in an overall calorie deficit,” says Georgie Fear, nutrition coach and author of “Lean Habits for Lifelong Weight Loss.”

“If you cut out all carbs but add lots of oil and nuts in their place, you might not lose weight because you aren’t reducing overall calories.”

Instead of demonizing or glorifying one single nutrient, try to reduce the overall number of calories you take in.

 

SKIP THE SCALE

 

2 “One of my top tips is to avoid the scale and instead use your pants as a guide to your weight,” says Jessica Levinson, nutritional counselor and consultant at Nutritioulicious.

 

“The number on the scale can be an important measurement for health, but it can fluctuate based on so many different factors, like time of day, fluid intake, and exercise. How our clothes fit often tells a more accurate story.” If it’s tough to button your jeans, then it’s time to take a look at your food intake.

 

3. Here’s a shocker: If you’re not taking the time actually to pay attention to what you eat, you’ll never lose weight. In other words, mindlessly shoveling food down your gullet while you check e-mail or watch TV will likely cause you to overeat.

Instead, give your food your full attention, says Mitzi Dulan, nutritionist for the Kansas City Royals and author of The Pinterest Diet.

 

Research shows that people who eat their food mindfully are 34 percent less likely to be obese than people who don’t. How can you become more mindful at mealtimes? “Only eat at the kitchen table,” Dulan says.

 

 

Teen Counseling

5 Teen Counseling Practices That Make You Look Like A Pro

 

 

 

Teen Counseling – The teenage years are challenging for teens and their parents. Teens face many new pressures and may not always react in the healthiest ways to the problems they encounter.

 

In some cases, teens may need counseling to help them cope with their problems. Parents should know the danger signs to look for and how to find a counselor if their teen needs one.

 

Some of the struggles teens face are a normal part of growing up, like dealing with peer groups, experimenting with new ideas, and going through changes in mood, identity, and interests. Parents can help their teens through some of these issues by talking to them, being patient with them, and creating an environment that is structured and supportive.

 

Continue reading “5 Teen Counseling Practices That Make You Look Like A Pro”

Kabian Brown – Counselor/ Mental Health Specialist

Kabian Brown (LMSW in Connecticut) MSW
Counselor/ Mental Health Specialist

 

Kabian originates from the Bronx, NY and has been providing services in the mental health and social services field for over 10 years. Such services include case management to foster care and preventative care families, case management families in crisis, and intensive case management to families with mental health issues, Individual and group counseling to inmates at Rikers Island and various organizations, Individual, family, and marriage counseling, assessments, etc.

 

Kabian will help you to identify, process, and understand the underlying reasons behind certain thoughts and behaviors. He has worked with all ages from youth, to adults, geriatric patients, and also TBI (Traumatic Brain Impaired) individuals. Kabian recognizes the need to provide different therapeutic modalities as the Clients may benefit from different approaches of therapy.

 

Kabian is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and believes in giving back. He has affiliations worth Boys and Girls Club, 4-H, and other youth organizations. Kabian worked as a Child and Youth Specialist for almost 4 years with the U. S. Army Reserves. He is a people’s person, team player, and believes in giving back.

Depression Counseling

Depression Counseling

What is Depression Counseling?

 

 

 

Depression Counseling – Depression is amongst the most well-known and serious mental illnesses on the planet. Thousands of people are diagnosed with depression on a daily basis. The number of people with it is likely higher than we are aware as numerous cases of depression go unreported. Depression is more common in women but researcher believes that this is because men are less likely to seek help or because their symptoms manifest differently. If left untreated, depression can lead to self harm or even suicide.

 

 

Depression Counseling can be obtained individually or in a group setting. It is important to seek counseling with the right therapist. A good depression counselor will work with you to develop your goals and overcome whatever triggered your depression. The counselor will guide you and support you, but will also challenge you when you are ready. You should always feel comfortable talking to your therapist.

 

One of the main signs of depression is a general feeling of sadness or of being disconnected with your surroundings. Symptoms also vary depending on gender, culture or age. Below are a few of the most common symptoms of depression.

 

Depression

  • Changes in dietary patterns, which can cause either weight loss or weight gain.

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Exhaustion

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Loss of enthusiasm for your favorite activities

  • Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

  • Anxiety

  • Unexplained headaches or muscle aches

  • Thoughts of suicide

Click Here to Download Depression Counseling Article

 

Depression causes feelings of despondency. This is exceptionally difficult to overcome. It is not as easy as some people make it seem, the vast majority of people that suffer from this illness cannot simply “wake up” or “brighten up”. Recuperation from this overwhelming despair takes a lot more time and effort than simply “waking up”. It can take weeks, months, or even years to be able to fully overcome depression.  Research shows, depression counseling is expected and highly recommended in order to overcome this illness.

 

 

There is quite a lot more to sorrow recuperation than this, and this recuperation can take weeks, months, or even years.

 

 

Depression counseling is needed to determine the root of your depression. This type of therapy is exceptionally efficient, especially when combined with depression medicine. Most licensed Therapists in the counseling field are qualified to treat to treat depression.

 

 

  • Clinical Depression also known as major depression and is a standout amongst the most well-known sorts of depression. It is a constant sense of hopelessness and despair. It may be difficult to work, study, eat, sleep and enjoy the company of friends. Clinical depression is marked by the depressed mood most of the day and the symptoms are present every day for at least 2 weeks.

  • Hyper Depressive Disorder, also known as Hypomania, is characterized by persistent irritable mood.  It is often treated as a symptom of bipolar disorder. People experiencing hypomania frequently suffer from elevated feelings of sadness, followed by “hyper” or elated dispositions.

  • Chronic Interminable Depression is a wretchedness sort of long haul sorrow. People experiencing interminable depression feel like they are on a never ending cycle and that their situation will never end.

  • Post-Partum Depression or Baby blues Depression, usually happens after conceiving a child. Numerous mothers will frequently fight episodes of postpartum anxiety. Symptoms of this depression is a sort of despair that can last from a couple of days to months or even years. It can affect the interaction between the mother and her child in a negative way if left untreated.

  • Occasional Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another type of depression that is related to the change of seasons. This sort of depression starts to affect individuals in the early winter months and diminishes in the spring. It is the commonly referred “winter blues” that a many people experience.

  • Situational Depression happens when a situation in life becomes overwhelming and hard to overcome.

 

Click Here to Download Depression Counseling Powerpoint Presentation

 

How Counseling Works

 

Like an energy pill, counseling attempts to enhance your side effects gradually after some time. Many people that are in therapy begin to feel the positive effects in little time.

Treatment can be given on  individual sessions or in a group setting. The quantity of sessions required for treatment changes for every individual. On average, a session is 45 minutes for individual treatment and an hour to an hour and a half for group therapies. You can choose the kind of counseling that you are more comfortable with, individual or group therapy.

 

 

Before beginning your therapy, make the commitment to stay for the time period that you and your counselor have agreed will be beneficial. Just the same, make the commitment to complete the goals that you and your counselor have agreed upon during your sessions.

 

Counseling people with different types of depression regularly takes an extremely unique individual with specific attributes and qualities.  Depression counselors ought to be tolerating and non-judgmental, for example. They ought to likewise be incredible listeners with a strong liking towards people.

Senior Home Healthcare

Family Therapy Counseling

Top Reasons For Family Therapy Counseling.

 

 

 In case you have been wondering what family therapy counseling is, then you do not need to worry any more. I will take you through what it is all about and the reasons why you may seek a session or two.

 

 

What is Family Therapy counseling?

 

Family Therapy Counseling- It is a branch of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change development. It is also referred to as couple and family therapy, marriage and family therapy counseling. It involves working with the members of a family to solve a group or individual problem. It helps family members improve communication and resolve conflicts by improving the way family members interact with each other.

 

 

How does Family Counseling work?

 

Working with a therapist to solve problems can take place on an individual basis or in a group setting, which involves all members of the family seeing a therapist.

 

It is most often used to help treat an individual’s problem that is affecting the family. This is possible because it’s based on the belief that the family is a unique social system with its own structure and patterns of communication.

 

These patterns are determined by many things including parents’ beliefs and values, the personalities of all family members and the influence of the extended family. As a result of these variables, each family develops its own unique personality, which is powerful and affects all of its members.

 

Also family therapy counseling is based on the concept that illness in one family member may be a symptom of a larger family problem. Therefore to treat only the member who is identified as ill is like treating the symptom of a disease but not the disease itself In addition family therapy counseling is based on the concept that a change in one member of the family affects both the family structure and each member individually.

 

 

When can it be used?

 

So, when is it necessary for a family to seek therapy counseling? Family therapy has been used successfully to treat many different types of families in different situations. Here are the top reasons why families go to counseling:

 

 

  1. The black sheep

Counselors use the term “identified patient” to describe the family member that is being blamed for the family problems as a whole. It can be used to explain a rebellious teenager, the alcoholic dad or the ADHD younger sister. Their activities are disrupting the family balance, hence many families will go for counseling because the black sheep of the family has been such a negative influence on the well being of the entire family.

 

 

  1. Loss of a loved one

A family that is mourning will often need counseling maximally. They need to cope with the stages of grief by seeking counseling and guidance in coping with the loss. Grief that is not handled appropriately can turn into depression and will cause more problems in the future.

 

 

  1. To solve conflicts 

Many families struggle to keep appropriate boundaries within their relationships with one another and outside the family. However conflicts are inevitable in any social setting and therefore a family can still emerge stronger by walking together through a dispute. Family counseling teaches the family members to interact better and communicate better thus improving their relationships.

 

 

  1. Long- term illness

When a family member has long- term (chronic) mental illness or substance abuse problem such as severe depression or an alcohol problem it is often necessary for the other family members to seek counseling in order to cope with the lifestyle changes.

 

 

  1. To prevent a crisis

It is said that prevention is better than cure; a family may therefore also find family therapy useful before problems begin. A good example is a man and woman who both have children from previous marriages, they may go to family counseling when they marry to help all family members learn how they live and interact with each other amicably.

 

 After all is said and done, family therapy counseling is not a bad idea. It will help tremendously in identifying conflicts and anxieties and help a family develop the strategies to solve them.