Family therapy, also known as family counseling or systemic therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within family relationships. It views the family as a dynamic system with interconnected members who influence each other's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on individual issues, family therapy considers the larger context of the family unit and how its dynamics contribute to the presenting concerns. 

Are you and your adult child struggling to communicate and misunderstanding each other? Do you feel like you are the black sheep in the family and left out? Is your family newly blended and you aren’t sure how to navigate these transitions? Was there a loss in the family that is causing suffering and turmoil? 

Common Reasons People Reach Out for Family Therapy:

1. Communication problems: Difficulties in expressing thoughts and feelings, frequent misunderstandings, or conflicts in communication styles. 

2. Conflict resolution: Ongoing disputes, power struggles, or unresolved conflicts that create tension within the family. 

3. Parent-child relationships: Challenges in parenting, discipline issues, or conflicts between parents and children at different developmental stages. 

4. Blended family dynamics: Adjusting to new family structures, integrating step-parents or step-siblings, and navigating co-parenting arrangements. 

5. Life transitions: Adjusting to major life changes such as divorce, remarriage, relocation, birth of a child, or the death of a family member. 

6. Behavioral or emotional problems: Addressing behavioral issues, substance abuse, mental health concerns, or trauma affecting one or more family members. 

7. Cultural or identity conflicts: Navigating differences in cultural backgrounds, values, beliefs, or generational expectations within the family. 

How it works? EFT for Family Therapy

• Assessment: The therapist begins by conducting a thorough assessment of the family's dynamics, history, and presenting concerns 

• Negative Patters Identified Emotion Focused Therapy focuses on understanding and validating emotions as central to the family's experiences. The therapist helps family members identify and express their emotions, as well as recognize the underlying attachment needs 

• Promoting Emotional Bonding: The core of EFT family therapy is fostering secure emotional bonds between family members. The therapist facilitates moments of emotional connection and validation, helping family members feel understood, valued, and supported by each other. 

• Consolidation and Maintenance: As progress is made, the family is guided to consolidate their gains and integrate new ways of relating into their daily lives. Family members are encouraged to practice communication and conflict resolution skills learned in therapy to maintain positive changes over time. 

In family therapy sessions, a trained therapist works with all members of the family together to identify patterns of interaction, explore underlying emotions, and develop strategies for positive change. The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where family members can express themselves openly, share their perspectives, and work collaboratively towards common goals. 

Want to Explore Family Therapy?

Reach out to us today and we’d love to answer any questions you have and get you connected to a Family Therapist here at Nobile Psychology. Contact Us.