Family Therapy
In order to strengthen bonds and address dysfunction and conflict within the family, family therapy includes a therapist working with family members. Family therapy fosters better and healthier family relations by encouraging the expression and processing of emotions. Using therapy to help the family can be a crucial component of the recovery process for both the addicted individual and the family.
The Value of Family Therapy
Family counseling is helpful in resolving problems inside the family as well as unhelpful transgenerational habits. In therapy, addressing problems that have led to mistrust, misunderstandings, and estrangement can help the family's well-being and equilibrium return. Addiction runs throughout families. Family members may unintentionally cause harm to an individual with a substance use disorder (SUD) by providing support, or they may be essential in assisting their loved one in recovering from substance usage with the aid of a family therapist. Therapy-based family support can play a critical role in the recovery of the addicted individual as well as the family.
For families where there has been substance misuse, family therapy can be extremely beneficial. In a safe therapy setting, sharing tough emotions (such as fear, anger, disappointment, stress, shame, and frustration) can be incredibly beneficial for both individual and family rehabilitation. Depending on what the family therapist thinks is suitable, family therapy can concentrate on a variety of presenting issues and themes, such as but not limited to:
Stress In Marriage
Resolving Conflicts
Dynamics Of Relationships
Health Issues
Domestic Abuse
Trauma Loss
Stigmas Associated With Addiction
How Can Family Therapy Aid in the Recovery of Addiction?
Addiction, as previously mentioned, runs in families. All family members can participate actively in counseling and intervention when they attend family therapy sessions. Prior to the entire family gathering for family therapy, individual insights with the therapist can be obtained through one-on-one counseling. Family therapy gives family members the chance to talk about their experiences with one another and the emotions that have arisen from those encounters. Family members can discover if they have unintentionally contributed to their loved one's addiction or if they have been beneficial as they had planned during family therapy sessions.
Every member of the family unconsciously adopts a role that is frequently codependent. The "scapegoat," or the family member who is sometimes unfairly held responsible for all family problems, is an illustration of a dysfunctional family role. Many times, the scapegoat feels abandoned and unwanted. The "hero," who seems to be well-adjusted and high functioning, is another role in the family. The hero seeks to settle family difficulties and presents the impression that all is well in the home. Every family role has an effect on the family structure and the experiences of addiction and recovery.
For instance, the codependent parent may be viewed as an enabler when the scapegoat bears the majority of the blame for the actions of an addictive relative or even the addict themselves. Although it can be challenging to recognize and understand these kinds of family dynamics, experts are better able to evaluate each member's function. When a doctor or interventionist is present, everyone learns how they have contributed to different issues in the family dynamic, from the patient to the relative seeking therapy. In these situations, family members might hold scheduled meetings to enhance communication, settle disputes, and encourage recovery and development.
Family therapy involves relatives who can offer perspective and help with resolution. Closer ties and settled disputes may be the ultimate outcome.
Different Family Therapy Types
There are numerous approaches to treating underlying issues that surface during therapy. They provide particular methods for mending and fortifying family ties as well as improving family members' general well-being. Family therapy can be divided into four primary categories, each of which focuses on a particular issue and offers remedies. Family therapy was developed by social worker Laney Cline King, who claims that there are four primary approaches that are regularly employed in the field:
Strategic
Bowenian
Systemic
Structural
For those who would prefer not to have their family involved in their care and healing, Bowenian family therapy is the best option. Systemic therapy focuses on the hidden meanings and unconscious communication that underlie particular behaviors. The therapist may also watch the family's interactions while maintaining a detached or neutral demeanor. Maintaining parental control within the family is one way that structural therapy improves the dynamic. It may also include actively participating with the therapist and establishing boundaries. Last but not least, strategic family therapy takes a direct approach and gives participants in each session instruments for progress, such as "assignments." Depending on the family therapist, additional approaches to therapy may be included in other problem-solving techniques.
Family Therapy Techniques
Family therapy offers fresh perspectives on how to interact with loved ones or close acquaintances who could be treated as family. In addition to watching and documenting subconscious or dynamics-related difficulties, the therapist may also employ strategies such as:
Journaling, role-playing, open emotional expression, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Writing letters to oneself or other people, Techniques of communication, Giving detailed instructions on how to strengthen connections, Providing all-encompassing care to promote development, stronger ties to the family, Reorganizing dynamics
Rehab centers often incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in their family programs. By making someone aware of how their thoughts (cognition) influence their behaviors and other aspects related to the topic at hand, this approach enables emotional regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful in treating addiction and easing the symptoms of anxiety and despair. A trained professional would be present with family members during a family intervention for substance abuse to help them persuade their addicted loved one to accept help.
Family members can reframe hurt, anger, and other emotions by using the aforementioned approaches, which also help them become more conscious of how to resume a healthy family dynamic. Family members can also develop self-awareness and improve their interactions with others and themselves.
Addiction runs throughout families. Locating and collaborating with a licensed family therapist can play a crucial role in helping families that have been harmed by the addiction disorder to mend. Seeing a family therapist can help the family system heal if a loved one is abusing dangerous chemicals. Speak with a treatment professional about your alternatives for rehab.
Take the First Step Toward
Your Sober Life Today
Out of 269 people
said they stayed sober since completing treatment
Out of 269 people
said they have felt more able to deal with their addiction
Out of 269 people
rated our aftercare program five stars
You have it in you to change your life. Let us help you - contact us today to begin your new life.