Like individual therapy, family therapy typically takes place on a weekly basis to keep the momentum going. The length of treatment depends on the presenting problems. Family therapy duration could range from months to a year or so. Session may include all family members, or just those who are willing and able to attend.
Treatment plans are unique and will be based on your family’s personal issues and goals. With that said, all sessions focus on teaching skills to rebuild, or in some cases build, family connections and cope with problems as a loving and cohesive unit.
Problems commonly addressed may include martial or financial problems and conflict between children and parents. More serious issues may cover the impact of mental illness, substance abuse or child abuse on the entire family.
Family therapy can be pursued at the same time as a member is in individual therapy. For instance, if a family member is suffering from depression, the entire family is affected and can benefit from open discussion of the issue in family therapy. The person suffering from depression will also continue with his or her individualized treatment plan. This may include medications, one-on-one counseling or other treatment.
What You Can Expect:
Family therapy will typically bring together several family members for therapy sessions. Not all members will be required for each session, and most therapists are willing to create a treatment plan that is flexible and takes into account the family’s schedule.
Most sessions are about an hour, and the overall goal is to facilitate positive change within a six-month period. Some families may meet once a week, every week, while others may meet less often or more often. How many session you’ll need will depend on your family’s particular needs and the recommendation of your therapist.
During family therapy, you can:
- Examine your family's ability to problem solve and communicate thoughts and feelings in a healthy way
- Identify your family's strengths and weaknesses
- Explore family roles, dynamics, rules and behavior patterns so that you can begin to spot issues that frequently contribute to conflict, as well as learn ways to work through them together
Feel free to contact me today, if you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.
Contact Abby:
Helping families feel connected is at the core of my Family Therapy practice. Should you feel like your family might benefit from family counseling to increase your family connections and decrease family conflicts with a challenging and/or gifted child in the home, you have come to the right place! I also offer individual therapy to gifted students' parents, online or in my office in Arcadia. Click here, to contact me via email, or feel free to give me a call at (626) 755-4059 for a FREE 20-minute, Initial Phone Consultation. For family therapy, I meet alone with parents in my Arcadia office for the first session. I want there to be a good fit between us, before you introduce me to your children. In-Home Family Therapy (Home-Based Family Counseling) is an option to families living in Pasadena, Glendale and Arcadia, California, as well as the surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley.
I have completed training from SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) and am a certified SENG Parent Support Group Facilitator. You will find my professional listing with SENG here.
Please feel free to find out more about me on my Family Trauma Therapy page. You can also explore my Credentials, Services, and Rates.
LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy is a core value of my practice.
My style shines through in my blog, Connected Family Fun, LA., where I share ways to have fun with the family while making deeper connections.
Let's connect!