A licensed marriage and family therapist is trained with special skills in the areas of marriage and family dynamics. This professional counselor helps to strengthen family bonds and cohesion in order to build stronger families with better understanding and better connection. There are various techniques a family therapist will employ in order to accomplish these goals. These methods may include, but are not limited to: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), systems theory, interpersonal therapy, and psycho-dynamic therapy. Your therapist will help tailor a plan specifically based on what he or she thinks you or your family needs most.
What are the responsibilities of a marriage and family therapist?
Your therapist will conduct assessments of your needs as well as your family’s needs. This can come in the form of group counseling or individual therapy. There are guidelines in which they follow set by the American Association for marriage and family therapy (AAMFT).
What are some of the issues which your therapist will help you address?
These issues may include but are not limited to: emotional disorders, mental illness, chronic illness of a family member, marital distress, substance abuse, behavioral disorders, family dynamics and interactions, communication problems, divorce or separation, and many more.
How to prepare for your first meeting with your family or marriage counselor
First, ask yourself why you are seeking therapy. What goals do you want to achieve? Are you willing to listen to the therapist and apply their feedback no matter how much you feel like you want to resist?
Go into your first therapy session with an open mind. Remember, your therapist has no personal relationship with anyone in the family. Their goal is to provide honest feedback and helpful tools so that you may improve your situation.
Also remember that this therapist is highly trained and has put in many years of schooling and practice in order to be where they are. Their sole mission is to help you.
More things to remember
It’s important to be aware that this experience may not be the most pleasurable thing you’ve ever done. However, it may be the best thing you’ve ever done for your family and yourself. Also be aware that it may take weeks, months and sometimes even years to get the full benefits of this type of therapy.
Conclusion
With all that we have mentioned above, is family and marriage therapy right for you? Are you ready to take the steps necessary to improve your relationships? If you have answered yes to these questions the very next step you should take is finding a therapist who aligns with what you are looking for.
Read the reviews, peruse the website, and use your instinct to land on the therapist that you are willing to give a shot at helping you. Family counseling Tampa and in other major cities is just a few clicks away.
Therapy has and will always be our best option when it comes to mending broken relationships or improving family situations. Therapy has a long history of benefits in which you are entitled. Don’t be fearful, give therapy a shot today.
