“I hate you!”

“You’re the worst parent who ever existed!”

“I can’t wait to move out!”

If you’ve heard these phrases along with a door being slammed, it may indicate that you are a parent of a teenager. Teens are known for their emotional volatility. Unfortunately, when parents become as overwhelmed by negative emotions as their teens are, they are no longer in a strong position to be stable, loving, or helpful to the teen. The parents’ hurt and anger can easily add fuel to the fire and bring about a downward spiral that both parents and teens feel helpless to stop. If you struggle to consistently respond with perfect compassion with statements like “I love you, honey, and I’ll be right here for you whenever you need me” due to limited emotional reserves that can become taxed by a teenager’s behavior, it might be time to involve a family therapist.

The Goals of Family Therapy

The goals of family therapy vary depending on the issues being addressed, but they typically focus on improving communication and resolving conflicts between family members. Additionally, family therapy can help families manage mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. By helping family members identify patterns of behavior that are causing problems and developing strategies to address them, family therapy can help families build healthier relationships.

Family therapy can benefit families experiencing various issues, including communication problems, divorce or separation, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health concerns, and other behavioral issues.

The Benefits of Family Therapy

Family therapy can bring about many benefits, such as:

• Improved communication between family members – Family therapy helps family members learn to communicate more effectively, like learning how to listen actively, expressing feelings healthily, and resolving conflicts productively. These skills can help to reduce tension and conflict within the family and improve relationships.
• Increased trust and empathy – Family therapy encourages family members to be more open and honest with each other. This can lead to greater trust and understanding between family members.
• Greater insight into behavior – Family therapy can help family members better understand each other’s behaviors and motivations. This can help them develop stronger relationships.
• Improved coping skills – Family therapy can help family members learn better ways to cope with stress, conflict, and other problems.
• Improved problem-solving skills – Family therapy can help family members develop better ways to work together to solve problems.

Identify the Issues

The first step in family therapy is identifying the issues causing tension and conflict within the family. This may include communication breakdown, lack of trust, or unresolved conflicts. Identifying the problems is an important step in the therapy process, as it helps to create a roadmap for the therapy sessions.

Involve the Teenager

It is important to involve the teenager in the therapy process. This helps to ensure that their perspective is heard and that they feel like an active participant in the therapy sessions. Creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where teenager feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings is important.

Set Realistic Goals

It is important to set realistic goals for family therapy. This may include improving communication, resolving conflicts, or developing better coping skills. It is important to remember that change takes time, and that progress may not happen overnight. Setting realistic goals can help ensure the therapy sessions are productive and effective.

Find the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist who is experienced in working with families and teenagers is crucial for the success of family therapy. Find a therapist who is a good fit for your family and who you feel comfortable working with. If you or your teenager feel uncomfortable sharing how you truly feel, you won’t be able to dig into the underlying causes of the stress within your family.

How Can I Get Family Therapy?

You can start by talking to your primary care physician or mental health provider to get family therapy. They may be able to refer you to a therapist who specializes in family therapy. You can search for therapists in your area online or through professional organizations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. It’s important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with families and makes you feel comfortable and understood.

How Much Does Family Therapy Cost?

The cost of family therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the therapist’s experience, and the type of therapy being used. Some therapists charge a flat fee per session, while others may charge on a sliding scale based on income. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if family therapy is covered under your plan.

Family therapy can improve relationships, communication, and conflict resolution between teens and their family members. You can set realistic goals and work together to overcome difficult situations and anger issues with the right therapist and approach. Family therapy can help with problematic behavior, anger, and poor communication. It can create effective conflict resolution, build coping skills, and heal relationships. With the support of the right therapist, families can overcome challenges, build stronger relationships, and move towards a happier and healthier future