Here at Yellowbrick, we know that family is integral as a part of the support system for people getting help with various mental health issues. So, we make family therapy an important and useful aspect for the people in our care. But, what is so important about being able to utilize family therapy for mental health? And, what are some of the most beneficial assets of family therapy in the mental health space?

Identifying What Family Therapy Is

Family therapy is a type of mental health counseling that provides education, mental health tools, and an outlet for healthy communication to family units. It’s led by a mental health counselor that specializes in guiding family topics, providing information on family tools, and stimulating a safe and supportive environment for families to learn and practice coping skills. During family therapy sessions, it’s important for all members of a family unit to be present in order to provide the most support for an individual or individuals in the family struggling with mental health issues. But, this may not always be possible. So, it’s important to find a schedule that works for the family in order to be able to address issues and family components together. This way, families have the best chance of gaining the most from family therapy sessions.

Throughout family therapy, a family therapy counselor will work to identify and address specific familial issues. For example, these problems can include boundary-setting, communication, and enabling. Once these issues are identified, the therapist will provide helpful intervention in order to allow for the acceptance of familial issues. And, offer education on helpful tools and a safe place for the family to practice coping skills in order to address these problems. Therefore, giving the entire family the knowledge and tools necessary to provide optimal support for individuals in the family unit who are actively in treatment for mental health issues.

Why Do People Need Family Therapy?

There are a number of reasons why a family unit may consider the use of family therapy. Some of these reasons may include:

• a family member who’s struggling with an eating disorder, substance use disorder, or another debilitating mental health issue
• a traumatic family experience including witnessing a violent crime, sudden loss of a loved one, or surviving a natural disaster
• the experience of domestic abuse or neglect
• divorce or separation
• issues with co-parenting
• sudden shifts in family dynamics (for example, the introduction of a new family member into the home)

Some of the Benefits of Family Therapy

Family therapy can help families in a number of ways as it can help to identify and address family issues. Plus, it can provide a supportive and safe environment in which families can work on issues they may not be comfortable with addressing in other environments. Some of the benefits of family therapy can include:

• being able to make and maintain healthy boundaries
• helping to improve communication techniques
• providing a safe and supportive environment to share emotions and thoughts
• providing helpful techniques to overcome challenges
• developing understanding and compassion for others in the family
• education on healthy coping mechanisms
• relieving pent up anger and other hostile emotions
• providing tools to reduce conflict