“Any problem, big or small, within a family always seems to start with bad communication. Someone isn’t listening.” – Emma Thompson
Every family is a unique blend of its own; however, we all confront turbulent times at some point in our lives as a family. Some families may face financial issues, whereas others may face emotional disconnect. The fact is, families around the world struggle with similar, if not identical, problems. These problems can very easily tear apart families and scar the members mentally. Hence, to avoid such extreme outcomes, it is important to seek timely professional intervention. However, what are these problems that require external intervention? And how can someone from the outside help us? Let’s get into understanding some of these common issues and how a counsellor can help us:
- Navigating and Adjusting to Major Life Transitions
Changes like a parent getting a new job can still have an indirect effect on children by creating stress and instability. For instance, starting a new job might mean longer workdays, more stress, distraction, altering family schedules, or a change in income.
The following are some significant life transitions to be aware of:
- Relocating to a new location.
- The arrival of a new kid
- Divorce or separation
- Change of employment
- Substantial additional responsibilities
- A persistent sickness or significant medical issue
- Natural Calamity
- Bereavement in the family
A family therapist may offer a secure environment for talking about worries. expressing feelings and creating a place to maintain stronger bonds at a time of upheaval or transition.
- Tension between a parent and child
This is something that is common at most ages, however, there is one stage where the turbulence is significantly higher and that is with Adolescents. Adolescents frequently deal with challenges such as significant hormonal shifts, the drive for independence, the need to blend in with their peers, and low self-esteem during this time in their lives. It may be a very difficult period, and it’s normal for kids to be erratic or irritable, push back against their parents, or isolate themselves. This is a challenging time for many parents, and it’s usually accompanied by chaos, more disputes, or emotional distancing in the household.
According to a case study that was published in the journal of Psychiatry, amid turbulent adolescent challenges, the whole family is frequently in distress, even if the teenager is the one who is exhibiting symptoms. Family therapy may help everyone in the unit’s mental health while teaching parents how to be there for one another, express concerns, set appropriate limits, and communicate expectations.
- When a family member struggles with substance abuse disorder
This can be a challenging situation for the entire family. Family counselling or therapy may be beneficial for the entire family in addition to individual counselling support groups, treatments, and/or rehab programmes for the person with substance abuse disorder. In the course of family therapy, members can talk about their experiences and worries, learn coping mechanisms, and receive medication from the therapist to help de-stigmatise substance use disorders and relapse warning signs.
- Past trauma, a traumatic childhood
Phrases like “Let’s keep the past in the past” are frequently heard. But sometimes, things that happened in the past can have a lasting effect if they are not addressed. For instance, traumatic childhood events, such as witnessing or experiencing physical or verbal abuse, may linger long after the unpleasant event. While many families may wish to forget about these events or find it difficult to discuss them, if they are not dealt with, the damage can increase. A family therapist may teach the family strategies for navigating and validating one another’s feelings as well as information about how the body reacts to trauma.
One can approach a family therapist for multiple issues; however, the ones listed above are a few common problems that a counsellor is often dealing with. To summaries, the goal of family counselling is to create and preserve strong, effective family bonds. The objective is to recognize and resolve family issues. These problems could be behavioural, psychological, or emotional in nature. With timely intervention and the right approach, family counselling can lead to the following positive outcomes:
- Establishment of sound and strong boundaries.
- Enhanced relationships and family dynamics.
- Clarified roles within the family.
- Better communication.
- Family members equipped with healthy support and coping mechanisms.
- Enhanced family capacity for solving problems.
- Reduced conflicts.
- Increased empathy for one another.
- Increased understanding and acceptance.
