Family Counseling

There is not much question that when a family is healthy and happy, all seems right in the world.

But not all families are stable, healthy and happy all the time.

The stresses of modern life, the need for better work-life balance, a family crisis of one kind or another or mental health challenges for one or more family members can bring a family to its knees at any time.

Children with disabilities, financial stresses, behavioral challenges, and just the ages and stages of different children can create challenges that may require some family counseling to resolve.

Many families have some built-in resiliency to many of these problems.

But even the best families can feel a need for family counseling beyond the family's own resources.

Deciding if family counseling is right for a family can be a big decision, it may feel initially like admitting defeat or failure. In reality. Choosing family counseling can be a big step forward.

If your family is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to consider family counseling.

Family members have difficulty functioning in their normal capacity.
Family members tend to have extreme emotional reactions.
There is a significant breakdown in communication between family members.
Family members are withdrawing from family life.
There are symptoms of violence or the threat of violence to oneself or other family members.
Family members express feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
There have been changes in the children's behavior at home or school.
The family has had a traumatic experience and members are having a hard time coping.

Finding and Choosing a Family Counselor

Questions to ask: When interviewing a counselor for possibly working with your family, you should ask the following questions:

Where did you get your professional degrees?
Is your degree is in family counseling or a related discipline?
How long have you been in practice?
What is your experience in treating my specific problem?
What is your philosophical approach to family counseling?

Deciding to turn to family counseling for dealing with family problems is a big step. But it is a necessary and helpful step when the family's own resources for solving problems is insufficient, or when problems seem insurmountable.