Family Therapy
If a child is going through a difficult time, the whole family can be affected. Family counseling services are not just for the individual facing challenges — rather, it is a combined group effort within the family. Whether you or your loved one is experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma or a combination of issues, our mental health professionals can help. At Courageous Kids Counseling, we pay close attention to detail to discover what is bothering your children and provide support and compassion without judgment. We’re based in Nyack, NY, and offer both in-person and virtual sessions to New York-based patients.
We can work with individuals and the entire family to help everyone understand one another and develop new ways to communicate. Therapy can help create a supportive environment where family members help each other to promote everyone’s health and well-being.
As life becomes more challenging and your family goes through the ups and downs, you can turn to Courageous Kids Counseling to provide compassionate counseling and family therapy. Read further to discover more about our family therapy services, some common family therapy goals and approaches and the benefits they can have for you and your family.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to reduce conflict and distress by improving interactions between family members. While family members do join sessions together, some individuals may also see a therapist alone.
Family therapy examines problems as patterns that need to be adjusted rather than centering on a specific member’s actions. Therapy can be effective in helping family members adjust to struggles with divorce, addiction, medical issues or a mental health diagnosis. Family therapy can also be used to improve communication and reduce conflict.
People seeking family therapy services have grown since 1970, with family therapists treating over 1.8 million people at any given time. We’re proud to help children and families reach new heights.
Common Reasons for Family Therapy
There are many reasons you might seek family counseling services, including:
Issues in School
Death of a Loved One
Adult & Child Mental Health Issues
Divorce or Separation
A Serious Medical Diagnosis
Self-Harm
Moving
A Natural Disaster
Drug or Alcohol Misuse
Imprisonment of a Parent
Common Family Therapy Goals and Approaches
Family therapy won’t automatically solve family conflicts or make unpleasant issues disappear. However, it can help you and your family members understand each other better and provide the skills for coping with challenging situations more effectively. Counseling for families can also help achieve a sense of togetherness. Some common family therapy goals and approaches include:
- Developing and maintaining healthy boundaries
- Promoting problem-solving
- Helping family members get a better understanding of family dynamics
- Building empathy
- Reducing conflict within the family
- Addressing dysfunctional interactions
- Facilitating togetherness and communication
How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Family
If you need guidance in choosing the ideal counselor for your family, here are some helpful considerations:
Before you begin looking for a therapist, spend some time clarifying the issues you’d like to address, what you aim to achieve and your preferences. Would you prefer in-person or online sessions? Do you want a therapist who is covered by your insurance? Is there an area you’d like your therapist to specialize in, such as trauma or depression?
Asking these questions can help you narrow your search. Counseling for families will look different for every unique group, but prioritizing your goals and specific needs can help set your family up for success.
First, check what experience, training and qualifications are standard in your state. Not all therapists are licensed to practice family therapy, so you must choose someone who is registered and certified to provide the type of therapy you’re looking for. For example, the Courageous Kids Counseling team comprises behavioral health clinicians who are fully licensed to offer family counseling in New York.
It can be useful to talk with the therapist you’re considering to see if they’re a good fit. Some practices, including Courageous Kids Counseling, offer free consultations to help you feel confident about your choice before the first appointment. If it seems appropriate, you can involve other family members in this process to ensure they feel considered, too.
Benefits of Family Therapy
Family therapy services can provide the following benefits for you and your family:
- Learn coping mechanisms to help with anxiety, depression and trauma: These techniques will create more positive thinking and help family members develop better responses to situations, find more joy in life and more.
- Develop better communication: Family therapists can help you develop more effective ways to socialize with peers and adults and better handle social situations.
- Mend and strengthen familial relationships: Mental health professionals can help patients repair relationships and find new ways to feel motivated without punishment and bribery. This will help your child listen and communicate better with you.
- Help navigate big life changes: The Courageous Kids Counseling team can help you through a divorce, relocating or other transitions by offering positive ways to process emotions and guiding you through the challenging elements of change.
- Offer understanding and insight: Therapy can help your family understand one another better by providing insight into each person’s struggles. We can also help you develop strategies for handling conflict.
Our family therapy can help you effectively deal with a range of problems, including attachment issues, eating disorders, child abuse or school-related difficulties. We can also teach you and your family ways to cope with new realities, such as divorce or moving homes.
Meet Our Team
Erica Smuckler
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Owner & Clinical Director
Specializing In
TraumaDepressionAnxiety
What Our Clients Are Saying
Start Family Counselling in New York
Your family will function better with everyone’s engagement and the help of mental health professionals. If difficulties arise and you need support, Courageous Kids Counselling offers family counseling in New York to help individuals and the collective find joy again.
Whatever hardship you or a loved one is going through, therapy can help you understand what is bothering you and provide support as you process and unpack your challenges. Courageous Kids Counseling has offices in Nyack, NY, and is licensed to practice throughout the state. We offer in-person sessions and online family therapy sessions for your convenience. Our virtual option allows busy families to fit sessions in between school, work and other obligations. We can uncover and assist with the problems that are impacting your family’s health and well-being and help you move forward together.
Schedule an appointment for family counseling services today.
