Although humans have a tendency to view themselves as distinct individuals, the truth is that we are all deeply interconnected – through biology, language, culture, and circumstance, we are shaped by our relationships with others. Nowhere is that more true than in our families. Our families can be the source of our greatest joy and our deepest despair. Ideally, families provide mutual emotional support in a way that allows each member to grow and flourish. Sometimes, though – especially under stress – families can fall into painful and toxic patterns that undermine the mental and physical health of their members.
Family therapy provides a safe space in which family members can identify dysfunctional patterns and start to build new connections and healthier relationships. Family therapy can strengthen communication, reduce stress, and provide an opportunity to heal past wounds. During a typical family therapy session, each member is given a chance to process thoughts, feelings, and perspectives with the other members of the family. As unhealthy patterns of interaction are identified and challenged, new healthier patterns emerge and become part of the family’s functioning. In the process, family members gain a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.