What is Family Counseling and Therapy?

Family counseling, also referred to as family therapy, involves bringing as many people in the family as possible into treatment. The practice of seeing the entire family unit in treatment, allows the therapist or counselor to better identify what is making it difficult for the family to cope. The goal of the therapist is to empower the family to find solutions and identify why problems began in the first place. In this way, the family can prevent problems from reoccurring.

History of Family Counseling

Family counseling is a systemic perspective that was brought about after several theorists saw the need for a more familial focus when dealing with people and the problems they were dealing with (Nichols & Schwartz, 2006). Prior to this time, counseling consisted mainly of individualized approaches to pathology. Often times, this included blaming the family and keeping them as far away from the therapy room as possible. The family counseling and therapy movement changed all of this as therapists began to realize that change could and should be viewed from a more systemic perspective. What this means for family counselors is that they cannot view an individual and their problems, nor help them with the process of change without considering the individual as only one part in a family system in which problems develop and are maintained.

Family counselors conduct therapy in unique ways. If possible they bring as many people in the family system into the therapy room and involve them throughout therapy (Nichols & Schwartz, 2006). Interventions and approaches are based on the notion that one change in the system (an individual) will have an effect on the entire system (the family). Family counselors gather detailed family histories and investigate the contributions of each family member to a presenting problem or difficulty. They use genograms and standardized assessments which allow the therapist to map the influence of the problem on the family. They look at the origin of the problem and how it might be passed from generation to generation. Generally speaking, family counselors and therapists do family counseling by keeping the perspective of each family member alive in the therapy room, whether they are present or not. Change in family counseling is accomplished by involving the family in every step of the process. Individuals do not live in isolation, and as such, therapy should not be conducted in isolation either.

Family Counseling at The Relationship Resource Center | Professional Counseling Services in the Rockford, IL Metro Area

Need Help Now?

At the Relationship Resource Center we understand that sometimes you can't wait for a family counseling session. Some problems need to be addressed right away. Please visit our resources page for helpful links as well as our Marriage, Family and Health Information page. We have also posted helpful information on family dynamics, relationship decisions, raising an emotionally intelligent child, and parenting tips. Please visit the links below to view this helpful information. 

Resources

Marriage, Family and Health Information

Family Dynamics and Relationship Decisions

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child

• Information cited from the works of John M. Gottman
  

Common Issues that can be addressed in Family Counseling

If your family is experiencing any of the following issues, the Relationship Resource Center is here to help. We are conveniently located in the Rockford, IL metro area. Please contact us today if you would like more information about family counseling or if you would like to make an appointment. 

• Imbalance in Family Activities or Roles

• Adolescent/Parent Conflicts

• Adoption Issues

• Substance Abuse

• Anger Management

• Anxiety

• Blame

• Blended Family Problems

• Child/Parent Conflicts

• Communication

• Compulsive Behaviors

• Death of a Child

• Dependency Issues

• Depression in Family Members

• Disengagement or Loss of Family Cohesion

• Eating Disorders

• Extra Familial Sexual Abuse

• Family Activity Disputes

• Family Business Conflicts

• Family Member Separation

• Family of Origin Interference

• Financial Changes

• Geographic Relocation

• Incest Survivor

• Infidelity

• Inheritance Disputes Between Siblings

• Inter Familial Disputes Over Wills and Inheritance

• Interracial Family Problems

• Intolerance or Defensiveness

• Jealousy or Insecurity

• Life-Threatening or Chronic Illness

• Multiple Birth Dilemmas

• Physical/Verbal/Psychological Abuse

• Religious/Spiritual Conflicts

• Reuniting Estranged Family Members

• Separation or Divorce

• Sexual Orientation Conflicts

• Traumatic Life Events

• Unwanted or Unplanned Pregnancy