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Family Counseling

Families are multi-dimensional and complex. Today, there are many different family structures alongside the traditional family, each facing its own unique challenges. Family counseling can involve the entire family or specific members, depending on the family's current needs and who is able to attend. Usually, the family members planning to participate in counseling will meet with me first for an initial session to discuss therapy goals. Sometimes, I meet with parents first, then introduce the children into the therapeutic process in later sessions. Occasionally, crisis situations bring families into counseling, and in these cases, we determine together who will attend the first session.

What to Expect

The therapeutic process for family counseling varies, but it is always important for me to build rapport with each family member involved, creating a space where everyone can have a voice. Usually, in families, some people feel more comfortable talking, while others prefer to listen. However, it is essential that each perspective is offered, heard, and respected. I work with families to identify what matters to them both as a whole and individually, including how they would like things to change. In the first few sessions, I ask questions and observe family dynamics to understand what brings them to therapy and how I can best support them. During these initial counseling sessions, I gather information about family life, relationships, strengths, resources, and current patterns. Afterward, I share my observations, and we begin addressing the presenting issues.

Benefits of Family Counselling include:

A deeper sense of trust that family members will be there for you when you need them
Closer and more harmonious relationships with family members
More confidence and self-assurance for each family member
Develop skills to use in challenging times
Having fun together as a family again
Uncovering strengths and using them in rough times

Counseling for School Disruptions or Acting Out

If a child suddenly becomes disruptive or acts out in unusual ways, they may be crying out for help. They could be experiencing bullying, experimenting with substances, or struggling to adjust to a new school, home, or sibling situation. A child might be afraid to express these feelings. Working in a safe environment with a family therapist can help the child regain stability.

Counseling for Blended Families

Blended families are very common and can create wonderful experiences as well as unique challenges. The step-parent–step-child relationship can sometimes be fragile. The same applies to adoptive siblings, step-siblings, and half-siblings. You may find yourself needing a family counselor. Family counseling can help you address any jealousy or resentment that might be undermining the situation and restore peace and harmony to your home.

therapeutic approach to family therapy

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Emotion Coaching:
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is an innovative treatment model rooted in a strong and unwavering belief in the healing power of families. EFFT aims to help families play a more significant role in their loved one’s recovery from mental health issues and to empower parents with specific skills to be effective in this role. The goal of EFFT is to support and empower caregivers to take on a primary role in their loved one’s recovery, regardless of the loved one’s age, motivation level, or involvement in formal treatment. The clinician’s role is to assist caregivers in mastering the skills, tasks, and feelings involved in four main areas.

1. Becoming their loved one’s behavior coach by supporting them through symptom interruptions and maladaptive behaviors.

2. Becoming their loved one’s emotional coach by supporting them to approach, process, and manage stress, emotions, and emotional pain.

3. Facilitating relationship repair and healing potential wounds from the child and family’s past in order to help loved ones let go of the weight of old injuries, and

4. Addressing and overcoming the fears and obstacles that arise for the caregiver during this difficult and new journey.

Parents can acquire these skills and assume these roles regardless of their child’s participation in formal treatment.

Principles Underlying EFFT and Emotion Coaching:

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Emotion Coaching are based on the idea that avoiding and struggling to regulate emotions are common in many mental health issues. A person’s temperament can make emotions feel painful and hard to tolerate, and when combined with life events, it can lead to reliance on strategies that avoid difficult feelings like shame, anger, sadness, and fear. When emotions are not acknowledged, experienced, and processed, people often use unhealthy coping methods and may develop depression and anxiety.

Family Approach to EFFT and Emotion Coaching:

The foundation of this new treatment is to recognize the important role that families play in helping their loved ones overcome life challenges or mental health issues. In this approach, parents are taught to help their child (regardless of age) to (1) interrupt their symptoms or maladaptive behaviors, (2) support their child's process of managing emotions, and (3) work through and resolve fears and obstacles that arise during treatment. Parents can participate in this treatment even when their children are unable or unwilling to attend.

If you would like to set up a complementary 15 min. phone consultation or schedule an appointment, call 404-386-6130 or email alison@kellycounselingandcoaching.com You can also fill out the form below. Please note that counseling and coaching services are for Georgia residents only. Thank you and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

I’m interested in counseling and coaching for my family:

*Please note: This form is NOT encrypted or secure. Refrain from sending any personal or confidential information via this form.

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