In times of struggle, family is often the first place we turn to, so creating a healthy dynamic within the
family unit is vital. Families may need help navigating life’s many challenges, including big changes like
moving, grief, medical conditions, job loss, and financial struggles as well as smaller conflicts between
partners or parents and their children. A family can be any group of people who care about each other,
including parents and guardians, their children, siblings, stepfamily, extended family members, and even
friends who have become like family.

Family therapy is a form of talk therapy focused on the improvement of relationships and functional
behaviors between family members. Family therapy can also help treat specific mental health or
behavioral conditions for one person in the unit or assist a family that simply wants to bond more closely.
So how exactly does family therapy work? Family therapy is an evidence-based treatment that revolves
around conversations. The goal is to have a safe environment for families to engage in dialogue without
feeling judged. As conversations are the foundation of family therapy, it’s important that everyone
involved actively participates in sessions. If some family members resist engaging, conflict may arise.
Trained professionals, like the therapists at D2 Counseling, are prepared to work with families and to
encourage all members to be open and honest. Their guidance will allow those participating to improve
communication, understand one another on a deeper level, and learn healthy behaviors that can improve
functioning overall.

There are specific categories of family therapy that differ in length and technique based on the
circumstances and goals of those attending the sessions. Therapists can be involved in a family’s journey
for several months or more, and the frequency of visits depends on the situation. One example of a type
of family therapy to note is marriage or couples counseling, which involves spouses or romantic
partners. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) can work with couples on issues such as
communication, raising children, and finances. Another type of family therapy is functional family
therapy (FFT) in which a therapist assists families with children with behavioral issues, including
assessing the dynamics that have led to problematic behavior and offering insight into a path forward for
the parents.
Among some of the most vulnerable of those struggling with mental health in the family unit are children.
The brain isn’t fully developed until age 25, so children and adolescents are especially sensitive to conflict
and mental health triggers. Although many adults may remember their childhood as a time without
responsibilities, growing up isn’t easy for many, and children need support and mental health care just
as adults do.

As young people are still in the process of developing cognition and language, child therapy is a
specific type of therapy with sessions tailored to fit children’s cognitive development. To bridge
the communication gap between children and adults, play and art are often part of the therapeutic work
being done with kids. When asked direct questions, children may not be able to understand, or they may
begin to worry that what they’re saying is “bad” and feel defensive. Even when they can tell you what
emotions they’re feeling, a child may not be able to analyze and convey what situations led to them.
Rather than expecting a child to express themselves like an adult, a trained therapist will join the
child’s world instead. Through play and artistic expression, the child can relax, and the therapist can
assess their moods, thoughts, body language, and behaviors.

As with family therapy, child therapy can sometimes lead to conflict if not approached carefully. The
therapeutic alliance between any client, child or adult, and their therapist is critical. This relationship,
which should involve empathy and positive regard for one another, is an indicator that sessions will be
successful. A child especially should feel like they can open up to their therapist as a result of the
therapeutic alliance. This can sometimes require assistance from a parent because, if a child is made to
feel like they are not allowed to talk with others about what goes on at home, then they may not be able to
open up in therapy.

A trained therapist will connect with the parents and share updates on how therapy with the child is going.
Although neither family therapy nor child therapy are quick fixes, both types of therapy can provide
support and guidance to help families function healthily, benefiting the well-being of all family members.
If your family is struggling at the moment, in whatever way that looks for you, know that D2 Counseling is
here to provide insight, education, and guidance on your lifelong journey as a family. All families and
couples bicker and argue, and it is normal for those struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and other
mental health issues in their individual lives to also need guidance on how to keep their familial
relationships from being impaired. D2 Counseling can be the intervention needed for you to keep your
family’s bonds close and the family unit functioning happily.