Family Therapy
“Family therapy” is often conducted with one adult member of a family to address and work on issues in ones “family of origin.” The presenting issue will typically dictate whether it would be beneficial for the whole nuclear family to attend the initial session. Once the presenting issue has been assessed, any combination of family members may be seen for the therapy; perhaps the parental unit is seen alone for a given time to work on parenting and/or couple issues that are impacting the presenting problem. Likewise, a sibling unit, might be seen to work on communication, or parent and child/adult, might be seen to address issues to strengthen the family dynamic. The therapist might see such a “subset” within an actual session or for a period of time, over the course of many sessions.
Families usually come for family therapy during life transitions: births, deaths, moves, new jobs and careers, money conflicts, chronic and terminal illness, learning differences and disabilities, to name a few. When faced with unpredictable stressors, families may band together and strengthen their bonds, or they may need the support of a professional to learn new ways of coping with life stressors that enable family members to ultimately use some of life’s inevitable strife as an opportunity for growth. Many families I see have one or more children with a learning difference or disability, as may a parent as is often the case. With multiple members struggling to cope and relate effectively, a seasoned clinician may provide support, empathy, resources and strategies to break negative cycles and move stuck energy. There are typically many resources to help the child, adolescent or adult to actualize their potential, in addition to learning new ways of communicating and interacting within the family for optimal family harmony.
In the case of a spouse or parent with chronic or terminal illness, it is important for families to learn to tap into their strengths and resources for support during these heartbreakingly difficult times. Research shows that families that engage in family therapy particularly during the acute phase of illness, fare best years later in terms of functioning and mental health.
Insurance reimbursable: Also, I accept out of network benefits and can work with your insurance company directly to accept benefits in many cases.
Call for a complimentary initial phone consultation today to see how family therapy can benefit your family’s ability to cope with stress and strife and ultimately set the stage for greater harmony within the family system.
Contact Karen:
Phone: 212-734-4302
Email: Karen@ManhattanIntegrativeTherapy.com