8 Common Worries Families may have before Starting Therapy.

Fear can be a driving force for many individuals behaviors. Other times, it can be a source of continued stuckness in our everyday lives. Those parents who come to see me in my office shared some of their common fears prior to starting therapy. Whether you're needing support with parenting skills or providing a space for your children to build skills in social and emotional intelligence, family therapy can be an effective way for families to work through challenges and improve their relationships and it can also be intimidating for some families!

Here are eight common fears that families may have about therapy and ways to address them:

1. Fear of Judgment - Some families may feel like they're being judged or criticized during therapy sessions, but a good therapist will create a safe, non-judgmental space for families to discuss their concerns. It's important to remember that the therapist is there to help and support the family, not to judge them!

2. Fear of Conflict - Family therapy can bring up intense emotions and conflicts, but it's also an opportunity for families to learn how to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts in a healthy way. The therapeutic office is one of the best places to risk venerability and discuss the hard stuff. Navigating those tough conversations will be more effectively facilitated by a trained therapist to help the family manage conflicts and find potential solutions.

3. Fear of the Unknown - The unknown can be scary, and families may not know what to expect during the course of therapy. It can be helpful to talk to the therapist ahead of time and ask any questions you may have to feel more prepared and comfortable with the process. Getting an understanding of how sessions are structured can help reduce any worry that your family may have with this new experience. Ask your children before hand if they have any questions or want to take some time to think of some questions to ask the therapist during the initial session.

4. Fear of Being Exposed - Family therapy can be an intimate process, and some families may feel like they are exposing their secrets or vulnerabilities. It's important to remember that therapy is confidential and that the therapist is trained to help families in a safe and supportive way. The therapy process also includes time to process different points of view and gain additional insight for yourself.

5. Fear of Being Told What to Do - Some families may worry that the therapist will tell them what to do, but family therapy is a collaborative process where families work together with the therapist to find solutions that work best for them. The more effective form of therapy includes involvement from the therapist providing and guiding the information as well as the family for putting intention and effort into the process.

6. Fear of Losing Control - Family therapy can feel like a loss of control, especially when families are used to handling their problems on their own. But therapy can help families gain a sense of control by giving them the tools to manage their emotions and relationships in a healthy way. Some individuals respond well to accepting influences from others that they trust.

7. Fear of Failure - Fear and worry are common emotions that is discussed during treatment. Some families may worry that therapy will fail and that their problems will not be resolved. It's important to remember that therapy is a process and that progress may not happen overnight. With intention and effort, therapy can help families achieve their goals. Individuals get into therapy to be able to learn new strategies to cope and respond differently, having more logical reactions to stress. That takes time and problem solving, which takes trial and error, to find the more effective strategy for the family.

8. Fear of Cost - Cost can be a concern for some families, but there are many resources available to help make therapy accessible and affordable, such as asking if they take insurance or a sliding scale fees. Speak with your therapist, they might know some helpful referrals if finances become a concern.

Don't be left in the dark! By addressing these common fears, families can feel more confident and prepared for therapy. It's important to remember that therapy can be a powerful resource for families to improve their parent/child and peer relationships, manage conflicts in those interpersonal relationships, and work through challenges together. An effective therapist will be supportive, understanding, and will work with the family to create a safe and positive therapy experience.

If you or your family is considering therapy, it's important to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who can help you achieve your goals. With the right support and resources, family therapy can be a powerful tool for growth, healing, and improved relationships!