Still Unsure? Here are 7 Common Reasons why Parents Hesitate to Begin Family Therapy.

There are many reasons why parents will hesitate when it comes to initiating therapeutic services for their family. In my office, each family that comes to see me all want similar things: to have a happy and healthy family dynamic. Whether it is learning parenting strategies or supporting kiddo with learning new regulation strategies, family therapy can be a valuable tool for improving relationships and resolving conflicts within a family. There are many common misconceptions and myths that can prevent people from seeking this form of therapy. Did you have any of these thoughts when searching for a family therapist?

Here are the seven myths about family therapy that some of my parents reported:

1. "Family therapy is only for families with serious problems": Some families may wait until disruptions are happening every day and increasing with intensity. Family therapy can be helpful for families facing a wide range of issues, from minor conflicts to serious mental health concerns. The goal of family therapy is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships, regardless of the specific issues being faced. Its usually best when parents are actively participating in and with family treatment. The more the merrier!

2. "Only one person needs to attend therapy": Speaking of participation, family therapy is a collaborative process that involves the entire family. All members of the family should be involved in the therapy process, as the issues being addressed are often interrelated and affect the entire family! It is best when everyone is on the same page. Communication of treatment between homes can be a barrier with co-parenting or separated/divorced families. Make sure to discuss ways that your family therapist can support linking information between caregivers. Each therapist can support linking communication between caregivers and other professionals, if needed.

3. "Family therapy is expensive": The cost of family therapy varies depending on the therapist and location, but many insurance plans can cover a portion of the cost if the therapist is accepting insurance. Additionally, some therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on income, making therapy more accessible for families. Depending on the modality utilized by the therapist, there is usually a timeframe for certain evidenced based therapeutic models. Some therapeutic models can take between 6-12 months of engagement and completing your goals will depend on the frequency you attend and consistency in participating in your treatment. Be sure to ask your family therapist which one they use in session so that you get a good picture on how this therapist can help your family and that you pay a fee that you are comfortable paying each month.

4. "Family therapy is only for families with children": Family therapy can be helpful for families at any stage of life, including families without children or families with adult children. The goal of family therapy is to improve relationships and resolve conflicts, regardless of the age of the family members. Its not just for the youngins!

5. "Family therapy is confrontational": Family therapy is not confrontational, and the therapist's role is to facilitate communication and understanding, not to judge or blame. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where family members can express their feelings and perspectives without fear of judgment. Therapy is a place where you can learn skills to risk vulnerability in a nonjudgemental place so that you can disclose fears with those closest to you and get the support that you need!

6. "Family therapy is only for families with a history of abuse": While family therapy can be particularly helpful for families dealing with a history of abuse, it can also be beneficial for families facing a wide range of other issues. Family therapy can help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships, regardless of the specific issues being faced. There will be times where you may want to talk with someone that does not know your whole history or life story and there will be times where you may need more guidance. Be sure to communicate with your therapist on what you're needing and looking for in therapy and be a part of the process!

7. "Family therapy takes a long time": The length of therapy depends on the specific issues being addressed and the progress of the family. Some families may see improvements in a matter of sessions, while others may need more time. The length of therapy is ultimately determined by the progress of the family and the goals of therapy. As mentioned previously, there are some modalities that - if the family is consistent with frequency and participation in treatment - can last from six to twelve months.

Have you had any fears or worries before starting therapy? If family therapy seems too overwhelming, maybe try individual session - bringing in another caregiver for support every now and then. Support is needed when going through therapy, especially family therapy, build your village! Finding a therapist can be challenging as well and finding one that is good at what they do and gets along with your family will be important in finding treatment success!

Family therapy is a valuable tool for improving relationships and resolving conflicts within a family, and there are many myths and misconceptions about this form of therapy. It's important to educate yourself about the benefits of family therapy and to seek out a qualified therapist to help you and your family achieve your goals. You got this! I believe in you!