Families are multi-dimentional and complex. Today there are many different family compositions alongside the traditional family. Each with its unique challenges. Family counselling can involve the whole family or various parts of the family, depending on the family's current needs and who is able to attend. Typically the family members who plan to participate in counselling will meet together with me for the first therapy session to talk about goals for therapy. Other times I meet with parents’ first, and then introduce the children into the therapeutic process in later sessions. Sometimes crisis events bring families into counselling, and during these times we arrange together who will come to the first session.

What to Expect

The therapeutic process for family counselling varies, but in all cases it is important for me to establish rapport with each family member involved, carving a space for each person to have a voice. Usually in families some people will feel more comfortable talking, while others feel more comfortable listening. It is important though that each perspective is offered, heard and respected. I work with families to find out what is important to them as a whole, and individually, including how they would like things to be different. During the first few sessions I ask questions and observe the dynamics between family members so that I can develop an understanding of what is bringing them into therapy, and how I can best work with them. During the first few counselling sessions I collect information about family life, relationships, strengths, resources and current patterns. After this I share my observations and we will begin to address 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 membersMore 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 is suddenly disruptive in school or acting out in unusual ways they may be crying out for help. They could be being bullied, they could be experimenting with substances, they could be having a hard time adjusting to a new school or home or sibling. A child may be scared to express these feelings. Working in a safe environment with a family therapist can help the child get back on track.

Counseling for Blended Families

Blended families are very common and can produce wonderful experiences as well as unique challenges. The step parent - step child relationship can be fragile at times. The same can be said for adoptive siblings, step siblings, and half siblings. You may find yourself needing a family counselor. Family counseling can help you deal with any jealousy or resentment that may 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 deep and unwavering belief in the healing power of families. EFFT is designed 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 adopt a primary role in their loved one’s recovery, regardless of the loved one’s age, level of motivation or involvement in formal treatment themselves. The clinician’s role is to help caregivers to master the skills, tasks and feelings involved in four main domains:

1. Becoming their loved one’s behavior coach, by supporting them through the interruption of symptoms and maladaptive behaviors;

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

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

4. Working through and resolving the fears and obstacles that surface in the caregiver during this challenging and novel journey.

Parents can learn these skills and take on these roles regardless of their child’s involvement in formal treatment.

Principles Underlying EFFT and Emotion Coaching:

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Emotion Coaching are based on the principle that the avoidance of and the inability to regulate and cope with emotions are common to a number of mental health issues. An individual’s temperament may make emotions painful and difficult to tolerate, and this combined with life events, can result in a reliance on strategies that focus on avoiding difficult emotions such as shame, anger, sadness and fear. When emotions are not acknowledged, felt, and processed individuals often need to engage in maladaptive coping and often develop depressed mood and anxiety.

Family Approach to EFFT and Emotion Coaching:

The foundation of this new treatment is to acknowledge the significant role that families have in helping their loved ones overcome life challenges or mental health issues. Within this approach parents are taught to assist their child (regardless of age) to (1) interrupt their symptoms/maladaptive behavior, (2) support their child to support process and manage emotions, and (3) work through and resolve fears and obstacles that surface in process of treatment. Parents can participate in this treatment even when their children are unable/unwilling to attend treatment.

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.