Important Things to Know About Family Counselling

Traditionally, our families are supposed to form our innermost support structure and are typically the people closest to us. However, this is not always the case in reality. We are all complex beings with our own characteristics, challenges and perceptions of the world around us, and this can influence our relationships in many ways. Furthermore, because of our close proximity to our families, if one person is not doing well, it affects the other members also. Family counselling exists to help families as a unit to deal with challenges and strengthen relationships.

Ultimately, the goal of family counselling is to improve the interaction between all family members and enhance communication and coping skills.

Why would a family need counselling?

There is no single answer to this question. Sometimes it is useful to help rebuild deteriorating relationships, to help understand each other better, or to deal with a collective trauma the family is experiencing.

Here are some of the most common reasons why families seek counselling:

  • To help members cope with separation, divorce or infidelity
  • To help grieving members after a death of a loved one or a traumatic experience
  • To help a family come to terms with and face mental illness of a member
  • To help members deal with addiction afflicting an individual
  • To improve communication and understanding in any situation that leads to anger, resentment or frustration

Issues that can be addressed during these sessions include:

  • The ability of members – and the family as a unit – to express their thoughts and emotions in a way that is constructive and understood by other members
  • Communication skills, which also includes active listening, and listening to understand rather than merely to respond or defend oneself
  • The exploration of the various roles and patterns of behaviour within the household, whether perceived or actual, how this affects the dynamic, and whether these need to be addressed and adapted
  • The identification of both strengths and weaknesses, as to understand each other better, as well as to build on areas of strength to help heal and grow relationships

If you think you and your household could benefit from counselling, get in touch with the office of Dr Tienie Maritz. Dr Maritz is a highly qualified psychologist with extensive experience in providing therapy to families. He follows a semi-structured approach with different techniques to elicit dynamics within the family system that could enhance insight and behaviour change, leading to potential growth, healing and strengthening of relationships.


Sources:

https://www.tieniemaritz.co.za/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/family-therapy/about/pac-20385237

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