Why See a Family Psychologist? Will It Make a Difference?

Families are often seen as an essential building block in a number of ways. It provides support for the individual, it socialises children and prepares them for adulthood, and it’s an essential unit of a well-functioning society. But what happens to families where these functions are not fulfilled? It can lead to unhappiness, non-fulfilment of life goals, and even maladapted individuals who face lifelong challenges. However, if your homelife feels challenging, this need not be the outcome. Dr Tienie Maritz, a family psychologist located in Pretoria, could potentially help.

It is Dr Tienie Maritz’s purpose driven approach that makes him such a sought-after family psychologist in Pretoria. “My aim is to enhance the wellbeing of people. Living a full life means that we give meaning to life events as we undertake the world’s journeys in our own unique way. We tend to encounter problems in our everyday life which actually slow us down. The idea of creating a safe space where issues can be explored and dealt with amicably is the road to growth and happiness.”

What are possible reasons for seeing a family psychologist?

Families are intricate units that consist of multiple individuals who can all have different challenges to deal with, all which could lead to misunderstandings or friction between members. These issues could be wide-ranging  and could potentially include things such as:

  • Death or illness of a loved one
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health issues
  • Financial hardship
  • Loss of employment
  • Depression
  • Communication issues
  • Behavioural problems
  • Abuse
  • Food issues
  • Academic performance challenges
  • Infidelity

What should you expert when you see a family psychologist like Dr Tienie Maritz in Pretoria?

Where therapy typically focuses on working with an individual, family therapy provides counselling for the family as a whole, treating the interpersonal relationships as well as addressing the issues that affect these relationships.

Often, a large focus is on communication, working on the ability to recognise and communicate your own feelings in a way that can be understood by the other members, but also to listen to them and understand their feelings, especially if it differs from your own. It requires honesty and can be tough at first, but, ultimately, it leads to better conflict resolution and decision making among members.

If you think your family could benefit from seeing a psychologist, contact the office of Dr Tienie Maritz in Pretoria for more information. Even if you don’t reside in Pretoria, you may still benefit from potential online sessions over WhatsApp, Zoom or Skype.


Sources:

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

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/modes/family-therapy

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/faq/what-is-the-purpose-of-family-therapy

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