Is It Possible to Rebuild Healthy Family Relationships?
As the perennial festive hit song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”. Except, what if it is not? So many of us enter the summer holidays ready to relax and have fun with our loved ones. However, not everyone is blessed with healthy family relationships. If your interaction with your loved ones is strained, then this might be the start of a very stressful period. It means less time away at work or school, and more time stuck at home with the people you struggle to connect with or with whom you are having disagreements. In fact, being forced to spend more time with family could even lead to these stressful situations getting worse or boiling over, leading to further stress, unhappiness, or even abuse in extreme cases.
This is a reality for more people than we might realise. But, while there isn’t always an easy or quick fix, this doesn’t need to be our reality. With the proper support and guidance, it can be possible to rebuild healthy family relationships and replace the stress with that festive feeling that should be prevalent this season.
Often, unresolved pain and miscommunication sits at the heart of strained relationships. This can take many forms, and the causes are plenty. However, focusing on improving communication and respect between family members can go a long way to rebuilding healthy, happy interactions.
Here are a few ways to tackle the task of rebuilding healthy family relationships:
- Self-reflect – consider your own role in the conflict, and also determine your boundaries.
- Listen – Communication is a two-way street If you want to be heard, also learn to listen.
- Respect boundaries – Your boundaries may differ from those of others. Respect others if you want respect and accept that certain topics are sensitive or off limits.
- Say sorry – Conflict goes both ways. apologising makes healing easier.
- Manage your expectations – Healing takes time and can be painful. Be patient and don’t give up.
Sometimes, however, the issues run deeper, and it may take some professional guidance to help rebuild healthy relationships. In this case, family therapy with a professional should be considered. If you think this solution might be necessary for your situation, consider getting in touch with Dr Tienie Maritz. As a highly qualified psychologist with years of experience dealing with relationship counselling, he can help guide you and your loved ones on the road to healing past hurts and rebuilding the relationship you all deserve. Contact the office of Dr Tienie Maritz right away for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
https://www.tieniemaritz.co.za