Footprints to Recovery, Mental Health Treatment Program in NJ
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Family Therapy
During outpatient mental health treatment in New Jersey, our team of licensed marriage and family therapists dedicates their time to helping families overcome mental health disorders and improve family dynamics.
Family therapy focuses on improving the mental health and well-being of individuals, couples, and families by identifying problem areas and providing therapeutic techniques to establish healthy interpersonal relationships.
Family sessions are guided by marriage and family therapists (MFTs) who specialize in treating mental health disorders through family counseling. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) provides two MFT licenses in New Jersey including:
- Licensed associate marriage and family therapist (LAMFT)
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
The AAMFT provides the necessary education and resources for effective family mental health treatment in New Jersey.
Footprints to Recovery Mental Health in New Jersey offers high-quality therapy services for families struggling with mental illness. Our mental health programs follow the highest ethical standards so each individual is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. By providing these valuable mental health services, Footprints to Recovery helps to strengthen families in New Jersey as they health from mental health disorders.
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Our team of licensed mental health professionals can help you manage your symptoms and create a new, more fulfilling life.
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If you have coverage of any kind, we will work with you to determine your benefits for mental health treatment. Any information you share with us is kept strictly confidential.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy, also known as family counseling or family systems therapy, is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy. It focuses on improving communication and solving family conflicts. It is often used to address mental health disorders and emotional difficulties that affect everyone within an immediate or extended family.
During individual therapy, a client meets one-on-one with their therapist. For those in group therapy, they work as a collective with other individuals who have similar issues. In family therapy, the focus is on relationships within the family and how each member interacts with one another.
During family therapy, the entire family unit becomes the client as a licensed marriage and family therapist works to identify impediments to the family’s overall functioning. Family therapy is proven valuable in many situations such as following a death in the family, major life changes like moving, or when unexpected medical problems arise.
There are several goals within family therapy that can help create a better environment at home and healthier family relationships for everyone.
- Improving communication skills between family members for conflict resolution
- Identify patterns of dysfunction and create a plan to eliminate them
- Develop an understanding and empathy within the family
- Establish the idea that family is interconnected, the actions of one affect all
Family therapy can play a crucial role in preventing relapse and supporting ongoing recovery. It equips families with tools and strategies to manage potential triggers and setbacks, promoting long-term well-being. The specific techniques and approaches used in family therapy may vary depending on the therapist’s orientation and the unique needs of the family and the individual.
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Different Types of Family Therapy
Several different types of family therapy can be used for more effective treatment on a case-by-case basis. Your family therapist may use one, or multiple types of family therapy based on the needs of each family unit. During the different types of family therapy, licensed marriage and family therapists can help family members learn essential communication and coping skills to create healthy relationships and manage difficult emotions. Our therapists also provide valuable insight into family dynamics and suggest strategies that may be beneficial for the entire family.
Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
Functional family therapy (FFT) focuses on the behaviors of each individual family member, as well as how they interact with each other in the family system. It also emphasizes how the interactions between family members and the environment affect their behaviors.
- Assess unhealthy behavior
- Unearth contributing factors
- Improve communication
- Promote positive reinforcement
During FFT sessions, therapists help families identify patterns of behavior that are not productive or helpful, and then work together to come up with a plan for change and better communication.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy focuses on helping two people in a relationship address conflicts, develop stronger communication skills, and enhance their relationship. For this reason, Couples therapy can help married couples or those in a relationship work through their problems.
- Parenting problems
- Financial concerns
- Infidelity or cheating
- Sexual dissatisfaction
Knowing that there are many stressors in life that can put a strain on a relationship, marriage, and family, this form of therapy can help couples work on solutions to these problems using love and communication. In doing so, couples therapy helps both partners learn how to effectively express their needs while also understanding the other person’s feelings and perspectives.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy is a type of family therapy that uses direct interventions to help families identify and address problems. This approach focuses on short-term, goal-oriented treatments that are designed to quickly resolve conflicts and bring about positive change within the family system.
A strategic family therapist takes an active and directive role, often assigning tasks or prescribing actions to help the family change their patterns of behavior. These tasks often involve role-playing exercises or other problem-solving activities to help members understand each other better and practice new communication skills.
Structural Family Therapy
As a creation of the renowned family therapist Salvador Minuchin, structural therapy focuses on the family structure and how it influences behavior and interactions. In general, structural family therapy emphasizes understanding the roles, beliefs, expectations, and rules that are influencing relationships in order to resolve conflicts and create healthier dynamics.
During each session, a structural family therapist will focus on changing dysfunctional communication patterns. To do so, families work to identify and alter unhealthy power dynamics and structures to encourage lasting changes in behaviors.
Systemic Family Therapy
Systemic family therapy looks at the family as an interconnected system, with each member having their own role and influences on the overall dynamics of the unit. For this reason, this approach to family therapy focuses on patterns of behavior between family members, rather than individual psychological issues.
- Genograms - Visual representations that map out patterns of behavior between each member
- Structural diagrams - Visual representations of a family’s physical and psychological boundaries
- Narrative therapy - Activities that help members share and learn from each other's perspectives
Through the use of these techniques, therapists can help members develop a clear understanding of the communication patterns, roles, and dynamics within the family. In turn, this teaches each individual new ways to effectively work together and foster a healthier environment.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
Family therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within a family system. It involves the participation of multiple family members and a trained therapist who facilitates the sessions. Sessions last around an hour and occur once per week. How many sessions your family attends is something your therapist will discuss with you.
In general, the therapeutic approach will vary depending on the therapist’s techniques and the specific needs of each family. For this reason, your therapist will tailor the focus of each session to address your family’s unique dynamics and challenges.
A general overview of the basic principles of family therapy includes:
Initial Assessment
The first step in family therapy is the initial assessment. Your therapist will meet with your family to gather information about your history, relationships, and the issues you are facing. In doing so, this assessment helps the therapist understand the dynamics within your family and create a tailored therapy approach.
Setting Goals in Family Therapy
Once your therapist has a clear understanding of the family’s challenges, they work with your family to set goals for therapy. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). The goals also provide a roadmap for the therapy process and serve as a benchmark for progress.
Identifying Underlying Patterns and Dynamics
During therapy sessions, your therapist observes your family’s interactions and communication patterns. They look for underlying dynamics, such as power struggles, communication breakdowns, or unresolved conflicts. By identifying these patterns, your therapist can help family members understand how their behaviors and interactions contribute to the challenges they face.
Skills for Communication and Conflict Resolution
One of the primary focuses of family therapy is improving communication skills and resolving conflicts. Your therapist helps family members develop effective communication strategies, such as active listening, assertiveness, and empathy. They may also teach conflict resolution techniques, such as negotiation and compromise, to help family members address and resolve disagreements constructively.
Exploration of Family History and Systems
Family therapy often involves exploring the family’s history, including any history of mental illness, past traumas, and generational patterns. By understanding your family’s history and systems, your therapist can help family members gain insight into how past events may influence present dynamics. This understanding can lead to increased empathy and compassion among family members.
Therapy Assignments and Homework
In between therapy sessions, your therapist may assign exercises or homework for family members to practice new skills or apply the insights gained during therapy. These assignments can help reinforce the therapy process and promote continued growth and change outside of the therapy room.
Gradual Change and Progress
Family therapy is a process that takes time. Progress may not happen overnight, but with consistent effort and participation, positive changes can occur. During the therapeutic process, counselors assist family members by offering support, encouragement, and guidance along the way.
What Are the Benefits of Family Therapy?
Family therapy is effective in improving family functioning, reducing symptoms of mental health disorders, and enhancing the overall quality of life for each member. Some of the benefits of family therapy include:
During therapy, individuals, couples, and families can all benefit from learning skills and strategies to strengthen their relationships, address concerns, and resolve conflicts in a respectful and constructive way.
Improves Communication
One of the primary benefits of family therapy is the improvement in communication among family members. This form of therapy provides a safe and structured environment where members can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. The therapist helps facilitate effective communication techniques, such as active listening and assertive expression which encourages clarity and reduces miscommunication within the family. Good communication enhances empathy, resolves conflicts, and fosters healthier relationships among family members.
Enhances Dynamics
Family therapy focuses on understanding and addressing dysfunctional patterns and dynamics within the family system. By identifying and modifying negative interaction patterns, such as blame, criticism, or avoidance, family therapy helps promote more positive and functional ways of relating to one another. This can lead to increased harmony, cooperation, and support within the family unit. Similarly, therapy can help family members recognize their roles and responsibilities, allowing for healthier boundaries and shared decision-making.
Establishes Health & Well-being
Family therapy not only benefits the individual with a mental health disorder but also supports the overall well-being of all family members. It provides a platform for family members to gain insight into how mental health issue affects everyone in the family. By increasing understanding and empathy, family therapy helps reduce stigma and blame, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and growth. Family members can learn coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and self-care techniques that contribute to their well-being, as well as the well-being of their loved ones.
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Can Family Therapy Improve Mental Health?
Family therapy can help someone’s family learn more about mental health conditions so they can better help their loved one move on to a brighter future. Family therapy can be an effective part of a treatment plan for a range of mental health disorders.
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Behavioral disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
For this reason, family therapy can be especially helpful for families dealing with mental health issues, addiction, or trauma. It can also provide support to those who are facing challenging life transitions such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or illness.
This is because family therapy can help families create a stronger bond by focusing on implementing effective solutions for themselves and their loved one’s mental health problems. As a result, families can work together to support each member’s mental health recovery.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services
At our mental health facility in New Jersey, we offer comprehensive family therapy services for a variety of mental health disorders. Family therapy explores the dynamics of family relationships and how they may be contributing to a person’s physical, mental, or emotional struggles. Throughout our family therapy program, we help families develop coping strategies that will allow them to interact more productively in order to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Where Can I Find Family Therapy Near Me?
Therapy for families is just one of the many mental health recovery services offered by the skilled team at Footprints to Recovery Mental Health in New Jersey. Our family counseling sessions are conducted by licensed and experienced therapists who can help you and your family break through the barriers holding you back.
Communication, trust, and respect are all values that family therapy can improve within a family unit. If you’re interested in learning more about how therapy for families can help assist with mental health disorder recovery, contact our team of mental and behavioral health professionals today. We can verify your insurance plan and go over the types of treatment and cognitive therapies available. Get started finding a therapist who can help improve family mental health today.
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