Burr Ridge Family Counseling
Family counseling is a collaborative process where we examine how family members interact, identifying patterns that may not be working effectively. The issues that bring families to counseling can stem from a variety of sources, including major life changes, internal family dynamics, or external stressors. Regardless of the cause, our goal is to help your family find a path forward, working together as a team.
Common Signs Your Family May Be Struggling
When a family faces challenges, it can manifest in various ways. Here are some of the signs:
- Frequent arguments or outbursts: Small disagreements escalate into big fights. It feels like you’re walking on eggshells.
- Withdrawal: Family members become emotionally distant; they may stop talking or spending time together.
- Difficulty communicating: You feel like no one is really listening, or you can’t express yourself without causing an argument.
- Behavioral problems in children or teens: A child’s grades may drop, or they may start acting out. This can be a sign that they’re struggling.
- Major life changes: A divorce, a move, or a serious illness can shake a family’s foundation. It can be hard to adjust.
- Substance use: When one family member is struggling with addiction, it affects everyone.
- Grief and loss: The death of a family member can be devastating. Working through grief together is essential.
Therapeutic Modalities
Family counseling isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer several options to suit your family’s unique needs.
- Structural Family Therapy: This approach examines the family’s structure, including who holds power and the boundaries within the family. We work to adjust these dynamics to create a healthier, more balanced system.
- Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Is Designed for families with at-risk youth, examining all aspects of a young person’s life, including their home, school, and neighborhood. We work with the family to help them develop skills for managing behaviors and building a strong support system.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Instead of dwelling on the problem’s origins, SFBT focuses on finding solutions. We help your family identify your strengths and goals, then work together to find quick, practical ways to achieve them.
Your Questions, Answered
Here are a few common questions about family counseling.
- Who should come to family counseling? Typically, we suggest that all family members involved in the issue attend. This includes parents and children, as well as extended family members who are part of the core issue. The goal is to bring everyone into the conversation, so we can work together as a unit.
- What should we expect during a session? In our sessions, we create a safe and neutral space for everyone to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. The therapist acts as a facilitator, making sure each person is heard, helping the family identify unhelpful patterns, and guiding everyone toward new ways of communicating.
- How is family counseling different from individual therapy? While individual therapy focuses on one person’s thoughts and feelings, family counseling looks at the family as a whole. The focus is on the dynamics and interactions between family members. It’s about how the family system works, not just how one person feels.
More Resources
If you’d like to learn more, here are some helpful sources:
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): A great resource for learning about the field and finding a qualified family therapist.
- National Council on Family Relations (NCFR): This organization provides a range of resources, research, and educational materials on family life.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA offers a national helpline and a behavioral health treatment services locator, which can be helpful if a family member is struggling with substance use.
Take a Gentle Step Forward
Every family has its ups and downs. If you’re ready to find a better way to connect and communicate, we’re here to help. Taking the first step can be daunting, but it’s a powerful act of love for your family and yourself. There is no pressure to rush; just reach out when you’re ready.
