Many individuals face challenges during their teenage years. From mental health issues that make it difficult to fulfill responsibilities at school to substance use issues that lead to physical health problems or even legal trouble, there are a variety of reasons why teens might benefit from treatment. A variety of therapies can help teens learn how to manage the symptoms of mental health issues. These include individual therapy, where teens work one-on-one with a therapist, group therapy sessions with their peers, and family therapy.
Family therapy is one of the pillars of our clinical approach to treatment, and it’s where loved ones work together to rebuild trust and make positive changes. Learn about the benefits of family therapy when you check out this blog from the experts.
The Biggest Benefits of Family Therapy
If your teen is struggling with their mental health or with behavioral concerns, there are a variety of therapies and approaches to treatment that can be helpful. All treatment programs should be individualized to the unique needs of clients, but family therapy is a critical inclusion for many reasons, including:
1. Treating Mental Health Concerns
Many teens who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other disorders, find that some of their issues stem from their families. Whether it’s genetics, an inability to talk with parents about their struggles, or traumatic events in the home, it’s important to address their mental health concerns as they relate to their home environment.
2. Improving Communication
Communication can break down in families when one member is facing mental health or substance use issues. However, with the help of a therapist, it’s possible to rebuild healthy communication. During these sessions, you’ll learn new ways to talk to and support each other. Therapists may give you exercises to do at home or have you work out problems in session.
3. Identifying Unhealthy Patterns
One of the benefits of family therapy is identifying certain patterns within the family system that can impact how children and teens behave. A therapist can help uncover the source of behavioral issues by looking into the way the family typically operates and suggesting ways to adjust those patterns.
What to Expect in Family Therapy
During family therapy sessions, you and your loved ones will meet with an experienced therapist. They will ask questions and help each family member open up about their experiences and feelings. Some of the topics you might cover during these sessions include:
- How to support your loved one without enabling destructive behavior
- Communicating more clearly and effectively
- Problem-solving skills
- Healthy boundaries
You and your loved ones might also participate in activities to help you open up and express how you’re feeling. These activities could involve playing games, especially when children and teens are involved.
Family Therapy at Ascend
We firmly believe in the benefits of family therapy for the teens in our programs. We don’t want to disconnect teens from their support system. Instead, we’re here to strengthen it so parents can better understand and communicate with their children. Our integrated family therapy sessions are determined by the needs of your teen and may range from a single session a week to meeting every few days in-person or online.
With a focus on rebuilding trust and improving communication, parents and siblings learn important strategies for solving problems and supporting their loved ones. Discover how the benefits of family therapy can help your family heal when you choose Ascend. Connect with our admissions team today by calling 310.388.3713 or filling out our online contact form.
