Family therapy is typically introduced after a person has undergone individual therapy for a mental illness or addiction. Most often, family therapy is beneficial once the person has committed to a recovery program and is ready to make more positive changes in their life. If you are about to engage in family therapy through your treatment program, you have likely reached the stage in your recovery where you are focused on adjustment to sobriety or long-term maintenance of sobriety. As described by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are several objectives of family therapy:
- To turn distrust into reconciliation
- Guilt into forgiveness
- Stress into strength
- Frustration into understanding
- Despair into hope
- Sadness into support
- Anger into peace
- Conflict into agreement
- Crisis into resolution
There are several ways that you can facilitate these familial transformations through your outlook on family therapy. For instance, focusing on your own actions and responses is crucial to accepting responsibility and handling upsetting situations with confidence and maturity. You may even sign a family contract with your family therapist regarding not interrupting one another, asking questions, and other behavioral responses to ensure everyone is respectful during this time. Understand that if you or other family members are not willing to cooperate, there could be a variety of reasons for this:
- Fear
- Fatigue
- Concerns over power
- Distrust
- Skepticism
In these instances, try keeping the perspective that these underlying feelings regarding certain issues may be preventing your family from moving forward. In cases where this happens, it could be very beneficial for that family member to arrange individual sessions with the therapist as well. All that you can control in family therapy is what you say and how you respond. Knowing this gives you an advantage because you can set the stage for how you will interact with your family during therapy. In doing this, you can find comfort in knowing you are giving your personal best.
Therapy is a primary component of treatment for rehabilitation from a substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder. Attending treatment with certified clinicians and counselors is critical for a full recovery. At one of New Vista Behavioral Health’s treatment providers, you are receiving exceptional care, held to a higher standard. Our programs result in better outcomes, ensuring a better recovery. For information call us today: 888-316-3665.
