Marriage Counseling and Family Therapy in Harlingen, TX

Marriage and family therapy is a type of psychotherapy used by couples and families to address behaviors within the group that affects their one-on-one relationships and the family as a whole.

This form of counseling can treat a variety of issues, including marital and couple conflict, parent and child conflict, alcohol and drug misuse, sexual dysfunction, grief, distress, eating disorders, weight issues, children’s behavioral problems, and issues with eldercare. Some marriage and family counselors may also address existing mental health issues of an individual, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and more, and how these affect the rest of the family members.

In most marriage or family counseling situations, therapists use the first session to gather information about the problem by listening to the thoughts and feelings of everyone involved. This strategy helps marriage and family counselors better understand dynamics between individuals, which may be contributing to the issues they are experiencing.

Marriage counseling participants tend to report improvements in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, community involvement and more after initiating therapy. In addition, this form of therapy can be very helpful to couples who are considering separation or those who would like greater intimacy and understanding from their partner.

Couples do not need to be married to take part in this form of counseling. The relationship itself has the spotlight in marriage counseling. Also, each partner is expected to pay attention to self-improvement and self-awareness during and after counseling sessions.

Marriage counseling teaches partners to learn more about one another and healthy problem-solving skills. However, the effectiveness of marriage counseling lies in each partner’s motivation and dedication to building a healthier relationship.

While attending marriage counseling, some couples may become better listeners, communicators, and even learn to support each other in new ways. Though conflict is quite common in marriage counseling sessions, a good therapist will stay neutral during disputes.

Couples usually attend marriage therapy about once per week, though this may vary depending on the couple’s goals and schedule. Some marriage therapists may also offer individual counseling sessions if needed.

When choosing a marriage counselor, you should pick someone you and your partner can both trust. You should also consider choosing a marriage counselor who:

Has been credibly trained to offer marriage counseling

Understands the couple’s specific issues and has handled similar cases in the past

Is equally compassionate to both partners

Avoids choosing sides

Gives each partner time to speak without interruption

Can maintain control of the session despite conflict

Encourages couples to be open about their feelings

Charges rates that are within the couple’s budget

Your vocabulary, habits, customs, and even early developments on worldviews are all formed through time spent with your family. If someone is born into a healthy family, they will likely handle their future relationships in a healthy manner. However, if someone is born into a dysfunctional family, they may have trouble connecting with their peers.

This is not a major concern, as all families have some type of dysfunction from time to time. Family therapy is a resource that helps families learn and utilize better habits for a healthier, more functional family unit.

Family therapy is a type of counseling that helps members of the family address issues that affect how the family functions and relates to one another. Family counseling can be beneficial for families who are going through a difficult period, major transition, or mental and behavioral health concerns which may exist among certain family members.

For families to develop healthier habits and relationships, family counselors help them improve their communication, problem-solving skills, levels of understanding, and ability to handle unique family situations which may start conflicts. By employing techniques from cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, interpersonal or other types of individual therapy, marriage counseling helps families work together to solve any mental, emotional or psychological problems that may be tearing the family apart.

When you are choosing your family counselor, you may want to consider your insurance coverage, doctor’s recommendations, online referrals, and personal recommendations to make an informed decision.

Seeking marriage and family counseling is an amazing step in the right direction. If you have questions about how to find a marriage or family counselor near you in Wichita Falls, The Recovery Village is here to help. For more information, go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call 24/7 to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825.