Huntington Beach Family Therapy Can Help To Heal Dysfunctional Families

By Cynthia Ross


Modern society is fast paced, demanding and stressful. People, even young people, live under constant pressure and some of them struggle to cope from day to day. Families, too, are under tremendous pressure. There just never seem to be an opportunity to spend time together. Statistics show that the number of dysfunctional families is on the increase and this can have a devastating effect upon society as a whole. Fortunately, Huntington Beach family therapy can help such families to deal with their problems.

The divorce rate is at an all time high and it is especially contested divorces that can tear families asunder. It most cases it is the children that suffer most and they often develop feelings of guilt because they think that they are the cause of the divorce. Such families can definitely benefit from counseling. The children need to understand that they still have a father and a mother and that they are loved.

Children are also experience high levels of stress. They are expected to do well at everything and they are often subjected to tremendous peer pressure. Busy parents are often not aware of the fact that their children are unhappy and that they struggle to cope with all the demands made of them. Such children are in danger of becoming adrift. A therapist can be extremely useful in helping families to become more supportive and in tune with the needs of each other.

Numerous families become dysfunctional due to substance abuse by one or more member. Substance abuse unfortunately often goes hand in hand with other forms of abuse. This can cause severe trauma for other members. It is not just the person abusing substances that need help in such cases, although rehabilitation may be necessary. Everyone will eventually have to see a therapist together in order to restore harmony at home.

It is much more difficult to council families than it is to deal with a single patient. There is often at least one member that does not see the need for counseling or that feel that he does not want to talk to a stranger about his problems. This is why many therapists often first see every member individually before commencing with group sessions.

Choosing a suitable therapist can be tricky. Church ministers, house doctors and social workers can often provide valuable advice and make a suitable recommendation. It is important that the therapist is informed about the underlying reasons for the need for counseling. Reputable therapists will not take on families if they are not experienced in dealing with the issues that they are experiencing but will refer them to someone that does have ample experience.

Families need to accept the fact that no therapist has ready made solutions and that their problems will be resolved within a few counseling sessions. This is not the case. It may take some time and many sessions before real progress can be made. It is also not the role of the therapist to offer solutions. His role is to act as guide and facilitator, leading his clients toward finding solutions for themselves.

Families are the cornerstone of any healthy society. When families become dysfunctional, the entire society suffers. Therapists can certainly help families in trouble to find real solutions and to become mutually supporting, loving and happy once more.




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