Addiction can affect families by impairing functioning, health, and overall well being of every family member. Problems within a family can influence substance use disorders, but a supportive family environment can play an important role in the recovery process.
At the same time, some addictions begin with family strife and dysfunction, and many end there as well. Our family therapy in the Atlanta area treats the whole family, not just the person with the substance use disorder.
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy. It provides a safe space for family members to talk to one another and often helps many resolve any issues that may have arisen. Family therapy is often a way of rectifying maladaptive family dynamics that are a causal factor in an addiction cycle. It can also be a way of healing the unintentional hurt caused as a result of an addiction. The exact aim of family therapy is as unique as every family’s situation.
Examples of challenges tackled by families through family therapy include:
- Supporting the family of someone in the process of overcoming addiction
- Overcoming a shame-addiction cycle
- Teaching non-violent communication skills so family members can safely and compassionately express their needs and desires with others
- Breaking intergenerational trauma cycles
- Recurring conflicts that feel difficult to resolve
- Helping a member of the family to advocate effectively for their needs
- Forming healthy mechanisms for conflict resolution
The idea at the base of family therapy is that mental health conditions—such as addiction—don’t occur in a vacuum. Instead, they are often caused by conflict, and in turn, affect family units.
Here at Empowered Recovery, we know the troubles someone faces when an addiction arises can touch every part of their life. We are determined to provide someone with every tool possible to help them build the power necessary to overcome addiction. In many instances, family therapy is an important component of this.
Who Can Take Advantage of Family Therapy?
Family therapy usually includes children and a parent or parents, siblings, or those in a relationship. However, here at Empowered Recovery, we don’t limit ourselves simply to biological links—we understand family is much more than that. We provide family therapy to any defined group of people who care deeply about one another and want to participate in the recovery journey. It can benefit family members of all different ages who are facing challenges.
“A truly wonderful place. I’d recommend it to anyone who needs it.” – Anne, Former Client
Couples Therapy in Atlanta, GA
Also known as marital therapy, couples therapy is a specific type of family therapy overseen by a trained psychotherapist. Typically offered to those in a romantic relationship, couples therapy involves aspects of life that family therapy is unlikely to touch upon, such as sexual issues and romantic bonds.
Some people think a relationship has to be failing before they can engage in couples therapy. Others assume couples therapy is only for people on the brink of breaking up. However, at Empowered Recovery, we know that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Couples therapy is a fantastic way to deepen a bond and better understand each other, particularly when one or both are struggling with or supporting someone in recovery from addiction.
Benefits of Family Therapy
Family therapy is viewed as a highly effective form of therapy for groups of people in a range of different life circumstances. They offer a host of benefits to improve family relationships.
Some of the benefits of getting family therapy at our center include:
- Reduced relationship distress
- Discontinued harmful patterns
- Increased satisfaction from relationships
- Improved communication skills
- Resolution of ongoing conflict
- Greater sense of connection
Family Therapy at Empowered Recovery
Treatment at Empowered Recovery begins with an in-depth assessment. This assessment helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of someone’s mental health. Once complete, our team of medical professionals design an individualized treatment program tailored to someone’s unique strengths and needs to help a person unlock their healing goals.
During this initial assessment, we will discuss the family’s situation. Usually, we will incorporate family therapy into the individual’s unique recovery package when it seems enhancing the relationships with others would be beneficial. We will also do so if we believe our family therapy near Atlanta could result in positive changes.
“Thank you Empowered Recovery for helping my son with such compassion and for all the family therapy sessions which were amazing for everyone.” – Tom, Parent of Former Client
How Does Empowered Recovery Use Family Therapy?
At our treatment center, family therapy is conducted by a psychotherapist who has vast amounts of experience helping people work through interpersonal issues together.
Although family therapy is different for everyone, it typically draws on the strengths of therapies developed in one-on-one contexts, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)– This focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)– DBT blends CBT with aspects of mindfulness to achieve more significant connections.
- Psychoeducation– Empowering clients to understand and address aspects that may impair their lives, this particular therapy helps them learn how to cope with mental health disorders.
- Structural-strategic therapy– Focusing on identifying issues within relationships and behavior patterns, structural-strategic therapy formulates tangible solutions.
Combined, the above provides an effective blend of therapeutic tools that supports families in overcoming hurdles and maladaptive cycles within their functioning. When carried out during family therapy, they also unlock the healing potential of each person’s love.
What to Expect During Family Therapy in Atlanta
Usually, family therapy sessions begin by joining the client and their chosen family members in a room with a psychotherapist. Sometimes, however, the client themselves may not be present. Family members may also receive some one-to-one sessions with the psychotherapist.
Family therapy sessions usually last between fifty minutes and one hour and, in most instances, are completed over the space of three months. However, the individual and their needs are at the center of treatment. This makes sure their treatment program is as unique as they are. If longer or shorter sessions for a different length of time are required, then that’s exactly what we’ll deliver.
Heal With Family Therapy in Atlanta Today
Family therapy can help reduce substance use and other harmful behaviors. It also helps to heal the broken bonds between family members. Do not let substance use divide your family and ruin relationships. Let us help kickstart the healing process.
Contact us at Empowered Recovery Center, near Atlanta, Georgia if you need rehab to begin your journey to a new life.
“They showed me that there was a life worth living after years spent in the darkness.” – Justin, Former Client
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