“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” — Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
Sometimes life weighs everyone down. Families are supposed to be there to support you, but what happens when everyone in a family is having a hard time, and instead of supporting each other, it seems that you’re making each other’s lives more difficult? Unfortunately, members of the same family can react to stress, grief, divorce, and financial problems in wildly different ways, which can result in fighting, frustration, and resentment. Left unchecked, these feelings can tear a family apart just when it’s most needed.
In times like this, a family counseling center is one of the best options you have.
After working with either a family or marriage therapist, an impressive 93% of parents reported that they felt better equipped to handle their problems, according to research from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Beyond that, respondents reported better physical health and work performance after utilizing therapy services. But why do people need to seek help from a family therapist in the first place?
If your family is struggling with any of these common problems, then it may be time to find counselors who can help guide you to a better place:
Financial Stress
Money problems have led to the end of many relationships, and financial stress can put even the closest partners at odds with each other. Because financial stress often gets worse before it gets better, families often endur months or years of anger and resentment, both of which can be poison to a relationship. Trained counselors can help partners reconcile different approaches to money management and develop more healthy forms of communication.
Communication Issues
When you say something, but someone takes it the wrong way, they can come to resent you. This is especially problematic in families living in close quarters. One miscommunication can turn into many, and the relationship can quickly spiral out of control into a very negative place. Sometimes, a neutral third party can help everyone in the family come together again.
Depression
Depression can be hard on everyone. Unfortunately, depressed individuals often withdraw from their friends and family, which makes it hard to know how to help them. Not knowing how to help someone with this condition is painful in its own way, so seeking out the help of a family therapist can help put the right tools in the hands of the people most likely to help someone treat depression — the family.
Families all go through difficult times. Knowing how to support each other and get through the worst is exactly how you achieve the best. If your family is having issues communicating with each other during a difficult time, don’t be afraid to seek family counseling services.
