Family Marriage Counseling Is Here To Help

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Family marriage counseling is based on the premise that individual symptoms can be cured by improving communication skills and conflict-resolution patterns within the overall household. There are many initial reasons why a family may seek out a family marriage counselor. Perhaps an unruly teen is acting out violently in school, abusing drugs, self-harming or binge eating. Other times, a couple may be locked into a destructive pattern of domestic violence, unable to resolve differences or encountering disputes over child rearing. Regardless of the initial reason, certified counselors will give each member of the family a fresh perspective on how their words and actions influence others.

A professional who is licensed in marriage and family counseling is someone who is trained in psychotherapy and family systems, as well as someone who is licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders. On average, family and marriage therapists will have thirteen years or more of clinical practice in their field and hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in marriage therapy and family counseling. Since 1970, the number of marriage family counselors has burgeoned from 237 to 23,000, who are licensed in 48 states and are actively treating more than 1.8 million people.

There are many benefits of seeking family marriage counseling. In this safe environment, family members can finally express their feelings openly and honestly, without the situation escalating into destructive and hurtful shouting, physical violence or animosity. Certified counselors can guide the discussion, identify problem areas and train family members in communication skill building and positive problem solving methods. Sometimes what needs to be changed isn’t always entirely obvious and it takes a trusted, impartial professional to help those involved to understand how he or she is part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. Attending counseling sessions is often viewed as an opportunity for a “fresh start,” which in itself can facilitate successful healing.

A good way to find a therapist specializing in family marriage counseling is to check the website of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, located at www.aamft.org. Sometimes primary care physicians will be able to offer referrals of certified counselors as well. Divorce, mental illness, physical illness, substance abuse and violence can be extremely difficult for a family to cope with, which is why the assistance of trained professionals can be invaluable.