Overview of Family Therapy
Family therapy is an integral treatment process for people whose addiction or mental health condition has caused family conflict or dysfunction. Studies have shown that people are more likely to recover when they have family support. Whether family bonds have been affected by addiction and need assistance to heal, or if family members wish to be an active part of their loved one’s treatment, a family therapy program can help.
Family therapy is usually combined with other forms of individual therapy and group therapy in our treatment program. While family therapy is one of many therapeutic modalities used, we believe it is an important therapy that helps form a beneficial support structure, enabling long-term sobriety.
By participating in family therapy, clients can better manage issues caused by an addiction or mental health condition, such as:
- Anger
- Stress
- Grief or loss
As a result, they can experience happy and productive relationships with their loved ones. For most people in recovery, feeling alone or isolated puts them at higher risk of a relapse. By repairing family relationships and helping family members to understand the underlying causes of their loved one’s addiction, our clients leave treatment with a powerful support system.
Family therapy at Midwest Detox Center includes personalized counseling sessions for parents, spouses, siblings, or children. These sessions may cover topics such as family history, communication techniques, and self-care techniques. Our clinical team help families identify areas where growth is needed, and all participants learn how to foster more supportive relationships.
Family Participation From Intervention Through Treatment
Family members often help a person suffering from addiction and co-occurring disorders recognize their need for treatment. This is usually in the form of an intervention.
If the person is resistant to a rehabilitation program, some families opt to use professional intervention services. This involves meeting with a trained professional who specializes in conversations about addiction and family dynamics. Interventionists arrange a meeting between family members to encourage the addicted person to enter a treatment facility. Interventionists may remain available for family support throughout the person’s time in treatment.
Once in treatment, Family therapy works to repair the family dynamic by offering a safe space in which to share, discuss, and work through issues the addiction has caused. This is done in a calm and non-confrontational manner which helps to promote healing rather than further conflict.
The Benefits of Family Therapy
In addition to being affected by their loved one’s addiction, family members may also struggle with their own emotional difficulties. The purpose of family therapy is to allow an entire family to recover from the toll a member’s addiction has taken on the family dynamic. For recovery to take place, the emotional effects of the person’s substance abuse must be addressed by the family unit.
Family members without a history of substance use or an active addiction often resent those that do. Often, they don’t understand that addiction is a disease or why their loved one continues to use drugs or drink to excess. Similarly, the person who struggles with addiction may feel misunderstood, isolated, unloved, or that their privacy has been violated.
Family therapy allows these frustrations to be addressed in a supportive environment. When the whole family is treated, the overall addiction treatment becomes more effective. Family therapy sessions are structured to attend to the needs of each member of the family system. Emotional needs may arise, such as the desire to forgive, accept, or move on. By involving the family in the recovery process, the entire unit is equipped to integrate recovery principles into their daily lives.
What Happens in Family Therapy?
Our addiction and mental health professionals work with clients and their families to teach them how to deal with the family dynamic. These include:
- We help family members understand that their loved one’s addiction is a medical disease.
- We help to repair emotional damage caused by addiction and co-occurring disorders.
- We work to re-establishing trust among family members
- We teach families how to extend forgiveness.
- We manage expectations for recovery and the future.
- We teach accountability.
- We identify strategies for long-term family success
- We practice coping strategies designed to help prevent participants from over-reacting to stressors.
Choose Midwest Detox Center for Family Therapy
We are committed to providing family therapy for those that need it. Addiction is a family disease. We will work with every client and their loved ones to establish healthy strategies for healing, setting boundaries, and dealing with issues head-on.
In addition to family therapy, we offer a wide array of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and motivational Interviewing. In addition to our evidence-based therapy offerings, we offer several supplemental services designed to maximize a person’s chances for success. These include trauma-Focused treatment, case management services, and aftercare services.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out to Midwest Detox Center today by calling 833.647.0392. You can also contact us online with any questions about our treatment options or inquire about insurance verification.
