Families can make life wonderful or challenging. Lavendla can make life easier by helping you and your family find new ways to connect and communicate with each other.
Family counseling
Family counseling, also known as family therapy, is a form of therapy that focuses on family relationships. This can include relationships between parents and children, extended family members, siblings, and many other family constellations.
Family relationships change over time and these dynamics can create new challenges. It can be helpful to talk to a family therapist about some of these changes.
The role of the family therapist is primarily to listen and lead the conversation so that everyone can give their views on the situation. When everyone has had a chance to speak, the family counselor can ask questions in order to create greater understanding, or get the family members to put their thoughts and feelings into words in a different way. Especially for children, it can be difficult to put their feelings into words.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counselors
Click here to view all counselors and therapists.
13 frequently asked questions and answers about family counseling
What is the purpose of family counseling?
Family counseling aims to help families improve their communication, resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. The aim is to promote a healthy and supportive family environment.
When is it appropriate to seek family counseling?
Family counseling is appropriate when the family is experiencing conflict, communication problems or other challenges that affect their relationships and well-being. It can also be helpful during major changes such as separation, divorce or loss.
What types of problems can family counseling help with?
Family counseling can help with a wide range of problems. These include communication difficulties between parents and children, challenges with teenagers, divorce issues, loss and grief, or other family-related challenges.
How long does a typical family counseling process take?
The length of a family counseling process varies depending on the specific needs and goals of the family. Some problems can be resolved relatively quickly while others may require a longer time commitment.
What kind of methods and techniques are used in family counseling?
The therapist uses various methods and techniques that promote communication, conflict resolution and understanding between family members. This may include role plays, exercises and open discussions.
Can individual problems be addressed during family counseling?
Yes, individual problems can be discussed and explored during family counseling, especially if they affect the whole family. The therapist can help find solutions and strategies that benefit the whole family. Sometimes the therapeutic process can lead to individual therapy for individual family members. This is a need that can be identified during the process. In consultation with the therapist, a decision will be made as to how this can best be achieved.
What happens if a family member is reluctant to participate in family counseling?
If a family member is reluctant to participate in family counseling, it is important to respect their feelings. The therapist can help explore possibilities and options to involve them in a way that feels comfortable.
Can children be involved in family counseling?
Yes, children can be involved in family counseling, especially if their perspectives and feelings are relevant to the family’s challenges. The therapist will adapt methods and conversations appropriately based on the child’s age and maturity level.
How can the family continue to use the skills and strategies they have learned in therapy after the end of the process?
The therapist will give advice and suggestions on how the family can implement the skills and strategies they have learned in therapy. To break old patterns, new exercises may be recommended.
What if the family feels that the therapy is not working for them?
If the family feels that the therapy is not producing the desired results, it is important to communicate this with the therapist. They can adjust the approach or suggest alternative strategies. If the family wants to change therapists or coaches at Lavendla, that’s fine. Talk to us and we’ll help.
Can family counseling be helpful even if the family has no acute problems?
Absolutely. Family counseling can help families to strengthen their relationships and prevent future conflicts. It can be a preventive measure to promote a healthy and supportive family environment.
How do I know if family counseling is right for my family?
Family counselling may be appropriate if you are experiencing challenges or conflicts that affect your family’s well-being and harmony. An initial consultation with a family counsellor can help you decide if this is the right step for you.
How much does family counseling at Lavendla cost?
Most sessions with Lavendla therapists cost between $30 and $100 depending on the therapist’s expertise and services. Talk with your therapist about their specific rates.
3 tips for family counseling from our counselor
- There’s no such thing as a ‘problem’ family member – Family therapy is based on the belief that families exist in relationship to one another and each person’s actions and feelings affect the others. No family member exists in a vacuum, and sometimes bigger problems within the family are projected onto one person in the system. The therapist can help family members see these dynamics and treat communication problems between all family members.
- Listen to each other – With a therapist, there is room to talk openly and honestly with each other. The therapist can help you both communicate effectively with others and become an active listener, which helps improve relationships and connections.
- Be honest – The therapist will support you to get in touch with your feelings and thoughts in order to communicate directly and effectively. Honest answers can be uncomfortable, but therapy provides the room to address problems and find new strategies to make everyone feel better.
