Family Therapy
Note: This article covers information about online family therapy. Please note that at this time, BetterHelp does not offer family therapy
Regardless of your family's concerns, family therapy can be a valuable tool. You and your family can arrange a time to meet for family therapy with licensed therapists to discuss conflict, communication, mental health challenges, and other concerns.
One challenge for many families interested in family counseling services is finding a time when everyone is available. In these cases, online family therapy can be beneficial. Multiple family members can meet with a licensed therapist from separate locations through internet-based counseling. You only need an internet connection and a non-public space to chat comfortably.
With the increase in the popularity of online healthcare, there are many options for finding family therapy counseling online. Online family therapists have been proven more effective than in-person family therapists.
Benefits of online family therapy
One of the best online family therapy benefits is that it can make booking appointments more convenient and flexible for everyone. You may not have to rearrange your schedule to make an appointment. In addition, unlike with in-person sessions, you won't have to take time out of your schedule to drive to an in-person clinical practice across town.
What can you address in family therapy?
During family therapy sessions, a mental health care professional, such as a family counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist, can address any concern in your family. You do not have to have a mental health diagnosis to attend virtual family therapy. Several of the most common reasons for attending therapy may include the following:
Communication during family therapy
For the families with adolescents or broad political differences, these generational divides and divergent perspectives can be challenging to talk through constructively. In addition, differences in communication styles or differing values might come up. Family therapy can allow everyone to feel heard with expert mediation to help establish healthy boundaries and guide the conversation, helping family members improve their communication.
Substance use disorders
Blended family challenges
Bringing together two families through remarriage has the potential to enrich everyone's lives. It can also stir up feelings of grief, resentment, or jealousy as step-siblings and step-parents learn to combine their lives. This situation may benefit from the support of a licensed marriage and family therapist. Talking through these issues in family therapy sessions can help individuals understand each other's emotions and concerns and develop a plan for the healthy integration of families. Marriage and family therapists can provide blended families with the tools to resolve conflicts and move forward into the next stage of their lives together.
Abuse
If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788. You can also use the online chat.
Traumatic or adverse events as part of family therapy
All families can experience the impacts of loss or traumatic events differently. Online or in-person family therapy can give each person the space to grieve or discuss their trauma in their own way, helping the family move forward as a caring, compassionate team with closer family relationships.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Behavioral concerns
Some children and adolescents may require additional support to overcome behavioral issues at home, school, or other environments. For example, those who experience eating disorders or other challenges may benefit from online family therapy. The adults in the family might also benefit from family therapy as they navigate their emotions about their children. In family therapy, the family can devise a treatment plan together, involving everyone in supporting the child's needs. This is just one of the many benefits of family counseling.
Infidelity discussions in family therapy
In a family, infidelity may cause distress for everyone involved. Online couples therapy can support each party through the necessary discussions, even if one or both partners are no longer comfortable in the same location. Children or other families might be included in these discussions.
What techniques can a therapist use online?
Benefits of online family counseling
Online family therapy and counseling since COVID-19
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has become more and more popular in the United States. With an impact just as strong as in-person therapy and the advantage of far greater convenience, people are turning to online therapy. If your family is struggling to communicate or get along, or if you think that no one in your family understands you, online counseling may be a great fit for your family. Getting professional help does not have to be difficult or inconvenient. Plus, without the added effort of leaving your home, families are more inclined to turn up to that first session—and hopefully continue if your family wants to. While BetterHelp does not currently offer family therapy, it does other counseling services that can help individuals seeking to work through family-related issues. Also, couples therapy is available at Regain, which is BetterHelp’s partner platform for couples who want to work on their relationship. At Regain, couples therapy can be provided completely online via videoconferencing.
You can obtain family therapy from a number of other online providers; the best online family counseling services are provided by someone with whom the entire family is comfortable. No matter with whom you choose to work, it’s wise to research their educational background and review their credentials before you begin regular sessions together. It’s also a good idea to check what is covered by your insurance company. Your health insurance provider may cover certain types of online therapy and not others, so it’s worth looking into ahead of time.
Online counseling and mental health support
Though not currently able to offer family therapy services, the flexibility of online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp allows individuals to find support and guidance with family-related concerns. Individual therapy and mental health services are available through various formats, such as live video, phone, and chat sessions. In addition, individual online therapists are trained in addressing various concerns, including family challenges and conflict.
Beginning online marriage and family therapy sessions
Online family therapy is a proven way for people to get the help needed. Therapists can provide families with some of the best online family therapy techniques that can help address different concerns. It is easy to schedule and can be a great way to help everyone feel more comfortable while discussing difficult issues. Every family faces challenges. With the right tools, you can overcome a great deal of family conflict.
Takeaway
Online family counseling can be effective and may help families address communication issues, behavioral concerns, and other family-related challenges.
You can find online platforms that offer free mental health support through chat or messaging. You can also consider joining online peer support groups.
Yes, therapy sessions can be conducted virtually through online therapy platforms. Although increased awareness of counseling and mental health services has taken place over recent years, many people still do not have an opportunity to attend in-person counseling, which is where virtual sessions can be a convenient option. Barriers to in-person mental health treatment can include cost, distance, and availability of licensed professionals. For example, some people living in rural areas may not have certain services nearby. As mental health support can be an essential service for those seeking it, many people are turning to virtual counseling.
Is online therapy through BetterHelp free?
Therapy through BetterHelp is not free, but they do offer affordable subscription plans. Prices can range from $70 to $100 per week, depending on your location and preferences.
What are the disadvantages of family therapy & counseling online?
While online family counseling does have many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. For example, a therapist might not be able to spot body language cues during online sessions.
How can I talk to a therapist for free?
There are several ways to find free or low-cost mental health care, including checking your insurance coverage, reaching out to local community organizations, or asking your employer if they have an employee assistance program.
Family therapy: What are the goals of marriage and family therapy sessions?
The goals of marriage and family counseling may include improving conflict resolution skills, learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, improving communication, and building trust among family members. It can allow families to work through challenges together with guidance from a professional.
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help family members work through conflict and develop healthier relationships with each other. Some topics which may come up during a session include generational divides, political differences, communication challenges, or differences in values. It creates a spaces where everyone can be heard while creating boundaries which help move conversation forward. A big aspect tends to be working on improving communication amongst groups.
Yes, family counseling may be conducted online. It may even be the preferred method for families that are geographically distant. Online counseling may provide a variety of benefits for families including, remote location, increased flexibility, and potential cost savings. Some individuals also find it easier to engage in family counseling when in a different space than family members. Online mental health professionals generally use similar tools and techniques as in-person counselors.
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