UNFORTUNATELY, ADDICTION IS NEVER SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS JUST ONE PERSON. IT CAN INFLUENCE FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS AS WELL. WHEN SOMEONE DECIDES TO BECOME SOBER, THEY MAY NEED SOME SUPPORT IN REBUILDING THESE RELATIONSHIPS. THROUGH FAMILY THERAPY, INDIVIDUALS CAN WORK ON GETTING THEIR RELATIONSHIPS AND FRIENDSHIPS BACK TO NORMAL.
WHAT IS FAMILY THERAPY?
Family therapy is one type of mental health counseling option during treatment. It works to help families communicate with each other, work through old arguments and heal together. A family therapist has specialized training and experience in working with family groups. Because of this, they can help loved ones start the recovery journey together.
A family therapy program is essential because of how addiction works. Sometimes, people resort to lying to cover up their addiction. They may also isolate themselves from loved ones to hide the extent of their drug or alcohol abuse. Eventually, this can take its toll on close friendships and family relationships.
When paired with addiction therapy services, family therapy helps with interpersonal relationships, but it also supports the individual’s recovery. Research shows that close connections and support increase someone’s chances of staying sober. By using a family therapy program, the individual can boost their recovery and long-term sobriety.
This type of program may help guests work through problems such as:
- Co-occurring mental health, behavioral or learning disorders
- Communication skills
- Problems with attending work, school or family events
- Reconciliation and healing
- Family conflicts
WHAT HAPPENS IN A FAMILY THERAPY SESSION?
In the initial session, the therapist interviews the entire family as a group. The family discusses the types of issues and problems that they would like to work on in therapy. This session also includes introductions, and it offers the therapist a chance to see how everyone interacts with each other. The therapist may also explain the basic rules about treatment and make sure that everyone understands the process.
The next few sessions continue the assessment process. During this time, the therapist learns more about how family members interact and communicate. These sessions help the therapist understand how substance abuse affects the family so that they can discover the right interventions.
Once the initial assessment stage is complete, the middle sessions of family therapy will last for about 60 to 90 minutes. These customized sessions vary depending on what the family members need. The therapist may discuss communication strategies, coping skills, and anger management. Often, the individual in treatment will go through other addiction treatment services between each family session.
Throughout these sessions, the therapist tries to understand each person’s perspective. Together, the group addresses ways that they can support each other and communicate better. Once this important work is complete, the family therapist starts to wind down the treatment sessions. The individual may continue counseling or individual treatment, but their loved ones will no longer need to go to family therapy.
BECOMING SOBER IN A HEALING REHAB
With high-quality programs and services, guests can take the first step in becoming sober. Rehab centers offer treatment options that addiction specialists can customize to match the individual’s unique needs and situation. These programs help with everything from initially becoming sober to long-term relapse prevention. At the treatment center, individuals can enjoy program options such as:
- Nature therapy and meditation
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Yoga and art therapy
- Psychiatric assessments
- Trauma therapy and EMDR
- Recreational therapy
Of course, no two people are the same. The right rehab offers individualized programs that you can customize to meet your needs. Through the healing Pearl of the Sea Retreat, you can take the first step in your sobriety in sunny St. Augustine, Florida. At this coastal rehab, you can retreat from the world and focus on creating a better life. To find out more about how we can help with your sobriety, call us today.