Services

Family Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

The goals of family therapy are to address family conflict, improve familial relationships, and strengthen the family unit.

How Does Family Therapy work?

Family therapy works by bringing together family members in a safe therapeutic setting to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and address communication problems. During guided therapy sessions, family counselors may use various techniques, such as role-playing, communication training, and behavioral interventions. With these various techniques, therapists are able to address the family’s specific issues and improve dynamics. Therapy sessions often involve all family members to ensure a comprehensive approach to resolving issues. At It Begins Within, a family therapy process typically involves an initial assessment, regular consistent sessions with assigned tasks or “homework,” and periodic evaluations to monitor progress. By focusing on the family as a system, therapy helps family members understand each other’s perspectives, develop healthier interaction patterns, and create a more supportive home environment.

Process & Approach

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

In the first session, ideally we’ll have all participating family members to gather information about their concerns and dynamics. The initial assessment is conducted by licensed clinical social workers, counselors and marriage and family therapists who are trained in family dynamics. Initially the therapist or counselor will assess the family’s history, communication patterns, and specific issues, then collaboratively sets goals to guide the therapeutic process.

Developing a Treatment Plan

Based on the initial assessment, the therapist or counselor develops a customized treatment plan tailored to the family’s needs. This treatment plan will outline strategies and interventions for effective family counseling. Family members will identify and agree on short term and long term goals to improve their lives. The therapist also explains the session structure, frequency, and what each family member can expect.

Regular Therapy Sessions

Regular therapy sessions are scheduled, typically weekly or bi-weekly, based on the family’s needs and goals.

Techniques and Interventions: During sessions, the therapist will use various techniques and interventions, such as:

  • Communication Training: Teaching family members how to express themselves clearly and listen to each other effectively.

  • Role-Playing: Practicing different scenarios to improve problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

  • Behavioral Strategies: Implementing specific strategies to address problematic behaviors and reinforce positive interactions.

  • Emotional Support: Providing a safe space for family members to share their feelings and experiences.

  • Relationship Issues: Addressing relationship issues to help family members improve their interactions and resolve conflicts.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting the Plan

The therapist regularly checks in with the family to assess progress towards their goals, ensuring the therapy's effectiveness. Based on feedback, the therapist may adjust the treatment plan, including session frequency, techniques, or goals.

Common issues that bring families in for therapy

  • Families experiencing frequent arguments, misunderstandings, or unresolved conflicts can learn healthier ways to communicate and resolve disputes.

  • When a family member is dealing with a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or OCD, family counseling can help the entire family understand the condition and learn how to support their loved one.

  • Families affected by substance abuse can benefit from therapy by addressing the impact of addiction on the family dynamics and developing strategies for support and recovery.

  • Significant changes like divorce, remarriage, or moving to a new place can be stressful. Family therapy can help members navigate these transitions and adjust to new roles and situations.

  • Families dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event or the loss of a loved one can find support and healing through family therapy.

  • Parents and siblings can learn effective strategies to address and manage behavioral problems, improving family relationships and overall functioning.

Benefits of Family Therapy

Family counseling is a collaborative and dynamic process that requires commitment from all members. By working together with a skilled therapist, families can overcome challenges, improve their relationships, and achieve greater harmony and well-being.

Common outcomes that our clients achieve are:

Improved Communication: Families learn how to communicate more effectively, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.

Strengthened Relationships: Therapy helps family members understand and support each other, leading to stronger bonds.

Conflict Resolution: Families develop healthy ways to resolve disputes and handle disagreements.

Support and Understanding: Therapy provides a space for family members to express their feelings and experiences, fostering empathy and support.

Types of therapy approaches for Family Counseling

Our family therapists are trained in various evidence-based approaches that are beneficial to a variety of issues presented in family therapy. Our practice provides a free consultation with one of our counselors to learn specifically how they would integrate their approach in what you specifically are looking for. Some examples of these types of therapies are:

  • Structural Family Therapy

  • Bowenian Family Therapy

  • Strategic Family Therapy

  • Systemic Family Therapy

  • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy

  • Solution focused family therapy

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You may encourage a loved one to participate in therapy, expressing your concern and showing how a therapist can assist the couple in managing the problem together. The external perspective can make a person feel more understood and can provide a new skill set. Family counseling may be beneficial in reducing stress in the family.

8 tips for approaching family members about therapy

  1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Select a time when everyone is relaxed and can talk privately without interruptions, avoiding bringing up therapy during or immediately after a conflict.

  2. Express Your Concerns with Empathy: Use “I” statements to convey your feelings and concerns, like “I’ve been feeling really stressed about our recent arguments, and I think talking to a therapist could help us understand each other better,” and clearly explain why you believe therapy could benefit the family.

  3. Highlight the Benefits: Emphasize that therapy can enhance family communication and resolve conflicts, mention how therapy can strengthen relationships and create a more supportive environment, and stress that a therapist provides valuable tools and strategies without bias.

  4. Address Misconceptions and Fears: Explain that therapy is a common and helpful resource for many families, not just those in crisis, provide a brief overview of what family counseling involves to reduce fear of the unknown, and calmly and thoughtfully address any fears or reservations about therapy.

  5. Involve Everyone in the Decision: Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and feelings about attending therapy, and show respect for each family member’s opinion, avoiding pressuring anyone into agreeing.

  6. Suggest a Trial Period: Propose trying therapy for a few sessions to see how it goes, making the idea feel less daunting, and agree to reassess as a family after a few sessions to decide if you want to continue.

  7. Provide Resources and Information: Share articles, books, or videos about the benefits of family counseling, and provide information about potential therapists, including their qualifications and approach.

  8. Be Patient and Persistent: Allow family members time to process the idea and come to their own conclusions, and bring up the topic again if needed, gently reminding them of the potential benefits.

Sessions available for family therapy

We offer comprehensive mental health services for families and are dedicated to the best outcome for our clients. Please reach out to us today to book a session with one of our skilled family therapists.