In the early 20th Century, psychologist Carl Jung posited that children will begin to live out the unconscious conflicts of their parents.
When parents are locked into a dysfunctional relationship, children will begin acting out in school, feeling depressed or rebelling against their parents out of spite. Marriage counselors began to emerge to treat these problems stemming from a damaged family system.
In general, a family counselor is skilled in an area of psychotherapy that helps parents and children interact, communicate, resolve conflicts, deal with emotions, understand one another better and forgive.
Family therapy from certified counselors can benefit families with marital problems, divorce, eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, work-related stress, credit problems, violence, parenting disagreements, grief or chronic health problems.
Typically, families will attend weekly one-hour sessions with a marriage counselor for a period of three to five months. However, if physical abuse, substance abuse or divorce is a factor, then the duration may be extended.
Marriage counselors have one goal and one goal only, and that is to bring family members closer together. Throughout several consecutive sessions, a family marriage counselor will examine each member’s problem solving skills, emotional capacity, role within the family, behavioral patterns and communication styles to see how each person may be helping or hindering the dysfunctional family unit.
By understanding each other’s motivations, strengths and weaknesses, family members can learn to diffuse anger and form more peaceful, meaningful relationships.
Primary care physicians are usually a good place to find referrals for family counselors. Health insurers, priests, friends, government agencies or the website of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy are other good resources.
Before choosing someone, families should look into a therapist’s background, educational training and experience with their type of problem.
