Family members share a special bond. However, certain factors may negatively affect family relationships, such as finances, careers, and childrearing. Because of conflicts, the special bond you share with loved ones is threatened.
Though it’s difficult and painful to see your family being torn apart, you can find effective ways to stand together again. One way to do that is to seek a professional who can assist and guide your family to overcome problems and improve relationships with each other.
You can consider counseling or therapy. Though these options seem similar, they’re actually different. Counseling is usually a more short-term process with an informal approach, focusing on supporting the family through issues. On the other hand, therapy may become a long-term undertaking, where more in-depth treatment techniques are used.
Before you decide to undergo counseling or therapy, learn about their do’s and don’ts:
1. DO find a professional to assist. Many people advertise their services, but choosing a knowledgeable person to help with the necessary qualifications would be best for the family.
DON’T go to the closest person out of convenience. Instead, explore the best options, like the services Well Beings Counselling offers.
2. DO ask for references from the family physician or other professionals working with the family.
DON’T rely on advice from family or friends who aren’t aware of the family’s needs.
3. DO ask questions about the process before making an appointment. Knowing how the process will affect the family is crucial.
DON’T dive headfirst without knowing whether the process will be the most beneficial option for the entire family.
4. DO give it time. Not everything can be sorted out overnight; some things need to be worked on through a couple of sessions before a breakthrough is made.
DON’T rush the counselor or therapist. They would have a specific way of going through the different steps to get the family to resolve issues.
5. DO check your medical insurance to see if it can cover the costs of the sessions. Some may cover only a certain number of sessions; others might only cover only a certain amount of fee per session.
DON’T let the costs stop the family from getting the well-deserved help they need. Speak with the counselor or therapists about payment options available.
6. DO give full cooperation during the sessions. The counselor or therapist is there to help. Failing to give them all the information or refusing to do some of the activities they assign may hamper the process.
DON’T interrupt the sessions frequently with opinions before allowing the counselor or therapist to explain the layout of the session.
7. DO show up for the scheduled sessions and keep the entire family’s schedules in mind when booking appointments. The professional will know whether there have been enough sessions. Terminating the sessions too early in the process could nullify all the progress made so far. Besides, with the latest technological advances, you won’t have to miss a session.
DON’T get discouraged if the process takes longer than anticipated. It’s always best to continue until needed to find closure.
8. DO have realistic goals for each session. With the help of the counselor or therapist, the best possible plan for each session will be established. The session will usually continue until those objectives are met.
DON’T be unrealistic. The longer the problem persists, the more time may be needed to uncover the root cause. Finding the origin of the issue will aid in diffusing the conflict.
9. DO make your feelings known but remain respectful. Everyone else in the room deserves to be heard respectfully without comments and interruptions. The counselor or therapist also deserve the same respect.
DON’T let emotions rule the sessions or get out of hand. The best way to resolve issues will be to work through them calmly with the proper guidance. Disrespecting the other family members or the professional will not provide the outcome that the family needs.
10. DO enjoy the process. Spending time with family in any setting should be treasured, and attending sessions together will bring everyone closer together.
DON’T see the sessions from a negative perspective. Trust that the process will work.
Conclusion
Outsiders may not know the value of these sessions for the family. Powerful connections, better communication, and effective techniques to assist rather than to harm are all part of a counseling or a therapy session. Make the most of the process by embracing each activity fully. Taking steps in the right direction can be daunting, but receiving support from a professional will lead your family to great progress.
