No matter what challenges we face, having a strong family system can ground us and remind us that we are protected and loved. At the same time, families can face many obstacles, and our relationships with family members can become stressful and strained. 

Whether your family is suffering from a significant loss, like divorce or a death, facing a major life change, frequently arguing or miscommunicating, or simply seems out of sync, we are here to support you. 

Our trained family therapists are committed to helping families of all different backgrounds, values, and identities find balance and well-being. With family therapy, you and your family members will learn to identify roles and patterns, understand problems, and find solutions to move forward with unity and connection. 

To start working with one of our trained family therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, and Wilbraham offices, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

To learn more about evidence based family therapy in Massachusetts, please read on!

What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps everyone in the family understand and support each other, as well as work through difficulties. Family therapists offer families a safe space to share their experiences, listen to each other’s concerns, and identify solutions to challenges within the family dynamic.

Does My Family Need Counseling?

While some issues can be resolved within a family unit, there are many times when seeking professional support in the form of family counseling can be beneficial. In fact, all relationships can benefit from the introspection and growth that counseling provides. 

Signs your family may benefit from a working with a family counselor:

• Persistent and escalating conflict
• Constant disagreement
• Constant miscommunication
• Difficult divorce, separation, loss, or significant life change
• Challenges related to trauma
• Dishonesty and/or lack of trust
• Unhealthy roles 
• Avoidance of issues 

Whether your family is struggling with a particular stressor or looking to create a strong familial bond, our family counselors in Massachusetts are here to help.

What Does Family Therapy at Handel Behavioral Health Involve?

During your initial consultation, our therapists will get to know your family and the challenges you may face. You will have the opportunity to ask your therapist questions about your treatment plan and discuss your goals of family therapy.

As sessions continue, your family therapist will offer a wide range of evidence-based and holistic therapeutic interventions designed to build healthier families. Some of the methods that our therapists offer include,

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical-Behavioral Health (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Family Systems Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Relational Therapy
• Trauma Informed Therapy 

Our family counselors at Handel Behavioral Health will help members of the family:

• Identify family structures, systems, and communication styles
• Encourage open but respectful communication and discussions to develop sustainable ways to overcome communication barriers
• Provide guidance during difficult times and transitions
• Provide psychological support and treatment when necessary
• Develop ways for family members to support and contribute to one another for the greater good
• Identify harmful and dysfunctional behaviors and replace them with sustainable and beneficial behaviors

Above all, our family therapists are here to help you and your family reach a place of resilience, growth, and overall well-being.

What are the Benefits of Family Therapy?

Everyone’s experience with counseling looks different. However, when your family engages fully and remains open to the guidance of your counselor, you can gain positive and lasting results from family therapy. Some of the benefits of family counseling include:

1. Improved communication: Family therapy helps families learn practical and honest ways to communicate with each other and meet each others’ needs. 

2. Greater connection: Family therapy offers families the opportunity to truly listen, understand, and see each other on a deeper level, gaining insight into each other’s thoughts and feelings.

3. Trust in each other: Family therapy offers families a safe and supportive, nonjudgemental and confidential environment for all family members to share and listen to each other’s concerns. Family therapists will safely facilitate challenging conversations and encourage family members to share vulnerabilities to strengthen their trust with each other.

4. Establishing roles and boundaries: Family therapists will help families establish boundaries and stable roles within the family dynamic, allowing for responsibility, interdependency, and autonomy.

Start Family Counseling in Massachusetts Today:

At Handel Behavioral Health, we believe that every family deserves the opportunity to heal, rebuild, and connect. Our family therapists in Massachusetts are here to support you every step of the way. 

To start working with one of our trained family therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, and Wilbraham offices, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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