Do you feel like you need to take the next step and you are not sure whether you should see a counsellor or a family therapist to get support?
Let's outline the roles for each and see if we can help you decide.
Family Therapy
To start with, each family therapist will have a model(s) that underpins their work. They may subscribe to the work of Murray Bowen, who developed family systems that considers the family as a unit with a network of relationships with multiple generations. The therapist stays neutral and objective. The therapist may take an experiential approach, such as Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) which helps a couple find what is emotionally significant to their partner and the process in which that is expressed. There are also structural and strategic models.
The underlying principles for a family therapist are the family is a unit, with patterns of interaction between members that help the family function. Under periods of stress, such as a change in family dynamics, these patterns may become less useful, however a therapist can help family members recognize what is going on and offer alternatives.
It enables family members, couples and others who care about each other to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, to understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives. Individuals can find Family Therapy helpful, as an opportunity to reflect on important relationships and find ways forward.(AAFT)
Counselling
Counsellors will spend time building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect to enable you to explore your history, make sense of your experiences and make change or build on your skills to enable you to cope with what life throws your way. Often the counselling room becomes a safe space to explore past traumas or events, which will then often lead to learning to settle your nervous system so you can the process your past experience. It is more personal than family therapy and involves some self-reflection. Counsellors will have particular modalities they also prefer to use or find more helpful. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is popular for treating anxiety and depression. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a strength based, solution finding therapy. There are many modalities and this may be something you feel you need to research before finding the right counsellor for you.
Counselling is a unique professional and intentional process which draws on a range of skills and interventions that enable people to increase their self-awareness, and to identify, address and find ways of coping with challenges that occur in life.
Many life experiences can present us with changes and stressors that seem overwhelming and can interfere with day-to-day life and our wellbeing. Counselling provides a supportive and safe environment where issues can be clarified, options and ways of navigating these can be explored, and effective strategies can be developed that meet the needs of each client in bringing about positive change. (NZAC)
So which do I need?
There is no right answer. What you feel is right for you is important and the therapist or counsellor relationship is important. You may have a preference in terms of the way a therapist works.
Example 1 - Maybe you have experienced some abuse that is having an ongoing effect on your relationships with others, including your partner. You may chose to see a counsellor to help you calm and process your thoughts and body's reaction. After some time it might be helpful to see a family therapist or couples counsellor to support your interactions with your loved ones.
Example 2 - You have had a break down with one of your siblings and you both feel it would benefit to see someone so that Christmas feels more comfortable for your parents and you can relax yourself. A family therapist would help you see both perspectives and look at the patterns within your communication.
Example 3 - You are having a lot of self-doubt due to a recent break up and the hurtful comments that were made as you separated. A counsellor could help you work through your emotions and highlight your strengths. Maybe there are some new ways to look at how you react in particular situations.
You are the person who knows what suits your personality and your way of being in this world. Do some research, and ask questions, then find someone you feel you connect with.
Feel ready?
Comments