For Family Counseling Westmont, dealing with families can be intimidating at times but can also be worth achieving if you know how to deal with them. We have highlighted some changes that one may face while dealing with families.
Open-ended questions
This usually occurs with beginner therapists as they are eager and Keen to help others. If the therapist starts dominating in the interaction through talking, suggesting, advising, questioning, commenting, and interpreting in the beginning, the family can fall silent. It is advisable to offer open-minded questions initially to understand a family better.
Lacking in Leadership Quality
The therapist should have control over the sessions. Sometimes, the family members may have authority and take control. Especially when the family fails to function as a unit, the therapist should take control and set some conditions for professional judgment and maximize the chances of success.
Developing True Trust
A common problem of the beginning therapist is that they become more involved with the family. However, the therapist should realize this and don't try to panic and withdraw himself. He should gently try to join with the family earning respect and trust before building a rapport.
Involving Multiple Members
Many families believe that their problems are due to one person only, whereas it is difficult to initially focus on a particular person. In doing so, that specific person comes true. However, it is preferable to inform the family that the problem lies with the entire family and not with any particular person, especially when referrals are made for family therapies.
Advising Family to Partake & Return to Therapy
Most therapeutic sessions fail because some important members are not included in them. It is advisable to involve the key members of the family in such sessions. Applying all the members of a family is best, and advising them to attend sessions when required is recommended.
Restricted Other Members in Therapeutic Session
Even though you have involved all the family members in the therapy, everyone may not be actively engaged. Sometimes, the Family Counseling Oak Brook therapist may require a family member to hold back during the sessions. Preferably, the therapist should make it clear that the person is attending the session verbally or nonverbally.