Are there constant fights at home? Are there constant problems between husband and wife, between parents and children, or between siblings? In fact, these things are more or less present in every family. But sometimes these problems become so big that we cannot solve them alone, destroying the happiness and peace of the family. That is when we need expert help. The best solution for this is family counseling .
What is Family Therapy?
Simply put, family counseling is a specialized counseling service that helps families deal with the problems, conflicts, and stress they face as a family, communicate better with each other, and resolve issues.
These counseling sessions are led by someone who has received special training in this area. He or she may be a psychologist, a social worker, or a counselor with additional training in family counseling. Let's call him or her a "family counselor." What he or she does is get the whole family together, talk about their problems, and help them find solutions.
What can family counseling help with?
Family problems affect the lives of every member of the family. You and your family may feel that these problems are causing problems at work, with your children's schoolwork , and even in your daily interactions with others.
If you feel like your family problems are too big to handle on your own and are only getting worse, now is the time to see a family counselor. They can help you find new ways to deal with challenges, conflicts, and problems.
The table below lists several situations where you can seek help from family counseling.
| Problem or opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Conflicts between family members | Frequent arguments and disagreements between parents, children, or siblings. |
| Drug or alcohol addiction | Family problems caused by a family member's addiction to drugs or alcohol. |
| Mental illness | Dealing with a family member's mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). |
| Money-related questions | Financial difficulties or disagreements within the family regarding money. |
| Children's behavioral and school problems | Problems with children's schoolwork or changes in their behavior. |
| A member with special needs | The challenges of caring for a child or adult with special needs. |
| Problems in married life | Situations such as inconsistencies, separation, or divorce between a married couple. |
| Death or illness of a family member | Managing the grief and stress caused by the sudden death or serious illness of a family member. |
What actually happens during a counseling session?
Imagine you and your family go to see a counselor. What happens there?
First, the counselor will talk to the entire family, either individually or together, to try to understand how everyone sees the problem . He will ask questions about when the problem started and how the family has tried to resolve it so far.
Next, the counselor will work with all of you to create a treatment plan .
The most important thing here is not to point fingers at anyone, but to come together as a family and find a way to solve problems.
During these sessions, the counselor helps you communicate better with each other, resolve problems, and find new ways to work together. Family counseling may not be able to completely eliminate all problems. However, it can give everyone in the family new skills they need to deal with any difficult situation in a healthy way .
Typically, this counseling service lasts about 12 sessions. However, the nature of your family's issues will determine how long it takes and how many sessions are needed.
How to find a suitable family counselor?
You can try these methods to find a good, qualified counselor in Sri Lanka:
- Ask your family doctor: they often know good specialists who provide these services. You can ask them for a referral.
- Ask trusted friends: they may have good experience in this regard.
- Ask at the Mental Health Units of major hospitals: These services are available in the psychiatric units of teaching hospitals such as the Colombo National Hospital, Peradeniya, and Karapitiya.
- Search the Internet: You can find reliable institutions or individuals using terms like " Family Therapy in Sri Lanka" or "Psychological Counseling Sri Lanka".
Before choosing a consultant, ask yourself these questions:
Okay, let's say you've found a counselor. It's very important to ask these questions to see if they're a good fit for your family.
- Have you received special training in family therapy?
- Do you have any experience with these kinds of problems in our family?
- Where is your office located? What are your working hours?
- How long is one session?
- How many sessions do you think we will need?
- How much do you charge per session?
- How should payment be made?
The answers to these questions can help you determine whether you and your family can easily work with this counselor.
Take-Home Message
- There is no shame in asking for help without waiting for family problems to become serious. It is a wise act that shows consideration for your family.
- Family counseling is not about blaming anyone, but about working together to find solutions .
- Good communication is the foundation of a healthy family, and counseling provides good guidance for that.
- Take the time to choose a counselor who is right for you and your family. Talk to your family doctor about this and get advice.
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