Does counseling and therapy really work?

Question

My family has been drifting apart in the last ten years due to a lot of pent up anger and fustration. Our last argument was so intense that physical violence was unavoidable. I want to salvage my family. Talking among ourselves is not working. Maybe we just aren't "listening" to each other or maybe we simply cannot understand what the other person is trying to get through. I thought maybe counseling and therspy can work, but before I start digging deep into my pocket for these sessions, I want to get the public's opinion of whether you think therapy and counseling can help.

Answer 1

I doesn't work for me, it depends on the terapist. mine sucks

Answer 2

I have been a client in counseling several times and I am currently training to become a counselor. Counseling can help but only if the client wants to do the work and make the changes. If everyone in your family is committed to becoming more emotionally healthy, a counselor can help. Those who are not committed won't change. And if only certain members of the family change, the whole family dynamic changes. It may get better or it may get worse. Learning better communication skills would definitely help, however. I would look for a marriage and family therapist or a family systems counselor and at least go for a preliminary consultation. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 3

It's great that you care so much about your family and want to see a positive change in the way you all relate to eachother. The potential for therapy to work is immense. It all depends on the participants to be open, honest and willing to learn about themselves. Also, there are different kinds of therapists. There are psychologists, psychiatrists and CSWs (certified social workers). CSWs cannot prescribe medications, but can still provide lots of help. Don't be afraid to try different doctors until you find one you're comfortable with. You shouldn't expect an overnight change, however. While your entire way of looking at the world can change via therapy, it does take time. Afterall, you're looking to change years of bad habits.

There are resources that can help you explore therapy without having you spend tons of $$. 211.org is a national resource that will show you places in your area that offer low cost therapy options. Or you can just pick up most phones and dial 211 and start there.

The important thing to realize is that you don't have to change your whole family in order to change the life you have with them. If they are unable or unwilling to go to therapy, or if they start and then quit, you can still go on your own, and learn valuable ways of handling the relationships you have with them and the other people in your life. It can be a tough process as you break down old perceptions, but the benefits are life long. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Counseling and therapy can help, but it is a lot of work. Family issues are difficult. I facilitate workshops entitled Dancing With The Family. The family sometimes dances fast other times slow and it is important that all of you begin to develop the same rhythm. The fact that you stated you want to salvage your family tells me that you are open to suggestion. Give counseling a chance. It cannot hurt, especially if the rage and anger has resulted in violence.

Answer 5

No price tag on earth can be put on a strong solid working relationship. If you really want to "salvage" your
"family"....then money should not be an issue. Is it a spouse that is drifting...or a whole raft complete with children? If there are pre-teen children involved, then by all means tough it out in therapy with the benefit of an experienced mediator.

Counseling and therapy saved my life, my sanity and family. I now think of therapists as paid friends. They tell me what I need to hear. They have the training and experience to keep me on the straight and narrow. I can't fool them with my b.s.

A therapist helped me to see that my relationship was worth fighting for. It helped me to see where I had to give more of myself and my spouse had to give more, too.

For me, it was money well spent.

Good Luck!

C-F

Answer 6

Family therapy/counseling does work. The trick is to get all parties involved to participate. Since you seem to be open to it, I suggest you try it. One less crazy person in a family is always a good thing ( no offense). Actually your good example may help. Physical violence is a serious problem, maybe the law needs to be involved..

Answer 7

Psychoanalysis is a sort of counseling (scientific care) -- there are categories of theoretical orientations bearing directly to counseling, and that's in basic terms one in each of many. Psychoanalysis profoundly explores the function and motives of the subconscious (or subconscious) suggestions. this way of scientific care often delves very deep and places an inordinate quantity of emphasis on someone's previous. sure the two psychologists and psychiatrists can carry out this, however that's greater subject-loose w/ psychologists. That being reported, this way of scientific care isn't practically as popular because it was once. further and extra therapists / psychologists are gravitating in the direction of greater moderen varieties of scientific care. they'd use slightly psychoanalysis here and there, yet oftentimes they do no longer place self belief in it like the clinicians interior the previous did.

Answer 8

Run do not walk to the nearest therapist!
I was in an abusive relationship and it was both emotionally and physically abusive. It took me a year - with a therapist to get my own head screwed back on straight! There are a lot of non-profit agencies that deal with this so it should not cost you that much - esp considering the violence. Violence always escalates - unless the situations are dealt with. So go get help - if not for everyone than at least for yourself and your sanity.!!!!

Answer 9

Counseling can be hard because you go where there's possible pain and things you'd rather avoid.

If you're willing to do the work and be open and honest it can make a very big difference.

Remember finding a therapist that you "click" with is just like finding a good medical doctor....so you'll have to pick the right person for you.

Answer 10

It may help it depends how much u trust it.
i am a psychologist now taking a course in family therapy right now and I think is very well theoretically and practically rooted.
I am sorry to read about your sad family history.

Answer 11

Yes, they make you think deeper instead of block out and being self centre with your own idealogy.