At Chilliwack Mountain View Counselling, we offer a variety of counselling services, including family therapy. All families have times when members face conflicts or struggles with each other. How we view these challenges within families is essential to how we cope with them. It can help to think of these situations as differences to be discussed rather than conflict or adversarial situations. Viewing a situation as an opportunity to discuss an issue helps us to understand the other person’s point of view, which will increase the chance of resolving the situation. However, if we assume our difference of opinion will result in conflict, we are less likely to truly hear the other person, and it is more likely the process will be adversarial. Another strategy families sometimes use is to not discuss issues. Let’s face it, most of us avoid conflict. However, if we avoid talking about an issue, not only does the issue go unaddressed and may become worse, but we may spend a lot of time and energy ruminating on the issue which can negatively impact our mood. Instead, it is better to talk about it. Not only is there a chance the issue can be resolved, but we are likely to spend less time and energy thinking about the issue and be able to be more present with the people in our lives.

Family Therapy Can Improve Communication Between Family Members 

Family therapy can help to address a specific issue which is currently causing problems within the family. A skilled psychologist can help each family member communicate their point of view and be heard by other family members. Skills learned from a specific issue can then be used in future difficult conversations. 

Family Therapy Can Strengthen Relationships with Others

Skills and confidence learned through addressing challenges within the family can be extended to other relationships, including friends, neighbors, colleagues, and supervisors. This helps to strengthen these relationships and helps us to address problems in these areas.

Family Therapy Helps to Recognize and Address Problematic Themes within the Family

Family therapy may be an opportunity to discover ongoing themes, such as a family member feeling unheard or unimportant within the family. Family therapy can help each family member have a voice to be heard and for the family to address issues which may arise. Addressing these issues is likely to have a positive impact on the family dynamic.  

Family Therapy Can Help Set Boundaries with Family Members

Sometimes, despite our best intentions and efforts, we may not come to a good place with family members at this time. Family therapy can also help us to determine if we need to set boundaries with family members, what boundaries are needed, and how to keep these boundaries. Family therapy can also help us to consider when we might reconsider working with the family member to address the issue. 

Families are not always cohesive. But family therapy can help families deal with issues, improve communication, and problem solve or, if not possible, set boundaries as needed.