Have you ever had to juggle a few balls at once? It’s not uncommon for relationships to appear like this important site. Marriage and family therapy, or MFTs for short, helps you catch balls before the fall. Much like relationship ninjas. They will intervene for you and help you handle emotional turbulence.
Consider the following: You are in a minor dispute with your partner over who forgot putting on the toothpaste cap. It’s not about the toothbrush in the final analysis. The problem is not feeling heard and valued. An MFT looks at these deeper issues. Instead of treating only symptoms, MFTs identify the underlying cause.
Let’s talk about family. What if your adolescent feels that you don’t get them? Parents who are concerned that they are not spending enough time with their kids. MFT fills the voids. In a safe, non-judgmental environment, everyone is free to express themselves.
My friend once told me that therapy is similar to organizing a messy basement. In the end, things will be more organized and manageable even when you uncover some positive and some negative aspects that you weren’t aware of. It is the job of MFTs to help you sort your emotional baggage.
An MFT can be seen as a guide within a maze-like complex of emotions and connections. You might be so far down the road that you cannot see where you are going. Because they have the map, they can lead you to the following stage.
In a book, I recall reading, there was a story about a married couple who felt like they were separated. They had been together for 20+ years. They saw a MFT whose techniques allowed them to connect in a new way since their very first dates. It was almost like we were discovering the other person for the first.
Have you heard the theory of Family Systems? The theory of family systems is one tool in the toolbox of an MFT. It examines the relationships between family members instead focusing on individual. What is remarkable about families, however, is the close correlation between our behavior and that of other family members.
Communication abilities are not to be underestimated! How often do you talk like a complete idiot while thinking that we are clear? MFTs are able to teach effective communication techniques that can stop misunderstandings and other problems before they escalate.
There are other benefits to laughter. In certain situations, laughter can help ease tension in relationships. I once heard from a therapist how she found great success in using comedy to ease tension between quarreling sisters.
Counseling doesn’t only apply in emergencies. It can also be a relationship preventive health care similar to a routine physical exam for your physical as well as mental wellbeing.
People are concerned about the stigma that is associated with therapy. They feel that seeking treatment implies they have a family problem or a personal issue. Does this actually happen? It is good to have some guidance from time to time!
As trust is key to therapy, it’s important that we discuss confidentiality. What occurs in a therapy session should be kept private unless there are serious ethical or legal issues.
Take care of yourself mentally as you would go to the gym, or eat a balanced meal. So if you have been hesitant to see an MFT because of fear of opening up or uncertainty about whether it will work for you, keep this in mind.
You may find it difficult to select an MFT, but you can choose a therapist that has a style of therapy that is appealing to you. You can find out more about this therapist by reading online reviews, asking friends, relatives, or colleagues for recommendations. It’s okay to switch therapists up until you find someone who works well for you.
If you’re ever in a bind, whether it be with your family or marriage, seek expert advice to help steer you back on track.