What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a positive way to help families overcome stress, conflict, or instability by working together toward a workable solution. Sometimes, a part of the family will be involved in therapy due to the issues being discussed. Sometimes one person is identified as the “problem”, but the family comes together to help. Sometimes, home life becomes so uncomfortable, that outside help is needed.
How long will it take?
Family Therapy lasts as long as it takes to meet the goals determined by the family and therapist together. Most often, this is done in the short term, somewhere between one and ten sessions.
What problems will be helped?
Often, problems families are faced with are out of their control, like dealing with death, chronic illness, divorce, natural disaster, or change. Sometimes, problems in families center around the behavior of teens or children, or the parents reactions to the behavior of their children. Therapy may involve setting or clarifying boundaries, expectations, or rules. It may include education for parents or children regarding normal responses in each other. Therapy may also address concerns parents have about the direction they see their children taking with their lives.
What does it cost?
The cost is the same for a family as it is for an individual. A 50-minute session is $200.00. Sessions will be most often scheduled weekly at first, but may be more or less often, depending on need, resources, and scheduling issues.
Dr. Karla Austin
I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as Psychology. I have conducted numerous parenting seminars as well as training for teachers in both the public and private school system. I often utilize the Love & Logic materials by Foster Cline, M.D., and Jim Fay (educator). Their techniques emphasize good communication and consistent relationship building. I place a high value on personal responsibility for children, teens, and adults. I am very careful not to take sides when working with more than one person in session. If family therapy, the family is the client, just as in marital therapy, the marriage is the client.
***As with any psychological disorder, do not consider information found on the internet sufficient in diagnosing or managing your condition. It can be used to find appropriate treatment from a healthcare professional. If in need of help, please call Dr. Austin at 972-986-0150, or if an emergency, always call 911.