Family Therapy in Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Bryon McQuirt
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
April 24, 2024
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Mental illness doesn’t just affect the person who experiences it. Family members often find their relationships are impacted, which can leave people unsure about how to reconnect with each other. Peachtree Wellness Solutions treats a wide variety of mental health disorders using several different approaches. We include family therapy here in Atlanta, Georgia to help people come together and learn to communicate with each other more effectively. Not only does each person with a mental health disorder start to heal, but their loved ones learn how to engage in actively supporting their healing process.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Peachtree Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is led by a therapist who conducts sessions that help everyone connect in healthy ways individually and as a family unit. Someone who receives treatment with us can participate in family therapy sessions here in Atlanta, GA. The definition of family includes parents, siblings, children, and other family members, as well as close friends. Individuals can determine which family members they want to attend the sessions.
The goal of family therapy is to help the family members better understand the nature of their loved one’s mental health disorder. Additionally, they learn things like its origin, how it manifests, and which symptoms can be managed. This allows for less frustration and confusion among family members. It also helps the person in treatment to feel better and receive more effective support. Sessions may take place on a weekly basis or less often, depending on the mental health facility and the needs of the individuals.
How Can Family Therapy Help Mental Health?
When someone has a mental health disorder, it can cause them to shut down and not know how to ask for help. At the same time, it can leave family members confused, and they often make erroneous assumptions about the condition of their loved ones. Family therapy gets everything out on the table so that everyone can fully understand the reality of poor mental health.
Each family member is given ample opportunity to speak up about their feelings, experiences, and how they interpret situations. As a result, each person feels heard and validated. This makes it easier to engage in effective, meaningful conversation.
The family brainstorms together to identify issues that need to be worked on. This can include having difficult conversations, discussing how to stop blaming people unnecessarily, and how to make peace with the past. Finally, each family member learns that they have a right to speak up and that their input is valuable. As well, they learn to embrace the idea that this dynamic is true for each of the other family members, too.
Types of Therapy Used at Peachtree Wellness Solutions in Atlanta, GA
Family therapy is not the only type of valuable therapy for mental health disorders we offer. We believe that offering multiple types of therapy modalities creates the strongest situation for people to improve their mental health. With that in mind, we offer the following types of therapy:
How Does Family Therapy in Atlanta, AG Work?
At Peachtree Wellness, our Atlanta based family therapy is incorporated to our three main treatment programs:
Residential Treatment
In our residential program, individuals stay at a facility where they receive round-the-clock care and support. These programs often incorporate family therapy as a critical component. Here’s how it may look:
- Family Involvement: Families are encouraged to actively participate in the treatment process. This might involve regular family therapy sessions, family visits, and family education programs.
- Family Therapy Sessions: During these sessions, family members come together to work with a therapist to address issues affecting the family system. This could involve improving communication, resolving conflicts, or addressing the impact of mental health issues on the family.
- Support and Education: Families might receive education about mental health conditions and how they can support their loved one in the recovery process. This could also involve learning new skills and techniques for managing stress and conflict within the family.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs are a step down from residential treatment. Individuals attend the program for several hours a day, but return home in the evening. Family therapy can also be a part of PHP:
- Collaborative Treatment Planning: Families might be involved in the treatment planning process, working together with the treatment team to develop a plan that supports the individual’s recovery.
- Family Support Groups: These programs may offer support groups for family members where they can connect with others who have similar experiences and learn from each other.
- Transition Planning: As individuals transition out of PHP, family therapy might focus on helping the family prepare for the transition and develop strategies for supporting their loved one at home.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs are less intensive than PHPs, but still offer structured treatment. Individuals attend the program for a few hours a day or week. Family involvement in IOP might look like:
- Regular Family Therapy Sessions: Even though individuals are living at home, families might still be involved in regular family therapy sessions to address ongoing issues and work towards improving the family dynamics.
- Family Education and Workshops: Families might have the opportunity to participate in education and workshops that help them learn more about mental health and how to support their loved one.
- Community Resources: Families might be connected with community resources that can provide additional support, such as family support groups or educational workshops.
Benefits of Family Therapy in Atlanta, GA
A huge benefit of family therapy in Atlanta involves the educational aspect. It puts to rest false assumptions and attempts at playing the blame game. For instance, some family members may not understand the extent of the damage done by depression and believe the individual can just choose to be happier. Therapists help explain how mental illness manifests and what the person who experiences it can and cannot control.
Family therapy helps everyone feel like they are on the same team. They learn how best to communicate with each other using honesty and establishing healthy boundaries. Family members learn about what each person’s role is and how they can help their loved one work towards better mental health.
The benefits of family therapy continue after the person concludes treatment with us. Lessons learned in family therapy can continue in situations such as visiting family members in their homes during holidays and in social situations or private conversations with loved ones.
If the person in treatment is taking medications, this will be explored in conversation so the family members understand the situation. Everyone will come to understand what medications are being used, what results they provide, and any side effects that may occur. For someone who needs help remembering to take their medication, family members can decide who can step up and provide this service.
Start Family Therapy in Atlanta, Georgia Today
Do you struggle with a mental health disorder and find it has impacted your relationship with your family? Peachtree Wellness Solutions understands how widespread the effects of poor mental health can become. For this reason, we include family therapy as part of our overall treatment plan. This allows the person we treat to reconnect with their loved ones, which supports them in continuing to improve their mental health.
For more information about our family therapy programs in Atlanta, visit our admissions page now. We can help your family come back together and enjoy a new future of closeness.
Related:
Helping a Parent with Mental Illness
Helping a Daughter with Mental Illness
Helping a Son with Mental Illness
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