Healing Begins Here
Types of Family Therapy Available
Family therapy is a form of treatment where family members attend therapy together with the help of a substance use treatment center. However, there’s no specific type of family-based therapy. Multiple variations accommodate all types of patients and their loved ones.
Some married patients, for example, participate in addiction therapy services with their spouse. This helps strengthen the marital relationship and shows the sober spouse how to be a source of support. We know that addiction affects more than the individual in treatment; the entire family needs to heal.
Some young adults have their parents or their siblings attend family therapy. Involving the whole family is a way of bringing together a small community of support and accountability.
In some cases, family sessions don’t include the patient. Family members might gather with others who are in a similar situation. They can share their own fears and concerns without those in the throes of addiction overhearing or feeling judged. It’s important to remember that recovery can also be hard for loved ones, and they need access to quality mental health disorder treatment as well.
Using Therapy to Educate Family Members About Addiction
One of the goals of family-based therapy is to teach participants how addiction develops. It can also specify that addiction is a disease. When family members know this, they might see those struggling with addiction in a new light.
Therapeutic Strategies & Topics
- Coping methods – this method is all about learning new ways to interact.
- Shame and stigma – learning how it affects both the family member and client.
- Self-care – how to practice in daily life.
- Brain chemistry – time for rebalancing.
- Communication models – practicing non-violent methods of communicating.
- Expectation management – connecting within new boundaries.
While many substance use treatment centers provide a lecture-based family program, Crestview Recovery Workshop offers an interactive and experiential model.
Drawing the Line Between Helping and Enabling
Because of this, therapy focuses on information about enabling behaviors. Enabling is any behavior that allows an addict to continue on the path of self-destruction. It’s easy to enable family members because we love them; however, enabling a loved one prevents them from getting the help they need. Examples might include picking up a family member from rehab before treatment is complete, lying about their behavior to others, or giving them money.
Through therapy, family members can see that patients have to go through a certain process to reach and maintain sobriety. Offering too much help, or enabling, can limit the success of patients in the long run.
How to Help a Family Member Struggling with Addiction
- Attend an Al-Anon or Nar-Anon meeting.
- Avoid protecting your loved one from natural consequences.
- Commit to not drinking or using drugs around your loved one.
Family Therapy in Portland, Oregon
In therapy, family members can show their support. This can go a long way in bringing loved ones together and helping patients see that they have a built-in support network that wants to help. Call Crestview Recovery at (866)262-0531 now to begin your journey to sobriety.
