Doctors fix broken arms and ailing hearts. When families are in need of help, family therapists can mend the breaks.

Even families that look perfect from the outside are likely to have challenges that may include substance abuse, teenage rebellion, betrayal, lack of communication between generations, or a host of other problems great and small.

Fortunately, a special group of mental health professionals known as family therapists are trained to help families negotiate such perilous terrain if a helping hand is needed.

“Family therapy can heal strained relationships, teach improved communication skills, and improve the way a family works together to solve problems,” says Arthur Bodin, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., a past president of the Family Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association and a psychologist in private practice in Palo Alto, Calif. “Whether the problem involves you, your partner, a child, or even a sibling or parent who’s in crisis, a family therapist can help everyone concerned weather the storm.”

The following answers to questions about family therapy can help you decide if this type of therapy could be of help.

Q: What problems are appropriate for family therapy?
Any family that needs help with a specific problem or wants to improve troubled relationships can benefit from seeing a family therapist.

Families often seek help if they’re struggling with:

• Marital problems or divorce
• A child with behavioral problems
• Substance abuse
• Depression or bipolar disorder
• Chronic health problems
• Grief, loss, and trauma
• Disagreements regarding discipline
• Emotional abuse or violence
• Disharmony within a blended family

Q: What happens in family therapy?
Family therapy is based on the belief that each family has its own dynamics and patterns of communication, and that when one member has a serious problem—such as drug abuse or anger management issues—it affects the person, the family as a whole, and each member individually.

“Family therapists usually meet with the whole family and each member individually or in subgroups— such as each parent with each child,” says Bodin.

Therapists teach nonaggressive ways to handle conflict, how to communicate without alienating other people by intimidation or bullying, and how to respect and accept different points of view.

“Often families need to learn that it’s OK to disagree with each other,” says Bodin. “Arguments are a way people work things out and are a normal part of interaction, as long as they keep respectful boundaries and refrain from personal attacks.”

Q: How can I find a family therapist?
Family therapists are licensed mental health professionals.

You can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a family therapist. Your health insurer, employee assistance program, clergy, friends, extended family members, or local agencies also may offer recommendations.

Fees vary but are likely to be about $100 per hour. Family therapy is often short-term, with families attending one session a week for three to five months.

Q: How successful is family therapy?
“Therapists aren’t magicians— they can’t make two people stay together who are estranged, or guarantee a peaceful solution to every family problem,” says Bodin. “However, most people who seek family counseling will benefit, and some, if not all, of their concerns will find some resolution.”

Barbara Floria spoke with Arthur Bodin, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., a past president of the Family Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association and a psychologist in private practice in Palo Alto, Calif. For more information, visit www.apahelpcenter.org.

© StayWell Custom Communications. Information is the opinion of the sourced authors and organizations. Personal decisions regarding health, diet, and exercise should be made only after consultation with the reader's own medical advisers. This material may not be reproduced for redistribution without written permission from StayWell Custom Communications.