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Merit Resources: (509) 837-7700

Substance Use or Mental Health Crisis Line: 988

Serving Central Washington for Over 40 Years

Family Counseling Therapy at MERIT

At MERIT, we understand the importance of a supportive and healthy family environment. Our family counseling therapy is tailored to help families thrive by achieving two key objectives:

  1. Empowering families to support each other effectively.
  2. Giving family members tools to improve their own mental health.

What to Expect in Family Therapy Sessions

If your family is facing challenges that seem overwhelming, family counseling can help. Family counseling therapy creates a safe environment where all family members are encouraged to express themselves and learn how to support each other in healthy, productive ways.

Here’s what you can expect when participating in family therapy sessions:

  • Assessment and goal setting: Your first session will begin with an assessment to understand the challenges your family is facing. We will then work with you to set defined goals such as improving communication, resolving conflicts, or addressing addiction.
  • Role exploration: In our sessions, we will identify the roles each family member plays within the family unit. Understanding these roles can help identify and modify behaviors that are causing disruption.
  • Improved communication: Our therapy focuses on developing healthy communication skills. We teach families how to express their thoughts and feelings constructively, creating an environment free from blame and judgment.
  • Conflict resolution: Our therapists teach conflict resolution strategies that promote understanding and forgiveness. This is vital for healing old wounds and moving forward together.
  • Therapeutic interventions: We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Anger Management Therapy to help family members learn how to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthy coping mechanisms.

Outcomes of Family Counseling

Family counseling therapy does more than help your family address immediate challenges; it equips you with healthy communication strategies that can be used outside your therapy sessions. Our approach is designed to strengthen your family’s resilience and promote a healthier future for everyone involved.

Here are the desired outcomes of our family counseling therapy:

  •  Strengthened family bonds: As families learn together, they grow together. Family counseling can help build a stronger home environment that helps you support each other through difficult times.
  • Improved individual wellbeing: While our focus is on improving the family unit as a whole, individual members can also experience personal growth. Participants often report improved mental health, increased self-esteem, and a better understanding of their own needs and boundaries.
  • Improved substance abuse outcomes: Families that engage in our counseling sessions are better equipped to support their loved one’s recovery journey. Having a supportive home environment can increase the likelihood of lasting sobriety.

Family Counseling and Addiction Recovery

If your loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, family therapy can provide a support system to improve their chances of achieving sobriety. Family counseling offers a framework to better understand addiction and teaches ways to maintain your own behavioral health during the recovery process.

Yakima’s Top Family Counseling Therapy Provider

Ready for a healthier, happier family? Connect with MERIT today at 877-789-3344. We provide family counseling therapy in English and Spanish in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, and Yakima.