At American Behavioral Clinics, we provide counsel to marriages and families in crisis or transition. Marriage and Family Therapy MFT is also referred to as couples and family therapy, marriage or couples counseling, or family counseling. This type of psychotherapy addresses issues of both the physical and psychological behaviors of all family members and the way these behaviors affect not only individual family members, but also relationships between family members and the family unit as a whole.
Therefore, treatment is usually divided between time spent on individual therapy and time spent on couple therapy, family therapy, or both, if necessary. When certain problems develop within relationships and families, it is normal to consider going to marriage or family therapy.
Relationships are complex and ever-changing as a variety of factors influence the mental health and well-being of every individual involved. Our MFT therapists understand how the components of these factors interact with and impact one another. At American Behavioral Clinics, our specialists are prepared to expertly manage the complexities that arise and influence one another in these relationship systems. Our approach to MFT is generally short-term therapy consisting of an average of 12 solution-focused sessions.
However, more sessions may be required depending on the severity of the particular problem s. In couple or marriage counseling, our therapists will begin by meeting with both partners and then separately with each individual. In family therapy, our therapists also begin by meeting with the entire family and then, if necessary, meet individually with family members.
The therapists will also provide you with a clear sense of treatment goals that include strategies and guidelines to be observed while in and out of sessions. Over time, positive changes will be made by identifying and changing unhealthy communication and behavior patterns that contribute to conflicts, while proactively exploring ways to resolve issues.
