Families are seen in therapy for several different reasons. They usually seek counseling for added support through times of change and hardship. Although individual concerns may be affecting the overall well being of the family, there are issues that are unique to family dynamics. Some of these include, parenting issues, divorce and separation, loss of family members, and the concerns of blended and military families. I have seen families seeking support at several periods of family life and see the benefit of family sessions at all of these stages.

Military families
I do not know of a more difficult challenge than the separation of families and loved ones. It takes a lot of strength, patience, selflessness, and faith to make it through those times. The challenges of repeat separations and re-unifications bring issues unique to these special families and counseling may be that little extra support to pull through. The feelings of powerlessness, anger, confusion, and loneliness these situations bring are issues that may be brought into and addressed in therapy. Therapy may be focused on ideas of social support, separation preparedness, the return home, fears of abandonment, and forgotten intimacy.

Step families/Blended Families
There are challenges and strengths that are unique to step family systems. Challenges often lay in the expectations, rules, and roles that become arrive with the additional titles of “steps and halves”.  Family sessions for blended families may work with the new family to define family rules and roles or more respectful relationships between members.

Parenting
Parenting brings a new level of responsibility and joy.  However, some may struggle with the shift in the marriage after a child, managing newly found sources of stress, or may want general information dealing around the following  subjects:

• Education of Child development
• Use of discipline and boundaries
• Stress management for parents
• Family readjustment support