Why is Family Therapy Crucial to Recovering Addicts?

Family therapy is something that many people might find uncomfortable, but it is a process that can change lives when it is done properly. You need to know what family therapy is like, and you need to know what it is not like. There are some misconceptions about these therapy sessions, and you should not be afraid to start. Below are some of the misconceptions about family therapy and an explanation of what actually takes place during a session.

They Are Not Interventions

Many people think of family therapy sessions as interventions. These are not interventions that are meant to trap people into changing their ways. Family therapy brings the whole family together to work out all their issues. Family members have issues with the addict, and the addict likely has unresolved issues with others in the family. This is a two-way street that many people overlook because they think the addict is the only person who is wrong. A family therapy session might reveal how each person can make a few changes in their attitudes and behaviors in order to help the recovering addict avoid relapse.

They Are Not Easy

Group therapy is all about being vulnerable, and everyone in the family will be asked to be vulnerable during these sessions. You cannot sit there and say nothing during these therapy sessions, and you cannot get around the truth. The other people in the family will know if you are telling the truth, so you should be as forthcoming as possible when you go into these sessions.

They Take Time

You will need to go to family therapy many times to get through all the issues and homework. Each member of the family will come back to new sessions with more things to talk about. Someone who has been quiet might find that they should have brought up an issue and learn how to prevent it reappearing. You must remember that time is needed for an addict to heal, but the family needs time to heal, too.

The Blame

These family therapy sessions are not used to place blame on someone. Those who place blame on others in the family are not making progress because they are sure that someone else is responsible. Everyone in the family is responsible in some way for what is going on, and they must make sure that they own up to these things in these sessions.

Addicts can find great healing when they go to therapy with their families, but everyone needs to make sure that they are willing to commit to the process. The family therapist knows techniques that will help the family, but the family has to come to each session willing to make a change to help the addict in their midst.