Therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably, but they have key differences. Family therapy is typically led by a family therapist or mental health professional trained in evidence-based treatment to address deeper emotional and behavioral concerns. Counseling, on the other hand, focuses more on practical guidance and communication strategies to navigate family dynamics and improve healthy relationships.

The best therapy for family issues depends on the unique challenges a family faces. Some of the most effective approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps address negative thought patterns that contribute to conflict.
Structural Family Therapy: Focuses on reorganizing family roles and interactions.
Marriage Counseling & Talk Therapy: Beneficial for couples and families dealing with relational strain. A family therapist can assess your needs and recommend an approach tailored to your situation.

While counseling can be beneficial, there are some challenges, such as:

Emotional Discomfort: Discussing negative emotions and conflicts can be difficult.
Resistance to Change: Some family members may be reluctant to participate or open up.
Time Commitment: Effective therapy requires consistency and dedication. However, working with an experienced mental health professional can help families navigate these challenges and achieve future success.

Family therapy generally progresses through four stages:

Engagement – The therapist builds trust and sets goals.
Assessment – The therapist evaluates family dynamics and identifies patterns.
Intervention – Strategies and techniques are introduced to resolve family conflict and improve communication.
Termination – The therapy concludes when families feel equipped to manage issues independently.

One of the most widely used forms of family therapy is Structural Family Therapy (SFT). This approach focuses on restructuring family dynamics to create healthier interactions. Other common models include Strategic Family Therapy and Bowenian Therapy, which address major life changes and relationship patterns across generations.

Counseling for your family involves sessions with a family therapist or mental health professional who helps families navigate life transitions, family conflict, and major life changes. It provides a space to discuss challenges, learn talk therapy techniques, and practice healthier communication. Individual counseling may also be recommended to support personal growth within the family unit. Healthy family systems, recovery from mental illness and healthy coping skills and coping strategies usually don't just happen on their own. Often we need to seek counseling and get the help and guidance of trained professionals to help us.

We have also found that your environment can play a huge role in your ability to process trauma and heal from issues like low self esteem, abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression or other problems that arise from lifes challenges. A supportive space, a safe space and a nurturing environment can be the catalyst to not only recovery but a whole new outlook on life. At Crawford Clinics this is part of what we work to do, create the space where you can heal.

One of the most popular models is Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT), which helps families recognize and change negative patterns. Other widely used approaches include:"

Bowenian Therapy: Focuses on emotional independence within the family.
Narrative Therapy: Encourages reframing personal and family experiences.
Systemic Therapy: Addresses how larger systems (e.g., culture, environment) influence family relationships.

At Crawford Clinics in Southlake Tx, our therapists use evidence-based treatments and evidence based practices tailored to each family’s needs to foster healthy relationships and long-term well-being. At Crawford you will see a licensed professional counselor who will create a nurturing environment so you can work through what you need to work through. Froms helping teens, to women's issues to conflict resolution and communication skills we do it all to help you family grow and be the healthiest it can be.