Family Counseling in Philadelphia
Whether you need family or marriage counseling in Philadelphia, the team of compassionate, skilled therapists at New Narratives Therapy is here to help you navigate life’s most pressing challenges. We specialize in a range of therapy options, including family therapy and more. You don’t have to suffer or struggle with family difficulties alone. Let our amazing therapists work with you and your family, and you’ll see incredible results. ​
How Family Counselors Support Families Through Challenges
Every family faces difficult moments, but it’s easy to forget how accessible professional help can be. Seeking family counseling can make a real difference when tensions run high. Family counselors understand that each household is unique, and what works for one family may not work for another. Through therapy, trained professionals provide a safe space where everyone can express their feelings and be heard, with understanding taking priority over judgment.
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Family counseling addresses everything from communication breakdowns to major life transitions. When families struggle with parenting disagreements or sibling conflicts, family counselors guide them toward healthier patterns of interaction. In particular, psychotherapy in Philadelphia offers specialized guidance, helping families rebuild trust and strengthen emotional connections that matter most.
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The strength of family therapy lies in its collaborative approach. Instead of assigning blame, family counselors work with everyone to identify challenges and explore practical solutions together. Families also learn skills during counseling that they can use long after sessions end, fostering lasting positive changes in how they relate to one another.
Recognizing the Signs of Family Dysfunction
Every family is different, but extreme dysfunction may indicate the need for counseling to promote healing.
Here are some common signs of family dysfunction to watch for:
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Difficulty communicating openly and honestly, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
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A lack of empathy or respect toward one another and others.
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Sudden mood swings or behavioral changes in both adults and children.
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Excessive or harsh criticism used as a means of control.
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Parents who set unrealistic expectations for their children.
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Neglect, such as withholding love, attention, or interest from children.
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Struggles with addiction to substances like drugs or alcohol, or other addictive behaviors such as gambling.
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Fear of expressing oneself or speaking up within the family.
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Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward seeking family therapy and creating healthier dynamics.
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Common Family Issues Addressed in Counseling
While every family is unique, here are some common family issues often addressed in counseling here in Philadelphia.
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Communication issues: Some people may find it difficult to express their feelings openly or may have unhealthy communication patterns.
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Struggle with conflict: In some cases, families may struggle to understand how to resolve various conflicts in a mature, constructive way, which often leads to tension or resentment.
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Parenting disagreements: Each parent may have different parenting styles, which can pose a challenge within the family dynamic.
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Sibling rivalry: Some siblings may experience extreme competition or conflict that negatively affects the entire family. Family therapy can aid in finding common ground.
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Addiction: Family members struggling with substance abuse will affect their relationships and the family’s stability as a whole.
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Mental health issues: Many people involved in a dysfunctional family suffer from various mental health problems like stress, depression, or anxiety.
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Life changes: Major life changes and events like divorce, death, or remarriage can cause issues within a family. For families navigating loss, seeking grief counseling in Philadelphia can provide support during difficult transitions.
Family Counseling Techniques
We use a variety of family counseling techniques in Philadelphia, but here are some of the most common methods that we utilize for partnerships and families.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful response patterns in a family dynamic. This form of therapy promotes using adaptive thoughts and behaviors to help improve relationships within the family.
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Systemic family therapy looks at the relationship between individual behavior and the larger family dynamic. It uses techniques like mental re-framing to encourage positive changes and to help improve emotional connections between family members.
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Structural family therapy works to restructure interactions to enhance communication and resolve conflicts in a productive way. It emphasizes identifying family hierarchies and boundaries to help create healthier dynamics.
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Narrative therapy helps families articulate their personal experiences. This therapy in Philadelphia works to encourage more clarity and personal growth by re-framing any negative experiences and turning them into empowering stories that become a vehicle for positive change.
Parent-Child Relationship Counseling
New Narratives Therapy offers child and teen therapy in Philadelphia that involves both the child and parent separately and together. This counseling helps to improve the relationship between a parent or parents and their children.
Here is what you can expect after attending parent-child relationship counseling sessions:
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As a parent, you will be better able to understand and empathize with your child’s emotional needs.
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The communication between yourself and your child or children will greatly improve over time.
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You’ll learn how to engage in positive interactions among your children and the family as a whole.
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Your child or young adult will learn to meet their needs safely and appropriately, using stable behavioral techniques.
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Both the child and parent will learn effective tools for stress, depression, and anxiety management.
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Parents can easily identify and address their child’s feelings healthily and learn how to respect their child’s problem-solving skills, fostering independence and respect.
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Insurance & Payment Options for Family Counseling
At New Narratives Therapy, we are in-network with Highmark, BCBS, Aetna, and United Health Care insurance policies. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.