Family therapy

In 2020 it was reported that there were nearly half a million children in the UK were living with a parent with problems with alcohol or drug use. Furthermore, the DfE found that 36% of serious case reviews documented parental alcohol or drug use when a child was fatally or severely injured. It’s clear to see that substance addiction doesn’t just affect the individual but, in fact, the entire family. At Banbury Lodge, we use family therapy as a part of rehab to help not only the sufferer overcome their issues but also address the damaging effects addiction has had on their family.

What is family therapy?

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps families and couples improve their communication, problem-solving skills, and understanding of each other. It can help reduce arguments, improve relationships, and develop better coping strategies for managing stress.

Why is it used as part of rehabilitation?

Family therapy is used as a part of addiction counselling in rehab to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of the problem in the first place. Family therapy can provide support and understanding to both the person struggling with addiction and their family. It also helps families identify any dysfunctional patterns of communication or behaviours that are exacerbating the problem and teaches them healthier skills for dealing with conflict. Additionally, family therapy provides the opportunity for family members to learn how to best support their loved one in recovery.

Why is family therapy necessary for recovery?

Family therapy should be considered anytime someone in the family is struggling with an addiction. This type of therapy can provide a space for the family to come together, build trust and communication, and learn how to cope with and manage the behaviours of the sufferer. Families should consider family therapy if some (or all) of the following issues need to be addressed;

When family members have unresolved issues

Family relationships can have a major impact on addiction, as well as the recovery process. If there are unresolved issues within the family that need to be addressed, family therapy can help to resolve them and provide a healthier environment for the addict’s recovery.

When family support is necessary

Family therapy can help to provide a strong support system for the addict during the recovery process. Family members can learn how to effectively communicate their needs and provide support for one another in order to create a positive environment for the addict to work on their sobriety.

When addiction has had an effect on family dynamics

Addiction often affects how family members interact and communicate with one another, as well as how they view each other. Family therapy can help them to reestablish healthy family dynamics, allowing them to move forward in a more cohesive manner.

When underlying issues need to be addressed

Sometimes there are underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction. Family therapy can help to uncover these issues and provide strategies for dealing with them in a healthy manner.

When family members need assistance in figuring out roles

Family roles often become distorted when addiction is present, which can lead to confusion among family members about how they should act and interact with each other. Family therapy can help them understand their roles in relation to the addict and regain their balance in the family dynamic.

What are the different types of therapies used in family therapy?

There are multiple types of family therapy as addiction affects the entire family in different ways and each situation requires a personalised approach.

At Banbury Lodge, we offer the following family therapy methods;

Cognitive-behavioural family therapy (CBFT): This type of therapy focuses on helping individuals and families identify, challenge, and modify the thought and behavioural patterns that contribute to addiction.
Structural family therapy (SFT): This form of family therapy is focused on creating a healthy and stable home environment that supports sobriety and recovery from addiction.
Solution-focused family therapy (SFFT): This type of therapy is focused on helping families identify and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Systems family therapy (SFT): This form of family therapy emphasises learning positive communication skills, exploring relationships between members within the family, and understanding the role that each person plays in the dynamics of the family.
Narrative family therapy (NFT): This type of therapy is based on the belief that stories have power, and it uses storytelling as a way to help clients explore their identity, values, beliefs, and behaviours related to their use of substances.

What are the benefits of family therapy as a part of addiction rehabilitation?

Family therapy plays an essential role in helping individuals recover from their issues and provide their families with the support needed for long-term success. In rehab treatment, the therapy allows families to;

Strengthen bonds: One of the primary goals of family therapy is to strengthen the bonds between family members, which can be especially beneficial during addiction recovery when trust may have been broken due to the person’s substance abuse.
Establish healthy communication: Through family therapy, family members can learn to communicate in healthy ways with each other and create a space where difficult topics can be discussed with respect and understanding.
Address underlying issues and triggers: Family therapy can facilitate conversations about what caused the addiction and any underlying issues that may be contributing factors.
Educate family members about addiction: Family members can learn more about how addictions develop, how to identify triggers, how to support a loved one’s recovery, as well as how to protect themselves from relapse.
Support a loved one: Family therapy provides a supportive environment for the person in recovery and helps them to feel less alone in their journey. It allows them to hear from the people who care about them the most and encourages open communication and honesty.

What can Banbury Lodge offer?

Banbury Lodge offers a range of family therapy services designed to help families through difficult periods or challenges. Our experienced therapists provide a safe and confidential environment for families to explore their relationships and build healthier communication styles. We also offer guidance on financial planning and organisation, as well as group therapy for children and adolescents.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if the family issues are too severe to resolve?

Depending on what issues you and your family have been through, it could be initially difficult to address the problems, but it’s vital not to give up. Family therapy is designed to help you become stronger as a unit and learn how to tackle the problems at hand. It may take time, but time is known to be the best healer. With our support and professionalism, we aim to provide an environment that will allow you to heal together.

How long does family therapy in addiction rehab last?

The duration of family therapy depends on the individual situation and needs of the family. Generally, family therapy may last anywhere from 3-12 months and could be done in sessions of varying lengths.

What if a family member doesn’t want to attend the sessions?

If a family member does not want to attend family therapy, it is important to respect their wishes and to try to be understanding of their feelings. The family member may feel more comfortable discussing the issues outside of therapy, such as through private conversations or through other resources. It is essential to respect the decision of the family member but also to make sure that the other family members are still able to get the help and support they need.

What if I don’t want to attend family therapy as part of my addiction rehabilitation?

It is up to you if you want to attend family therapy as part of your addiction rehabilitation. However, if you do choose not to participate in family therapy, it is important that you discuss this decision with someone at our Banbury Lodge team. They may be able to provide other forms of treatment that could help you and your family get through this challenging period.