Picture yourself sitting comfortably in a room lit by soft, warm lighting. You have someone across from you who really, truly listens. It’s the power of marriage and family therapy.
Many hats are worn by therapists. Sometimes they are also a referee. Imagine that you are having a heated discussion with your spouse over who is going to pick up the trash. A therapist may step in to call time out before the situation gets too messy, like an umpire calling a game of baseball.
They help you understand cryptic emotions from your partner. They’ll guide you to the complex family dynamics, which would even make Shakespeare scratch their heads.
Consider this: Families are similar to puzzles. Each piece of the puzzle has its own color and form, yet fits together in a way that creates a greater picture. The therapist will help you to see the picture when you only see jagged corners.
Talking about kids is a good idea. You’ve probably tried to argue with teenagers. Like trying to nail jellies to a wall. They have an uncanny way of bridge generations. Therapists can translate teen angst to something that parents will understand, and the other way around.
My friend told me once about her very first session of therapy with her family. She described the process as peeling a onion, layer by layered and tear by tearing. The process wasn’t simple, but at the end, it brought them closer together than they had ever been before.
You may be sceptical. Perhaps you have heard horror tales or believe that therapy is for “others.” I promise you, it is not a mysterious process that only happens in TV dramas. Real life is grounded in empathy and science.
Imagine the following scenario: When you enter therapy, it feels like the entire weight of the universe is resting on your shoulders. After therapy, you will have gained new tools and a lighter load.
Therapy doesn’t come with magic wands. The only thing they have are years of study of human behavior and a variety of tailored techniques to fit each individual situation.
Do you remember the saying that Rome didn’t get built in a single day? Families or relationships are no different. Both require patience and effort. They are a lot like caring for a garden, where different plants need different treatment but all contribute to its beauty.
Hey, while we are at it, lets bust yet another myth. Therapy doesn’t mean fixing only what is broken. It also means strengthening what already works. Consider it an upgrade to your relationship software, where you fix problems while adding features that will improve its performance.
Imagine that you were building a new house without any blueprints. It’s likely you would end up having walls built where there should have been windows or doors going nowhere. Therapists can help you create a blueprint for constructing stronger living environments and better foundations.
Also, humor has its place! Sometimes, the best medicine is laughter. Making jokes in the middle of serious conversations can lift the spirits and help everyone get along.
You know those moments when everything just makes perfect sense all of a sudden? The therapists can help you reach these epiphanies through questions which make you think about your life and those around you.
The therapist is a guide on the journey of life, like Gandalf who leads Frodo in Middle-Earth but without those annoying orcs.
The next time someone brings up marriage or family counseling, do not laugh at them or dismiss their claims as irrational. This could just be what they need to keep the ship afloat through rough waters!
Remember that we are all humans who struggle with relationships, whether they be romantic, familial or platonic. We all could use a bit of help!