A family is defined as a group of people living together, usually two parents and their children living as a unit. Families are coming in different shapes and sizes. The members of a family have their own struggles, needs and wants and that will reflect in the way they interact with each other. Most of the time, conflicts start from errors in communication, and finding solutions to these conflicts are a necessity. When these conflicts are resolved, a sense of security, love and belonging is created.
At times it might feel like your family members might take any opportunity to put the blame on you, to make you feel like something is wrong with you. At times it might feel like they might judge you, and will argue with you every time there is an opportunity, or they might make you responsible for their own situation. The relationship with the children might not be what are you dreamt to be, and that hurts you. Family conflicts are complex and they are ongoing.
Sometimes people choose to estrange themselves from their family, and that would lead to feelings of inadequacy, feeling lost or lonely. Other people choose to stay and support other members of the family that might be more affected by the conflict, and that would lead to frustration, and low mood, depression. Now I want you to imagine how great would it be to have a healthily balanced relationship with your family.
How can I help
In therapy, family conflict can be tackled as a group or the therapist might offer individual sessions to complement the group session. Sometimes the dynamic of the family cannot be changed, but what the therapist can do is to improve the communication, encourage self-care and empathy.
