Sometimes, it can be challenging to communicate with your family even when you love each other. When emotions are running high, voices get loud, and tempers flare. However, there are tips and techniques that can help family communications go more smoothly. Using family therapy techniques can help make sure that everyone feels able to express their feelings and opinions. A family therapy program approaches can also keep discussions from turning into arguments. If you have ever wondered how to better communicate with your family or if you could benefit from a family therapy program, learning more about this approach can help.
Imagine by Northpoint in Boise, Idaho, offers proven and effective family therapy techniques for communication or restoration of relationships between family members.
Five Family Therapy Techniques For Better Communication
1. Listen and Ask Questions
Being an active listener is an important skill to develop if you want to improve your communication with your family. Often, when discussions start to get heated, people stop listening and start thinking about what they want to say next. This hinders understanding and makes others feel like they are not being heard. Focus on really listening to what the other person is saying and ask clarifying questions to help you develop a better idea of their perspective.
2. Words Are Important
When discussing sensitive topics, it can be easy to say things without really thinking about the words being used. However, being careful about the terms and phrasing you use can make a big difference in how others feel about what you are saying. When you use certain words or phrases that are hurtful or dismissive, it can lead the other person to stop listening to what you are really trying to say. Some words to consider avoiding are:
- Never – “You never let me…”
- Always – “You always do that!”
- Name-calling – “You are such an idiot!”
- Demeaning terms – “Stop being stupid!”
- Being prescriptive – “Here is what you are going to do..”
3. Managing Facial Expressions
It seems simple, but sometimes in the heat of the moment, people don’t think about what their face is doing. Eye-rolling, scowling, pursing lips, and looking away can all communicate that what the other person is saying is unimportant or that you’ve already made up your mind about it. Even though it can be challenging, try to keep a neutral expression as much as possible so that the other person feels as if they are being heard.
4. Meet Up Regularly For Family Talks
The best way to get better at family communication is to communicate often. Regular family meetings or check-ins can help identify and defuse potentially difficult situations before they explode into arguments. Also, when you take the time to talk to one another often, it strengthens family relationships and helps family members feel closer to one another.
5. Participate in a Family Therapy Program
If family communication is consistently difficult or gets out of control, seek a family therapist or family therapy program. Sometimes it takes additional help for families to develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with one another. Even though it might seem like a big step, the benefits can be very rewarding.
Imagine by Northpoint Offers Family Therapy Programs
Our treatment center near Boise, Idaho, serves patients between the ages of 12 and 17, as well as their families. We are committed to helping our patients and their families achieve better communication so that they can work together to build a healthier, happier future. Don’t let mental health or behavioral challenges overshadow your family’s loving relationships. Reach out to our caring and knowledgeable care staff today at 888.597.2807 and let us explain how we can make a difference for your family.
