Families are prone to change. While a family might have felt harmony at one point, due to an expected or unexpected change, this dynamic may then feel disconnected. One of the ways this disunity is most evident in the members’ communication styles. Stress, anger, anxiety, and frustration are some other common emotions that arise during these times. Therapy is a great resource for families who are in need of balance or guidance through major life transitions.
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Couples undergo various seasons in marriage, and children are constantly growing into new developmental stages. While these are typical aspects of life, various reactions to it may arise, especially when they are not fully understood. For example, if a couple does not recognize they will not always be in the “honeymoon phase”, they might find it difficult to deal with any conflict that arises.
As parents raise a child growing into adolescence, they may not fully understand the emotional or physical occurrences their child is experiencing. Loss is another type of change that can distrust family dynamics. This includes loss of a family member, pet, job, or even a home. This may change the dynamics of the family, some of the member’s functioning, and their roles. Each member may also grieve and cope differently which they might not all understand. Some other types changes that may cause disruption in family dynamics include divorce, remarriage, financial crises, illness, disability, or caregiving roles.
Why Do Families Struggle to Adjust to Change Together?
Although families may value togetherness, it may not always be expressed, especially after a major transition. A family is a group of individuals who hold various emotional responses which may create difficulty understanding each other. When roles change or responsibilities shift, such as in divorce or in job loss, it may bring confusion if these roles are not clearly defined. During moments of high-stress, members may be on high alert and previous communication methods may not be present or effective.
How Does Family Therapy Support Adaptation and Growth?
Family therapy supports adaptations and growth by creating a safe place where the family can meet and express themselves. This allows each member to be heard. Because these sessions are facilitated by the therapist, they would be asked questions and receive prompts to make these conversations effective. Therapy provides a great opportunity for the family to clarify their roles and expectations in a collaborative manner. When each person truly listens to each other, when expectations are agreed upon, and when the safe space is created, empathy is built.
What Tools or Strategies Can Therapy Offer During Transitions?
Therapists are trained to facilitate difficult conversations, help families find ways of connection, and use tools that bring them balance. A tool that is proven effective in family therapy is family mapping. Family mapping is a tool used to identify the connections within the family and their surroundings and how those relationships influence the members. This allows the therapist to understand the family better, and it allows them to identify patterns in their relationships or history that relate to the current challenge. Another strategy the therapist may offer is guided problem solving and conflict resolution. The therapists prompts questions for the family members and prompts each of the members to engage in conversations and actions that promote resolution. Finally, they may assist the clients in creating rituals for closure or new beginnings after a family loss.
Conclusion
Every family will encounter some kind of major change. The question is, how will the family work together to maintain connection and stability through it? Therapy offers a way for families to endure those changes together in a healthier, manageable way. It provides a supportive, future-focused way for the family to thrive in the midst of these changes in unity while building a stronger emotional resilience. This not only grows the family with their current challenge, but it builds up each of the members as individuals.
How to Get Started
- Schedule an appointment – Begin your pre-registration and schedule an appointment using our client portal. You can also call us at (407) 906-5214 for assistance.
- Meet With your Therapist – Once your appointment is scheduled, you will meet with your therapist to complete your initial session
- Begin Your Personalized Treatment Plan – Build focus and resilience with weekly support.
Why Choose Hope Behavioral Health in Kissimmee
At Hope Behavioral Health, we offer trauma-specialized, family counseling and bilingual counseling services. These services are designed to help you find lasting healing and peace. Our team understands that each person’s story is unique. This is why we provide compassionate and personalized care that addresses emotional wounds and life challenges with sensitivity and respect. For those who desire it, we also offer faith-integrated support. This creates a space to incorporate spiritual values into the healing process in a way that aligns with your language, culture, and beliefs.
You don’t have to go too far to get the help you need. We are close to home! We are part of your community and readily available to meet your mental health needs. Ready for the next steps? Contact us today!
Author
- Written by Yaneily Diaz, MS, Student Intern
- Medical Review Note: Reviewed for clinical accuracy.
- Last Updated: 12/23/2025