Family & Friends Treatment

While the family may not consider themselves to be in treatment with the client, the contributions that they can make to the success of the treatment phase are considerable. Families that thrive do so in part because of their ability to move away from the concept of illness. An important part of the treatment process is accepting that well-being, health, and confidence will to return to the family unit.

The client is asked to acknowledge that family members are learning new information and undergoing a process of change almost equal to their own. For this reason, a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and acceptance of each others struggles and pitfalls is essential. Acceptance, openness, and improved communication skills will help to reduce the tendency to take on unhelpful roles, like surveillance or deception.

Everything that is accomplished in therapy should not be undone when the client arrives back in the family unit. The family can avoid becoming an unwitting source of confusion by participating with the integrated team from the very beginning. The family is essential to the original assessments and the on-going process.

Developing patience cannot be understated. Personal growth doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to assimilate new information and tools, incorporate them into our thinking, and put them into practice. During on-going treatment it is important for the family to support the goals and to not expect the client to change lifetime habits immediately.

Contact our Personal Advocate to help you to find the right provider for your needs.