Support for Struggling Teens
When a teen is struggling with their mental health, it affects the entire family. Family therapy creates a safe, structured space where parents, siblings, and teens can work together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships.
Research shows that strong family support can significantly improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with mental health concerns. Yet, many families face challenges like misunderstandings, generational differences, or communication breakdowns that make it difficult to navigate struggles together.
At Blume Therapy in Redondo Beach, our licensed therapists specialize in guiding families through these challenges. Using evidence-based approaches, we help families develop healthier ways to connect, support one another, and create a stable foundation for a teen’s growth and recovery.
What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves working with families to address emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues within the family system. Unlike individual therapy, which focuses on the person, family therapy looks at the relationships and patterns that exist among family members. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster a healthier family environment.
Family therapy can include all members of a family or just those willing and/or able to participate. Sessions are typically led by a licensed therapist trained in family systems theory and techniques. The therapist helps family members understand each other’s perspectives, identify problematic patterns, and develop new ways of relating to one another.
This approach is based on the idea that problems are best understood and addressed within the context of the family. By working together, families can uncover the root causes of their struggles and find effective solutions that benefit everyone involved.
What Family Therapy Programs
Can Treat
Family therapy is a versatile treatment that can address a wide range of issues affecting families. One of the most common reasons families seek mental health therapy is to help a child or teen who is struggling with behavioral or emotional challenges. These might include substance use, eating disorders, or academic difficulties.
Family therapy can also be helpful for families dealing with major life transitions, such as divorce, remarriage, or the loss of a loved one. It provides a safe space to process emotions, adjust to new roles, and rebuild trust. Additionally, families facing chronic illness, trauma, or financial stress as a unit can benefit from the support and guidance of a family therapist.
Other issues that family therapy can address include communication problems, sibling rivalry, parenting challenges, and cultural or generational conflicts. By addressing these concerns together, families can strengthen their bonds and develop healthier ways of coping with both stress and external adversity.
What are the Benefits of
Family Therapy?
Family therapy can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create a more supportive home environment. At Blume Therapy, we focus on helping families work together to support their teens’ mental health and overall well-being.
Benefits of family therapy may include:
- Improved communication: Learn to express thoughts and feelings openly, reduce misunderstandings, and listen with empathy.
- Effective conflict resolution: Gain tools to manage disagreements constructively, prevent escalation, and maintain a calm home environment.
- Stronger emotional support: Foster a sense of connection where each family member feels heard, valued, and understood.
- Greater resilience as a family unit: Develop skills to navigate challenges together, making the family stronger and more adaptable as a whole.
- Enhanced teen mental health outcomes: A supportive family environment can protect against a range of mental health issues and aid recovery.
- Healthier family dynamics: Break unhelpful patterns, set clearer boundaries, and create a more positive daily environment for everyone.
By building stronger relationships and better communication, family therapy can help teens feel more secure and supported during this important stage of life.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
Family therapy typically begins with an initial assessment, where the therapist meets with the family to understand their concerns, history, and goals for therapy. This may involve individual interviews as well as group treatment sessions. The therapist will gather information about family dynamics, communication patterns, and any specific issues that need to be addressed.
Based on this assessment, the therapist will develop a mental health treatment plan tailored to the family’s unique needs. Sessions may focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, setting boundaries, or addressing specific problems such as substance use or mental health concerns. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, including role-playing, problem-solving exercises, and communication skills training.
Family therapy is usually short-term, lasting anywhere from a few sessions to several months (depending on the complexity of the issues). Progress is regularly reviewed, and the therapist will adjust the approach as needed. The ultimate goal is to empower families to continue making positive changes on their own, even after therapy has ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Family Therapy for Teens
In individual therapy in Redondo Beach, the focus is on the teen’s personal challenges and goals. Family therapy looks at the family as a system, exploring how relationships, communication patterns, and shared experiences impact the teen’s well-being.
Typically, the teen and their immediate family members (parents, guardians, and sometimes siblings) participate. The therapist will help determine who should be included based on the family’s unique situation.
The number of sessions varies depending on your family’s needs and goals. Some families benefit from short-term work (6 to 12 sessions), while others choose to continue for several months.
Yes, but in a safe and respectful environment. The therapist ensures that discussions remain constructive and everyone has a chance to share their perspective without judgment.
Yes. Research shows that a supportive family environment can improve treatment outcomes for teens with mental health concerns, boost their resilience, and help prevent future challenges.
Yes. We offer family therapy in our Redondo Beach office and through secure telehealth sessions, giving families flexibility in how they receive care.
Blume Therapy Offers a
Family Therapy Program for Teens
At Blume Therapy in Redondo Beach, CA, we understand the unique challenges that families with teens face. Adolescence is a time of rapid change, and it can be difficult for both teens and their parents to navigate this transition.
Our family therapy program is specifically designed to support families with teenagers, helping them build stronger relationships and overcome obstacles together. Our licensed therapists have extensive experience working with teens and their families. We use evidence-based approaches to address issues like communication breakdowns, behavioral problems, academic stress, and mental health concerns. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where every family member feels valued and heard.
By working together, families can develop healthier ways of relating, set appropriate boundaries, and support each other’s growth. If your family is struggling, Blume Therapy is here to help you find a path forward.
Brian is a licensed marriage and family therapist with nearly a decade of experience working with diverse populations and age groups in various settings, including community mental health, treatment facilities, and private practice. He earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. Brian’s areas of expertise include addressing challenges related to chronic illness, substance abuse, family issues, and academic struggles.
