Tag Archives: therapy

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY — Sandy Malawer, LPC, LMFT — Family Therapy Center of McLean (Since 1986).

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703.893.9063. 703.346.7065 (cell).  SandyMalawer@msn.com
https://www.virginiacounselling.com/
 
THE FAMILY THERAPY CENTER specializes in all aspects of individual,  couples and marriage counseling. In particular, we focus on fostering better communications, cross-cultural counseling, and on a “relationship-focused therapy.” We view counseling as a way to assist clients in defining their critical concerns, identifying their strengths, and achieving their goals. Solutions are developed by formulating specific actions — coaching you to achieve your true potential. Counseling is a positive action that empowers people. Allowing clients to gain control of their lives.
 
We specialize in all aspects of individual, marriage and family counseling including military and intelligence families, premarital, couples and individual counseling that often involves cross-cultural issues and developing better communication skills. Counseling is in a comfortable and confidential setting. Often individual counseling can lead to couples and family counseling.      
 
The Family Therapy Center was established in 1986 in McLean, Virginia, as the Professional Counseling Center of McLean. The Center is located in central Mclean, Virginia, at 1313 Vincent Place, McLean, Virginia 22101. PHONE COUNSELING and ONLINE (Zoom) available. 703.893.9063. 703.346.7065 (cell).  SandyMalawer@Counseling-Connection.net
 
S                                          1313 Vincent Place, McLean, Virginia                                                            .

Couples Therapy — Choosing a Therapist.

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A good piece appeared recently on how to choose a therapist for couples seeking assistance concerning a broad range of issues such as intimacy, infidelity, divorce, family issues and general relationship concerns. Here is an excerpt discussing licensing of therapists, fees and insurance, among other items …………..

 

“Most couples therapy is conducted conjointly—that is, with both partners present in sessions. Seeing or contacting one member of the couple separately is occasionally warranted but almost invariably done to gain information important to the relationship and with the permission of the other. Sometimes an individual seeks couples counseling as a way to prompt a change in a troubled relationship, most commonly because their partner is unwilling to participate in therapy …. Specific variations of couples therapy have been developed to focus on such relationship problems as infidelity and sexual difficulties …. Couples’ therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. They are not only well-trained in an array of psychotherapeutic modalities but have specific academic education in relationship science and family systems and supervised clinical training in interpersonal dynamics. Some therapists seek training and certification by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) …. Couples therapy, like individual therapy, can cost between $150 and $400 per one-hour session, usually conducted weekly by a private practitioner …. Unfortunately, couples therapy is not usually covered by insurance because it is rarely deemed medically necessary. There are, however, ways to get quality therapy at affordable rates …. Couples’ therapists, whatever their fee structure, are quick to state that couples therapy is almost always worth the cost. It is, they point out, much cheaper than a divorce.” “Couples Therapy.” Psychology Today (2023).

What are the Difference Between Family Therapy, Family Counseling and Couples Counseling?

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     A good article recently appeared discussing the difference between ‘family therapy’ and ‘family counseling.’ Slight differences, it’s an interesting discussion. Here are some excerpts.

  • Family counseling is a discipline of therapy focused on finding solutions for the challenges and complexities that may arise in family life. Also called marriage and family therapy (MFT), clinicians work to improve communication among family members and adjust the dynamics between members of the family that may result in dysfunction. The terms “family counseling” and “family therapy” are often used synonymously, but it is important to note that family counseling, like other forms of counseling, may be defined by some clinicians as shorter in duration and more solutions-focused than family therapy.
  • Family counseling has evolved and developed over the decades and now incorporates practices and methods from several schools of thought.
  • Structural Family Therapy: This method examines the rules and power dynamics of the family. In structural family therapy, the therapist may be more involved than other types of treatment and help to reorganize the structures of the family to improve how people feel in the family and create a more cohesive unit.
  • Cognitive Behavioral :Couples Therapy: Applying the same principles as cognitive behavioral therapy, this modality encourages couples to identify and name the patterns of behavior causing them or their partner distress in the relationship, with the clinician teaching skills to help confront and change these patterns.
  • Couples and Marriage Counseling: This approach focuses on relationship problems. Therapists typically meet with both partners at the same time to identify the challenges they face and disagreements they may have and help the couple find better solutions for how to communicate, find mutually acceptable solutions, and work as a team.
  • A licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT or LMFT) is a mental health practitioner with a master’s or doctoral degree. MFTs typically train under a supervisor for two years, or 3,000 clinical hours, and must pass an exam to receive licensure.
  • When seeking a family counselor, it’s important to choose someone with whom you and your family members trust and feel comfortable talking about what can be difficult topics. Studies have shown that the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is one of the most important factors for a successful outcome.
  • Family therapy has expanded in popularity significantly in recent years. One study found that as many as 70 percent of psychotherapists now offer treatment to couples or families.
  • Whatever the makeup of the family unit, learning and practicing the skills of respectful communication, mutual understanding, and harmonious conflict resolution have made a difference in the lives of many families across the world.

                                       “Family Counseling.” (2023).