The 9 Psychological Keys To Managing Family Problems
Family therapy is the branch of applied psychology that is responsible for studying and intervening in the dynamics of dysfunctional communication and interaction between fathers and mothers, children, grandparents, uncles… For example, fights that last for years, lack of communication, neglect of the needs of one part of the family, and more.
For this reason, for decades, family psychology professionals have established a series of behavioral patterns and psychological keys that can be of great help in overcoming family problems
Keep these recommendations in mind to address family problems due to lack of communication, arguments, etc.
1. Manage discussions
Family arguments are very common obstacles that most families around the world have to face and sometimes there is a tendency to avoid them instead of facing them and managing them successfully.
Avoidance may seem like a simple way to live together as a family, but in the long term it is not the most effective since the only thing that is achieved is to accumulate discomfort that sooner or later will end up coming to the surface throughout day-to-day life and daily coexistence.
That is why experts in family psychology recommend always managing any type of discussion that may arise and talking about the issues that need to be addressed without hiding them.
As in any other relationship between people, it is of great importance to always choose the most appropriate time and place to discuss delicate topics, or to resolve discussions of all kinds.
That’s why normally It is recommended to manage these types of problems when you have the time to do so and when all family members are available to talk for as long as necessary.
Likewise, it may also be advisable not to discuss sensitive topics when tempers are very heated and to wait until all the people involved in the conflict are in a position to speak calmly and without adding fuel to the previous discussion.
3. Allow everyone to express themselves
To successfully manage any problem that occurs in the family, it is very important to always ensure that all parties involved have the freedom to explain their version of the conflict.
Allowing all family members to express themselves contributes significantly to bringing positions closer together since each person will feel that their statements are heard by the other members.
If each person presents their version in a calm and respectful manner, sooner or later a general consensus can be reached between all parties that satisfies those involved.
4. Value everyone’s opinion
Another essential key in the face of a family conflict is respect for the opinions of each and every member of the family unit, even the youngest ones.
In families with young children it is also important to take their opinion or points of view into account to what happened with the aim of making them feel integrated and that their opinion is valued among the other members, something that will undoubtedly contribute to the development of their personality and intellect.
Although sometimes they do not fully understand what is happening, it is also very positive to ask children about how they felt about the argument or conflict that has taken place in the family.
5. Put communication skills into practice
As has been indicated, communication is essential to resolve any type of family conflict, and even more so is the form and communicative style that we use to relate to other family members.
Psychology professionals have spent decades studying the different abilities and skills that exist to achieve successful communication, that is, the so-called communication skills
The main communication skills are active listening, empathy, emotional validation, conflict resolution, respect and the ability to correctly manage verbal and non-verbal language.
6. Apologize
Knowing how to apologize when one has made a mistake is essential for the proper functioning of any human relationship and also in the case of family conflicts.
Sincere apologies are a sign of respect and consideration for another person who has been wronged. However, it must also be remembered that every apology must always be accompanied by acts of reparation of the damage caused (to repair it totally or partially).
You may be interested: “What is the point of asking for forgiveness? Its 6 benefits”
7. Follow protocols in cases of abuse
In cases in which a case of domestic abuse occurs, the safety and physical integrity of the victim must take priority, above any “repair” of damaged family relationships.
That is why in these types of cases the established protocols must always be followed, always protecting the victim and involving the necessary judicial, police and medical authorities.
Go to a psychologist or professional specialized in family therapy It is one of the best decisions that can be made when there is a serious conflict in the family or when it is difficult to achieve a solution to the problem.
An expert therapist in this area will know how to identify negative behavior patterns, focus on the causes of the problem and will be able to conceive the problem from perspective.
Related article: “The 10 benefits of going to psychological therapy”
9. Spend more time together
Psychological professionals recommend that the best way to solve frequent family conflicts or problems is to spend more time together as a family
This is a good way to strengthen the bonds between loved ones and can be carried out by sharing leisure activities or dedicating weekends to family activities.
Do you want to have psychological support?
If you are looking for psychological therapy services for families, couples or individual patients, contact our team of psychologists.
In Psychology For We have more than 20 years of experience in the sector and work with patients of all ages.
