Family Counseling – Tahlequah
A classic adage tells us that the family that plays together stays together, but the family that bowls together splits.
Truth is, neither option is really all that ideal for resolving large-scale conflicts, although trying to get along through positive recreational activity – even bowling — isn’t a terrible place to start.
In some cases, some family dynamics or situations can benefit from professional counseling from an experienced therapist.
Improving Lives Counseling Services recently opened up an office in the Tahlequah area, which means that Northern Oklahoma residents have a new option when seeking local mental health support.
The organization provides these types of confidential on-site therapy services for all ages in more than 30 locations throughout the region, from couples to individuals to children and teens. In addition, it offers other complementary health services such as reflexology, therapeutic massage and aromatherapy.
In instances when the entire family can benefit from counseling services, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, just like there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of a typical family.
Since every family’s dynamics, personality make-ups, backgrounds and interpersonal relationships are unique and different, the staff at Improving Lives Counseling Services works with every member to collectively put together an overall customized goal plus a plan to get there.
Sometimes the goal could be to resolve a specific short-term situation peacefully with a direct focus and concentrated effort on everyone’s part. Sessions could be brief yet productive, and everyone is reminded regularly of the goal, the progress made in getting there and what still needs to happen.
Or, it could be a longer course of treatment where the goal and the process are similar: to strengthen and improve everyone’s relationships.
In either case, the counseling team works on ways to have everyone focus on addressing problems and understanding how each member supports and relates to the others.
Sometimes, the family therapist may speak to each family member individually, which gives people opportunities to share feelings or discuss information that they may not choose to bring up in front of the full group.
Other times, the therapy may include bringing everyone together to remind them of why they’re all there and discuss mutual support and goal progress.
The staff at Improving Lives is dedicated to improving families, helping people reach their full potential, and empowering people to achieve good things in all areas of their lives.
Employees focus on being non-judgmental and neutral, and being professional, but they also want to create an atmosphere that’s comfortable and may even be fun.
The staff is nothing but flexible – rather than requiring all clients to come to the office during limited hours, they are willing to meet at homes, schools, or even by video. Working families who want to begin the counseling process but are unable to make weekday appointments are in luck – the staff is available on weekends and evenings.
For more information on family counseling in Tahlequah and other therapy options, or to schedule a visit, please contact Improving Lives Counseling Services.
