No family is perfect. If your family is facing challenges in communication, life transitions, or is regularly having significant conflicts, know that you aren’t alone. Nearly every family faces these difficulties to one degree or another. Familial relationships can take just as much work as the ones people have with their romantic partners. If you’re in the Annapolis, Maryland, area and you’re looking to strengthen your family’s bond or communicate with more compassion and care, mental health therapy for Annapolis residents can be found at Columbia Associates. We offer therapeutic services accessible by major thoroughfares like I-495 and Route 50, making it simple for families across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. metro area to receive the mental health care they deserve.
In 2021, 39.1% of adults in Maryland reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, both of which can impact how we interact with loved ones. What’s more, is that 31.3% were unable to access the mental health support they needed. At Columbia Associates, we believe health is a right, not a privilege. Our mental health counseling services are designed to meet you where you are and get you to where you want to be.
What does family counseling look like?
Family counseling is a form of therapy that supports families in working through relational challenges, emotional upheaval, behavioral concerns, and more. It’s not about placing blame on anyone but about building greater understanding for one another and teaching you how to communicate in ways that make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. At Columbia Associates, our team of therapists tailor treatment plans to each family’s unique situation.
Why do some families seek counseling services?
There are lots of reasons that a family may want to go to therapy. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Communication breakdowns or recurring arguments
- Coping with divorce, remarriage, or blended family dynamics
- Parenting challenges or disagreements
- Support for a family member’s mental health or substance use concerns
- Grief and loss, financial stress, or other major life events
No matter the reason, counseling offers a pathway to address the emotional turmoil of longstanding issues together—with empathy and a focus on growth. If any of the reasons listed above resonate with you, it may be time to seek support for your family.
What happens during a session?
Some people feel hesitant about family therapy because they think it’s better to leave certain things unsaid, in effect, “keeping the peace.” However, choosing to sweep things under the rug or not address certain issues can backfire down the road, causing resentment, pain, and more intense conflict years later.
In a typical family counseling session, each person has the opportunity to speak and listen. It’s up to everyone in the room to contribute to the healing of your family, and every voice is valued. A therapist acts as an impartial guide, helping you identify goals and then stay on track as you work toward them.
Sessions may involve the entire family or focus on smaller groups within the family, like a parent and child or a sibling pair, depending on the situation. While some families participate in long-term therapy, others may benefit more from short-term support to help them navigate a specific family issue.
At Columbia Associates, our therapists provide a wide range of approaches, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on helping individuals identify negative thought patterns and reframe them, leading to new perspectives and positive outlooks
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Customized to fit the unique makeup of your family, this type of therapy is especially helpful for clients experiencing grief, life transitions, or relationship conflicts.
These are two of the many evidence-based treatment modalities that we utilize at Columbia Associates to help families get the most out of counseling. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your family’s needs, because we recognize no family is exactly the same as another.
The far-reaching impact of family counseling
Investing in family counseling can help create a sense of safety within the home, which is why talking about mental health is important. Being able to speak respectfully and lovingly within a family is extremely powerful. It can lead to future generations of your family feeling more connected and less afraid to confront concerns that need to be dealt with. Your time in therapy won’t just benefit you but generations to come.
Getting started with family counseling
Columbia Associates accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offers both in-person and convenient telehealth options so families can receive care in the way that works best for them. While reaching out for support can feel intimidating—it doesn’t have to be scary. Knowing what to expect can help:
- First, you’ll call our team or complete our online intake form.
- Then, get matched with a therapist who aligns with your family’s goals and needs.
- Lastly, you’ll schedule your first session at a time that works for everyone.
We’re committed to providing responsive, inclusive, and compassionate service from your first call to your final session. Let us help your family thrive.
Call Columbia Associates today and secure a new trajectory for your family
Whether you’re near downtown Bethesda, close to the Reston Town Center, or anywhere in between, Columbia Associates is ready to support your family through life’s challenges. Your family’s wellness matters. Give us a call today at 703.682.8208 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.