Family conflict is common. It can arise for many different reasons, such as financial difficulties, grief, mental health or substance abuse concerns, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the stress of life.
In some cases, separation, divorce, or blended family issues and transitions can contribute to distressing family dynamics that interfere with how each member functions and gets along.
Whatever the cause, family conflict can be damaging for everyone involved because family conflict can be one of the hardest types to deal with. To reduce the chances of family conflict and the lasting impact, it's important to understand what contributes to it.
Sometimes minor irritations or unseen anger can lead to dramatic arguments, bringing about intense emotions due to the nature of family relationships and our ideals of what families should look like. Our family's expectations that they'll do things in certain ways or that we can always rely on them for strength and support aren't always realized.
One of the most common causes of family conflict is a lack of communication. When family members don't talk openly and honestly, it can lead to misunderstandings and resentment.
Unresolved emotional issues and feelings can slowly eat away at the fabric of a family if they're not addressed. If you're experiencing family conflict - even if the problems aren't severe - family therapy can help.
Family therapy helps identify the sources of conflict and provides a safe place for family members to communicate openly. It can help build bridges that have been burned and restore communication where it has been lost.
Families who work with a therapist can learn to understand each other better, fostering more effective communication and dismantling unhealthy patterns.
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