Home is where your family is inherently happy, stable, and healthy, and where family counseling can further nurture and strengthen those bonds, leading to a more supportive and loving environment.
- Is your family experiencing sadness, anxiety, anger, depression, or other emotions that are making your family unstable?
- Is communication as a family a struggle or non-existent?
- Do you notice more frequent silent treatments among family members?
- Are members showing no interest in family life?
- Is there violence or threat of violence to oneself or others in the family?
- Did someone in your family die, leaving members feeling stuck in grief? Do you think your family is unhappy or unstable?
- If any of these questions sound like a family problem you’re experiencing, our counseling can help restore your family’s happiness and stability.
Oakwood Counseling is the leading family counseling service provider, serving across the Brazos Valley, Texas. We have a team of family therapists, and every licensed therapist on our staff is committed to providing compassionate mental health care. Our mental health professionals are trained in evidence-based approaches, helping families rebuild communication and trust.
Navigating Family Challenges
When your family is happy, everything in the world seems to be right. When mothers, fathers, and kids enjoy spending time together, they often feel comfortable opening up about daily life, and family communication is good.
However, when siblings resent each other or parents and children don’t get along, it can lead to a home where there is no peace to be found. Family counseling is a safe space for families to come together with a counselor who can assist in moderating conversations and ask hard questions that can get to the heart of the issue.
At Oakwood Counseling, our family therapists will help your family members listen to one another, share their current struggles, and create a safe, comfortable space that allows everyone to feel heard and supported. They will guide your family through the right therapist selection process, recommend the most effective type of therapy, and make sure you receive the most appropriate type of treatment for your needs.
Why Family Counseling Is Important
Communicating is not always easy. If your family is going through difficult times, getting family counseling can be crucial for you and other members. Unresolved conflicts and communication breakdowns can increase tensions and misunderstandings within the family unit.
Family counseling is a unique tool that can help your family come together to understand how different members may have perceived the same situation. Our counseling teaches families to use skills such as active listening, boundary-setting, and techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that reduce conflict and improve understanding.
If family problems are left unaddressed, we often see these issues lead to potential mental problems and even diagnosed mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Prolonged stress can also worsen existing medical conditions such as hypertension, migraines, or sleep disorders. Children may experience emotional distress, behavioral issues, and academic struggles. Parents may also find their relationship deteriorating, further destabilizing the family.
It’s important to seek support when family issues become a daily struggle. When your family is struggling to work through things together, Oakwood Counseling can step in and help your family identify the root of the issue. Our wide range of mental health services and mental health support systems are designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term growth.
When to Seek Family Counseling
If your family is experiencing the following obstacles, it may be a sign to seek family counseling:
- Communication breakdown between family members
- Energy drain in your family
- One or more members going into seclusion
- Feelings of helplessness
- One or more members had a traumatic experience
- Parents are getting divorced or separated
- Discovery of an affair
- Substance use problems
- Mental health disorders or mental health conditions, such as eating disorders or severe anxiety
- Members exhibiting sadness, anger, frustration, depression, etc.
- Changes in children’s behavior at home or in school
- Children behaving out of control
- Violence or symptoms of violence
- Members giving silent treatment to each other
- Facing problems due to financial situation
- Loss of someone close
- A member is seriously ill or living with ongoing medical conditions
- Family is going through a big transition
Why Choose Oakwood Counseling for Family Counseling?
We understand that each family has unique relationship dynamics. Even if you don’t find any of the above signs but feel that something is amiss in your family, our licensed therapists can help you find the root cause and address it with care and compassion.
Our family counseling services and evaluation process are tailored to each family in the Brazos Valley. We follow holistic, integrative approaches designed to address not just the problem, but also treat the body, mind, and spirit to help you and your family lead a more fulfilling journey.
Our goal is to connect you with the right therapist, the correct type of therapy, and the most effective type of treatment so that your family gets the best chance at success. Whether that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, or solution-focused counseling, we work with you to create a personalized plan that supports healing.
We aim to help your family lead a more balanced and happy life together with comprehensive mental health care.
Different Types of Family Therapy
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to therapy. Families benefit from different approaches depending on their challenges, goals, and communication styles. At Oakwood Counseling, our licensed therapists carefully assess your family’s needs and then recommend the type of therapy or type of treatment that will be most effective.
One of the most common approaches is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps family members recognize and change negative thought patterns that influence behavior. CBT is especially useful when families are dealing with anxiety, depression, or conflict rooted in misunderstanding.
Another type of therapy we use is family systems therapy. This method views the family as a whole system rather than as individuals in isolation. It helps uncover how certain patterns of behavior—like avoidance, control, or silence—may have developed over time.
For families navigating divorce, loss, or trauma, solution-focused therapy can be an excellent type of treatment. Instead of revisiting past hurts, this method emphasizes building on strengths and creating practical solutions for moving forward.
Whatever the situation, our mental health professionals tailor the counseling experience so that it provides the right balance of emotional support, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies. The goal is always the same: to help your family find healthier ways to connect, cope, and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is family counseling?
Family counseling is a professional intervention to help address concerns that affect the entire family. Also called family therapy, it helps develop and maintain healthy and functional family relationships. The goal of family counseling is to identify and address family problems, which could be behavioral, emotional, or psychological.
What is the role of a family counselor?
The role of a counselor is to engage with the family, talk about concerns with the members, conduct an initial assessment, and guide the entire family to help it heal and grow. At Oakwood Counseling, our mental health professionals and every licensed therapist on our team use evidence-based methods to manage family struggles, challenges, and conflicts.
Does family counseling work?
Yes, family counseling works when all family members are willing to communicate, discuss their concerns, and work together to restore peace under an expert’s guidance. It can help your family find productive ways to cope with mental problems, relationship struggles, and everyday challenges.
Which type of therapy is right for my family?
There are several approaches to family therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Your counselor will recommend the best type of treatment based on your family’s unique needs, stressors, and desired goals.
What kinds of mental health conditions can family therapy help with?
Family counseling can provide valuable support for a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, trauma responses, and eating disorders. Therapy can also help when stress from ongoing medical conditions—like chronic illness—creates tension at home. Finding the right licensed therapist is key to success. You should feel comfortable, respected, and supported in your sessions. At Oakwood Counseling, we carefully match families with a counselor whose skills and training best align with your needs, whether that involves conflict resolution, parenting strategies, or managing specific mental health conditions.
What’s the difference between mental health services and mental health support?
Mental health services typically refer to structured, professional interventions like counseling sessions or psychiatric care. Mental health support can include resources such as support groups, stress-management workshops, or at-home strategies provided by your counselor to help you and your family maintain progress between sessions.
Can family counseling help with stress caused by medical conditions?
Yes. Many families face added tension when one member is living with ongoing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic pain. Our licensed therapists provide coping strategies so the entire family can adapt together and support the loved one facing health challenges.
Are family therapists considered mental health professionals?
Absolutely. At Oakwood Counseling, all of our family therapists are trained mental health professionals. Each licensed therapist has specialized training to address both emotional struggles and complex mental health conditions that affect family life.
How is mental health care included in family therapy?
Family therapy is a form of mental health care. It provides structured support, evidence-based strategies, and consistent guidance for families who are struggling. Beyond sessions, your counselor may also connect you to outside resources for additional mental health support if needed.
What if my family has never tried counseling before?
That’s okay. Many families are new to therapy. Your licensed therapist will walk you through what to expect, answer your questions, and ensure that each member feels comfortable. Family therapy is designed to be a safe place to begin your healing journey.
What role do clinical social workers play in family therapy?
Clinical social workers are highly trained mental health professionals who provide counseling, advocacy, and support for families. In family therapy, they may help identify resources in the community, teach coping skills, and guide family members through difficult transitions. Alongside licensed therapists, clinical social workers are often part of a care team that ensures families receive comprehensive mental health care tailored to their unique needs.
Is family counseling widely practiced across the United States?
Yes. Family counseling is a well-established form of mental health support throughout the United States. Across the country, thousands of family therapists, clinical social workers, and counselors provide services in clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practices. Families everywhere can access this type of therapy, whether they live in large cities or smaller communities.
Do family therapists need a doctoral degree to practice?
Not always. While some therapists hold a doctoral degree in psychology or counseling, many effective family therapists are qualified with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or social work. What matters most is that you find the right licensed therapist who has the training, compassion, and experience to address your family’s specific challenges. A doctoral-level therapist may be preferred for complex mental health conditions, but excellent care is also available from master’s-level clinicians.
Are licensed therapists considered professional members of the mental health field?
Yes. Every licensed therapist is a recognized member of the broader community of professional members working in mental health. This includes psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers, and psychiatrists. All of these mental health professionals are committed to improving well-being, reducing stigma around mental illness, and providing the highest standard of care.
Can family counseling help when a loved one is struggling with a serious mental illness?
Absolutely. Family therapy can play an essential role when one member is diagnosed with a serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression. Sessions help families understand the condition, learn practical ways to support their loved one, and reduce conflict or stress in the home. Working with a licensed therapist or mental health professional ensures that the family is included as part of the healing process while also encouraging the individual to stay engaged with their own mental health treatment.
Final Thoughts
Family counseling is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of strength and commitment to your loved ones. Every family has challenges, and seeking professional guidance shows that you value harmony, connection, and growth.
Oakwood Counseling is here to help families in the Brazos Valley build bridges, heal wounds, and rediscover joy at home. Whether you are facing a crisis or want to strengthen your family bonds, we are ready to walk alongside you with proven mental health services and compassionate mental health support.
Call (979) 310-0633 today or email Office@oakwoodcounseling.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier family life.
