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The Sylvia Brafman Family Program | Family Therapy, Counseling, and Support

At The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center, we recognize that mental health challenges impact more than just the individual; they affect the entire family system. The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center’s Family Program offers education, communication support, and participation in a loved one’s treatment. Our Family Therapy services provide structured, therapeutic sessions designed specifically for families seeking deeper healing and guidance together. Led by experienced clinicians, these sessions help families improve communication, resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and support one another more effectively. We accept many private insurance plans to make family therapy more accessible. To learn family involvement at SBMHC, call us at 877-958-9212 or verify your coverage through our online insurance form.

Call Now: (877) 958-9212FAMILY HOTLINE

What Family Support Looks Like at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center

At The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center, family involvement is built into our mental health treatment programs because progress is not just about what happens in session. It is about what happens at home, in conversations, and in the relationships that shape daily life. Our Family Program is integrated into PHP and IOP so loved ones have a clear role, real structure, and ongoing support throughout the treatment process. Here is what makes the SBMHC Family Program so different from a general “family therapy add-on”:

Weekly Family Night with Ben Brafman (Thursdays, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm): A guided, high-impact session where families work alongside other families in treatment. Alumni often return, which can create powerful perspective and momentum.

Weekly touchpoints with the primary therapist: Families receive consistent communication and direction so everyone is aligned on goals, boundaries, and next steps.

Dedicated family therapy: Targeted sessions to address patterns, improve communication, and rebuild trust with clinical support.

Bi-annual Family Weekends: Intensive family work designed to create breakthroughs, clarify expectations, and establish a healthier path forward.

Support for non-local families: Families who are not local can participate via Zoom for key components.

Ben Brafman Speaking to a Patient during family therapy

In addition to the structured programming, our team uses evidence-informed strategies like motivational interviewing, written therapeutic letters, and family reenactment work when appropriate, with a focus on practical skills such as active listening, healthy boundaries, parenting and partner support, and role clarity. Families also leave with guidance on long-term supports that can continue after treatment, including groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, when relevant.

To learn how family therapy and support fits into your loved one’s care plan, call (877) 958-9212 or fill out the form below for a confidential callback.

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Benefits of Our Family Therapy and Counseling in Tamarac, FL

We offer specialized programs tailored to address diverse family issues. Our compassionate team provides an environment conducive to exploring concerns, strengthening bonds, and developing essential skills for navigating challenges together and more effectively. Below is an overview of a few benefits of family therapy and counseling:

Improved Communication: Family counseling provides an opportunity to learn effective communication techniques within the family unit, leading to clearer understanding and more meaningful interactions.
Conflict Resolution: Through therapy, families can develop healthier ways to manage and resolve conflicts, reducing tension and fostering a more harmonious atmosphere at home.
Strengthened Relationships: Counseling sessions facilitate bonding and connection among family members, strengthening relationships and creating a sense of unity and support.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Therapy equips families with valuable problem-solving strategies, empowering them to address challenges more effectively and collaboratively.
Increased Understanding: By exploring each other’s perspectives and experiences in therapy, family members gain deeper insights and empathy, fostering greater understanding and connection.
Improved Coping Skills: Counseling provides tools and techniques to help families navigate stressors and adversity, promoting resilience and emotional well-being.
Healing from Past Traumas: Therapy offers a safe space for processing and healing from past traumas or unresolved issues, allowing families to move forward with greater emotional health and stability.
Support During Life Transitions: Therapy offers valuable support and guidance when adjusting to a new family dynamic, such as blending families or dealing with a significant life change.
Boundary Setting: Counseling helps families establish healthy boundaries and expectations, fostering respect and autonomy among family members.
Enhanced Parenting Skills: Parents can benefit from learning effective parenting strategies and techniques to promote positive behavior and communication with their children.
Reduced Stress: Therapy can significantly reduce stress levels within the family unit by addressing underlying issues and improving coping mechanisms.
Prevention of Future Problems: Proactive therapy can identify and address potential issues before they escalate, helping to prevent future conflicts and challenges.

Family counseling and therapy offer a supportive and constructive environment for families to grow, heal, and thrive together. Contact us for information on the marriage and family therapy programs offered at The Sylvie Brafman Mental Health Center.

What is a Family Counseling Program?

A family counseling program is a therapeutic intervention designed to address family dynamics and challenges. These programs typically involve licensed therapists or counselors who work to identify and address issues such as communication skills, conflict resolution, substance abuse, mental health concerns, and more, in addition to providing parenting support.

Through individual and group sessions, counseling for families aims to improve interpersonal relationships, enhance communication skills, and foster understanding among family members. Therapists employ various evidence-based techniques and interventions tailored to the specific needs of each family, which may include promoting healthy boundaries, facilitating problem-solving skills, and providing emotional support and guidance as families navigate difficult circumstances. Family counseling services create a safe environment for open dialogue, empowering families to overcome challenges, strengthen connections, and thrive together.

What is a Family Counseling Program?

What is a Family Counseling Program?

A family counseling program is a therapeutic intervention designed to address family dynamics and challenges. These programs typically involve licensed therapists or counselors who work to identify and address issues such as communication skills, conflict resolution, substance abuse, mental health concerns, and more, in addition to providing parenting support.

Through individual and group sessions, counseling for families aims to improve interpersonal relationships, enhance communication skills, and foster understanding among family members. Therapists employ various evidence-based techniques and interventions tailored to the specific needs of each family, which may include promoting healthy boundaries, facilitating problem-solving skills, and providing emotional support and guidance as families navigate difficult circumstances. Family counseling services create a safe environment for open dialogue, empowering families to overcome challenges, strengthen connections, and thrive together.

What is a Marriage Therapy Program?

What is a Marriage Therapy Program?

A marriage or couples therapy program, is a specialized form of relationship counseling employed to improve the quality of relationships between married partners. Typically led by licensed therapists or counselors, these programs provide a structured framework for couples to address issues like communication problems, conflicts, intimacy struggles, trust issues, and other challenges impacting the marriage.

Marriage and family therapists aim to enhance understanding, rebuild trust, and promote healthier patterns of interaction between spouses. The Family counseling and therapy services can help couples navigate challenges, strengthen their bond, and cultivate a more fulfilling, resilient partnership by providing a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore concerns and work towards mutual goals.

Statistics on Family Counseling and Therapy

Statistics on Family Counseling and Therapy

Research highlights the effectiveness of family therapy in reducing healthcare visits, particularly among those who frequently utilize health services. Additionally, systemic family therapy has shown efficacy in treating various conditions, like marital distress and adolescent substance abuse. Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) has been identified as more effective than traditional treatments like group therapy in reducing arrest and incarceration rates.

Furthermore, recent studies indicate that family therapy effectively addresses children’s issues, including conduct disorders, substance addictions, offending behavior, and depression, while also lowering the risk of certain mental health disorders. A clinical trial further demonstrated that BSFT improves family engagement and functioning, although it didn’t significantly impact self-reported adolescent drug use when compared to standard treatment methods.

A therapist discusses potential treatment program options with a couple.

Does Insurance Cover Family Counseling?

It usually requires a determination of medical necessity for insurance to cover family counseling. Confirming coverage for family therapy costs with your provider and understanding any prerequisites, such as referrals or pre-authorizations, is essential. Coverage details vary from plan to plan, so call 877-958-9212 to speak with one of our knowledgeable patient advocates about your insurance plan’s specifics related to family counseling.

Does Insurance Cover Family Therapy?

Under the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurers are required to provide equitable coverage for mental health conditions, treating them on par with physical health issues without discrimination or higher copayments. However, while these laws mandate fair treatment for psychological disorders, they typically don’t extend to family therapy.

This is because mental health parity laws primarily address medical diagnoses, whereas family therapy, focused on relationship and family dynamics, falls outside this framework. Exceptions may apply, such as in the case of a mental health diagnosis or medical necessity within the partnership. Contact us for details and to schedule your free assessment today.

Insurance Providers That Cover Family Counseling

If you’re seeking insurance providers that cover family counseling in Florida, there are several major companies you may consider. Companies such as Aetna, Florida Blue (BSBS in Florida), Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare are prominent providers in the Sunshine State that often include mental health benefits in their plans. These insurers typically offer coverage for medically necessary family counseling services.

It’s essential to review your policy details or contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for mental health services, including family counseling and therapy. Alternatively, you can call 877-958-9212. We can provide the latest details, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare options and maximize the benefits available to you and your family.

Call Now: (877) 958-9212CHECK YOUR INSURANCE

Logos of some accepted insurance companies at Sylvia Brafman Health Center.

Common Problems That Family Therapy Could Help

Family therapy offers a supportive and collaborative approach to addressing challenges, fostering growth, and promoting healing within the family unit. It can address a broad range of issues, providing invaluable support and guidance. Here are some common problems that family therapy could help with:

Communication difficulties: Family and couples therapy can teach practical communication skills to foster understanding and connection among family members.
Marital or relationship conflicts: Therapists provide a neutral space to navigate conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen the bond between partners.
Parent-child conflicts: Family therapy offers tools to improve parent-child relationships, promote mutual respect, and address behavioral issues.
Behavioral issues in children or adolescents: Therapists work with families to identify underlying causes of behavioral issues, such as sibling rivalry, and implement effective strategies for positive change.
Divorce or separation: Therapy supports and guides during transitions, helping families navigate emotions, establish new dynamics, and facilitate effective, healthy coparenting.
Blended family challenges: Therapists assist blended families in building cohesion, resolving conflicts, and fostering a sense of unity.
Trauma and loss: Family therapy offers a safe space for resilience-building where families are processing grief, healing from trauma, or related.
Mental health issues: Therapists address mental health concerns within the family, providing coping skills, support, and treatment options.
Substance abuse: Therapy helps families navigate the complexities of addiction, set boundaries, and support recovery efforts.
Interpersonal conflicts among family members: Family therapists facilitate constructive dialogue and conflict resolution techniques to improve interpersonal relationships.
Lack of cohesion or unity: Family Therapy promotes cohesion by strengthening bonds, fostering empathy, and building a shared purpose.
Parenting challenges: Therapists offer parenting support and guidance on effective strategies, communication skills, and discipline techniques to promote a positive family environment.

Different Types of Family Therapy and Counseling Programs

Family counseling programs come in various forms, each tailored to meet specific family needs. Family counseling may also involve individual therapy sessions for family members to address personal challenges impacting the family unit. Below are a few common types, but many other specialized programs are available. Call our hotline to learn more about our family therapy Florida programs.

Traditional Family Therapy

Traditional Family Therapy

Traditional family therapy is a widely practiced approach to address issues within the entire family unit. All family members participate in these sessions, creating a safe, collaborative environment for exploration and resolution. The therapist works with the family, helping identify patterns of interaction, communication dynamics, and underlying issues that may contribute to conflict or dysfunction.

One of the fundamental principles of traditional family therapy is the recognition that each family member’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and influence one another. By addressing the family as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual problems, traditional family therapy aims to create lasting, meaningful changes that improve overall family functioning and well-being, which can be particularly effective in addressing various issues, including communication breakdowns, conflicts, parenting challenges, substance abuse, mental health concerns, and more.

Marriage and Couples Counseling

Marriage and Couples Counseling

Marriage and couples counseling is designed to address challenges within romantic relationships. Both partners work together with a therapist to explore and navigate relationship issues. Through open communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving in a supportive, non-judgmental space, couples learn to express thoughts and feelings, gain insights into each other’s perspectives, and develop healthier ways of relating to one another.

Marriage and couples counseling aims to help partners overcome obstacles, enhance relationship satisfaction, and cultivate a deeper connection. Therapists utilize various therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to the specific needs of each couple, empowering them to address underlying issues and develop skills for resolving conflicts constructively.

Parent-Child Counseling

Parent-Child Counseling

Parent-child counseling improves the relationship between parents and their children. In these sessions, parents and children work with a therapist to address conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their connection. Through supportive, structured interventions, parent-child counseling helps families navigate challenges such as behavioral issues, communication breakdowns, and emotional struggles, fostering a more positive, harmonious family dynamic.

By providing a safe space for open dialogue and collaboration, parent-child counseling empowers families to overcome obstacles and build healthier relationships based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.

Blended Family Therapy

Blended Family Therapy

Blended family therapy supports families formed through remarriage or cohabitation, where one or both partners bring children from previous relationships into the new family unit. Therapists work with all family members in these sessions to address unique challenges from blending different family dynamics, backgrounds, and relationships.

Blended family therapy fosters communication, resolves conflicts, and builds cohesion within the blended family structure. Through a combination of individual and joint sessions, therapists help family members navigate issues such as loyalty conflicts, adjustment difficulties, step-parenting challenges, and sibling rivalries, ultimately fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the blended family.

Trauma-Focused Family Therapy

Trauma-Focused Family Therapy

Trauma-focused family therapy addresses the trauma’s effects within the family system, recognizing that traumatic experiences can impact not only individuals but also their interpersonal relationships. Therapists work with the entire family to create a safe, supportive environment for healing and recovery. Through structured interventions and open dialogue, families explore how trauma has affected their relationships, communication patterns, and overall functioning.

Therapists help family members develop coping strategies, strengthen their support network, and rebuild trust and connection in the aftermath of trauma. By addressing trauma within the family context, this approach helps families understand and validate each other’s experiences, reduce blame and guilt, and create a stronger sense of unity and support.

Post-Divorce Counseling

Post-Divorce Counseling

Post-divorce counseling supports individuals as they navigate the emotional and practical challenges arising after divorce. Whether you’re struggling with feelings of grief, anger, or uncertainty about the future, post-divorce counseling offers a safe space to process emotions and work through the various stages of adjustment. Therapists provide guidance and support as you explore your thoughts and feelings surrounding the divorce.

In post-divorce counseling, therapists also assist individuals in rebuilding their sense of self and establishing new goals and priorities for the future. Whether you’re adjusting to coparenting arrangements, navigating cohabitation with a new partner, or simply redefining your identity outside of your former marriage, therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies to help you navigate these transitions with confidence and resilience and gain clarity, acceptance, and closure as you move forward with your life.

Family Systems Therapy

Family Systems Therapy

Family systems therapy is a holistic approach focused on understanding and addressing the family dynamics as a whole. Grounded in family systems theory, this therapy views the family as an interconnected system where each member influences and is influenced by the others. By examining communication patterns, roles, and behaviors, therapists help identify how these factors contribute to issues and conflicts.

In family systems therapy, therapists work collaboratively with families to explore and reshape these patterns to promote healthier relationships and functioning. This approach aims to create lasting changes that benefit the entire family unit by fostering empathy, communication, and understanding among family members.

Structural Family Therapy

Structural Family Therapy

Structural family therapy is a specialized approach that delves into the organization and interactions within the family unit. Therapists collaborate with families to recognize and amend dysfunctional behavior and communication patterns that contribute to familial issues. This therapy aims to cultivate healthier dynamics and relationships by scrutinizing roles, boundaries, and hierarchies.

Therapists use structured interventions and exercises to restructure families to foster increased cohesion, flexibility, and resilience. Strengthening the family’s foundation and addressing structural concerns empower families to navigate challenges effectively and develop stronger connections. Structural family therapy equips families with practical tools and strategies to initiate positive change and improve overall family functioning amidst conflicts, transitions, or other difficulties.

Couple holding hands in a therapy session

Family Counseling and Therapy Admissions Process

The admissions process for family counseling or therapy varies from center to center but typically involves several steps to ensure the program is appropriate for your family’s needs. Initially, you’ll contact a prospective treatment center and fill out an intake form or participate in an assessment, providing information about the reasons for seeking therapy, family dynamics, and treatment goals.

This information helps the program staff assess the family’s needs and assign them to an appropriate therapist or treatment plan. Once the initial paperwork is complete, each member of your family may undergo an intake assessment, including individual interviews and/or joint sessions with the entire family. During these evaluations, therapists gather information about family history, relationships, and areas of concern to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Based on the assessment findings, the therapist will collaborate with you and your family to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. This may involve determining the frequency and duration of therapy sessions and identifying the therapeutic approaches and techniques that will be utilized. Throughout the admissions process, families are encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and actively participate in decision-making. Open communication between the family and the therapy program staff is essential to ensure your family feels comfortable and supported throughout the therapeutic journey. Call 877-958-9212 to learn more about the rehab admissions process at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center.

Family Therapy Program Process and Schedule

Family Therapy Program Process and Schedule

Once you’ve enrolled in a family therapy program, it typically follows a structured yet flexible process and schedule adapted to each family member’s unique journey. The process and schedule include ongoing sessions, incorporating various therapeutic methods, such as the commonly used modalities briefly outlined below:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on emotional bonding, helping to develop secure connections and express feelings more clearly and effectively.
Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT) integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques into the family therapy context. Therapists help families identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to family conflicts, promoting healthier communication and problem-solving skills.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) emphasizes identifying and amplifying solutions and strengths rather than focusing on problems. Therapists help families set achievable goals and build on existing resources to create positive change in a relatively short period.
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) is a short-term, structured intervention aimed at addressing problematic behaviors in adolescents by targeting dysfunctional family dynamics. Through strategic interventions, BSFT promotes positive change in communication, problem-solving skills, and relationships within the family, typically spanning 12 to 16 sessions.

In addition to consistent therapy sessions, a family-centered program’s process and schedule typically involve the following:

Progress Monitoring: The therapist regularly assesses progress throughout a family therapy program. Adjustments to the therapy approach may be made to ensure that your family is moving closer to achieving your goals and resolving conflicts effectively.
Homework and Practice: Family therapy often involves assignments to complete between sessions. These tasks reinforce the skills and strategies learned in treatment and encourage your family to apply them in real-life situations, promoting continued growth and development.
Feedback and Communication: Open communication between your family and the therapist is crucial. The therapist provides guidance and feedback while you and your family are encouraged to share thoughts, concerns, and experiences. This collaborative approach fosters trust and strengthens the therapeutic relationship.
Program Duration: The duration of a family therapy program varies depending on the family’s goals and the complexity of your issues. Some programs may be shorter-term, lasting several weeks, while others may continue for several months to address deeper-rooted challenges comprehensively.
Completion and Ongoing Support: The family therapy program concludes when significant progress has been made toward your family’s goals. However, ongoing support may be provided to help maintain positive changes and address any lingering issues. Periodic follow-up sessions may also be offered to ensure continued growth and success.

Some Statistics and Information About Family Therapy

Some Statistics and Information About Family Therapy

Findings from a study on the effectiveness of family therapy indicate that it reduces healthcare visits, particularly among high utilizers.
Attachment theory suggests that children who perceive their caregivers as sensitive, responsive, and available tend to develop secure expectations regarding relationships.
In several meta-analyses, systemic family therapy was found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including marital distress and substance abuse in adolescents, both alone and in conjunction with other treatments.
Studies revealed that Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) proved more effective than conventional treatments like group therapy and parent training groups in reducing arrests and incarceration rates over both short and long-term periods.
A study conducted in 2019 indicates that family therapy is effective in addressing a range of issues with children, including conduct disorders, substance addictions, offending behavior, and depression.
Family therapy has additionally demonstrated the ability to decrease the likelihood of certain mental health disorders in adolescents.
A clinical trial discovered that Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) helps enhance family engagement and retention. It also improves parent-reported family functioning. However, the study didn’t find significant differences in self-reported adolescent drug use between the group that received BSFT and the treatment-as-usual group.