The 9 psychological keys to managing family problems

Family therapy is the branch of applied psychology that is responsible for studying and intervening in the dynamics of dysfunctional communication and interaction between parents, children, grandparents, uncles... For example, fights that go on for years, lack of communication, neglect of the needs of a part of the family, and more.

For this reason, for decades, family psychology professionals have established a series of behavioral guidelines and psychological keys that can be of great help to overcome family problems.

• Related article: "Family therapy: types and forms of application"

The keys to facing and managing family problems

Keep these recommendations in mind to address family problems due to lack of communication, arguments, etc.

1. Manage discussions

Family arguments are very common obstacles that most families face. families all over the world and at times there is a tendency to avoid them rather than confront and manage them with success.

Avoidance may seem like a simple way to live together as a family, but in the long term it is not the most effective

, since the only thing that is achieved is to accumulate discomfort that sooner or later will end up coming to the surface throughout the day to day and daily coexistence.

That is why experts in family psychology recommend always managing any type of discussion that may be generated and talking about the issues that need to be addressed without hiding them.

• You may be interested in: "Assertiveness: 5 basic habits to improve communication"

2. Choosing the right time to talk about problems

As in any other relationship between people, it is of great importance to always choose the most appropriate time and place to discuss sensitive issues, or to settle discussions of all kinds.

That is why normally it is recommended to manage these types of problems when you have the time to do so and when all family members are available to speak for as long as necessary.

In the same way, it may also be advisable not to discuss sensitive topics when tempers are very heated and wait for all the people involved in the conflict are in a position to speak calmly and without adding fuel to the discussion previous.

• Related article: "Time management: 13 tips to take advantage of the hours of the day"

3. Allow everyone to express themselves

In order to successfully manage any problem that occurs in the family environment, it is very important always ensure that all parties involved are free to explain their side of the story. conflict.

Allowing all family members to express themselves contributes significantly to bringing positions closer together., since each person will feel that their approaches are heard by the other members.

If each person presents their version of it in a calm and respectful way, sooner or later a generalized consensus among all parties can be reached that satisfies those involved.

• You may be interested in: "The 10 basic communication skills"

4. Value everyone's opinion

Another of the essential keys to a family conflict is respect for the opinions of each and every member of the family unit, even the smallest.

In families with young children it is also important to take into account their opinion or points of view before what happened with the objective that they feel integrated and that their opinion is valued among the other members, something that will undoubtedly contribute to the development of their personality and their intellect.

Although sometimes they do not fully understand what is happening, it is also very positive to ask children about how they have felt about the discussion or conflict that has taken place in the family.

• Related article: "Empathy, much more than putting yourself in someone else's shoes"

5. Put communication skills into practice

As indicated, communication is essential to resolve any type of family conflict, and more it is still the form and the communicative style that we use to interact with other members of the community. family.

Psychology professionals have spent decades studying the different capacities and skills that exist to achieve successful communication, that is, the so-called communication skills.

The main communication skills are active listening, empathy, emotional validation, conflict resolution, respect and the ability to correctly manage verbal language and non-verbal verbal.

6. Apologize

Knowing how to apologize when one has made a mistake is essential for the proper functioning of any human relationship and also in the case of family conflicts.

Sincere apologies are a sign of respect and consideration for another person who has been wronged. However, it should also be remembered that any apology must always be accompanied by acts of reparation of the damage caused (to be fully or partially repaired).

• You may be interested in: "What is the use of asking for forgiveness? Its 6 benefits "

7. Follow protocols in cases of abuse

In cases where there is a case of domestic abuse, safety and security should take priority. physical integrity of the victim, over and above any "reparation" of family relationships damaged.

That is why in this type of case, the established protocols must always be followed, protecting always to the victim and involving the judicial, police and medical authorities that are necessary.

8. Go to therapy

Go to a psychologist or professional specialized in family therapy It is one of the best decisions that can be made when there is a serious conflict in the family or when it is difficult to find a solution to the problem.

An expert therapist in this field will be able to identify negative behavior patterns, focus on the causes of the problem and will be able to conceive the problem in perspective.

• Related article: "The 10 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

9. Spend more time together

Psychology professionals recommend that the best way to solve frequent family conflicts or problems is to spend more time together as a family.

This is a good way to strengthen the bonds of union between loved ones and can be carried out carried out by sharing leisure activities or spending weekends doing activities in family.

Do you want to have psychological support?

If you are looking for psychological therapy services for families, couples or individual patients, please contact our team of psychologists.

In Advance Psychologists We have more than 20 years of experience in the sector and we work with patients of all ages.