Improving Your Kid’s Mental Health: Easy Family Therapy Hacks [Podcast Episode]

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Do you ever wonder why your kids are fighting more than usual? Or do you worry about spending way more time with one kid over another? 

With all the families I work with, and similarly in my own family, I notice patterns that can lead to difficulties. That’s why today I’m sharing with you some easy family therapy hacks that are going to help with some of the most typical problems families are encountering and that can improve your kid’s mental health!

“As a Family Therapist, I believe that an individual’s mental health
exists within the context of the world around them”
– Amanda Sovik-Johnston

Yes, there’s absolutely also a genetic component… and it’s also influenced by systems or groups where they interact, including their parents, siblings, schools, and community. So, when I think about what’s going on for a kid, I think about who they are, what it is like to live in their family, what their friends are like, their home, their community. Next, I come up with a plan of action for the whole family on how to make shifts that will help everyone feel better.

Healthy family hierarchies

In a healthy family, there is a clear balance of power and responsibility, with each family member contributing to the family system in a positive way. Healthy family hierarchies promote a sense of stability, security, and cooperation within the family system, and can lead to improved communication and relationships between family members.

Let’s dive deeper into some healthy and dysfunctional family hierarchies in today’s episode!

In this episode on improving your kid’s mental health, we cover:

• Examples of healthy family hierarchies;
• The impact your family’s hierarchies can have on your kid’s mental health;
• Two examples of common dysfunctional family hierarchies;
• How to improve your family’s hierarchies;
• The power of family therapy;
• And more!

You can find our podcast Active and Connected Families wherever you listen to your podcasts, or simply click HERE to listen from your preferred app!

More about Active & Connected Family Therapy

Active & Connected Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. Our practice is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. You can learn more about our practice or contact us here.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

• We’d love to hear your feedback on our podcast. Why not leave us a review on Apple Podcasts?
• Connect with us on Instagram.
• We’ve got a bunch of episodes for you to binge-listen to! How about one of our most listened-to episodes on how we explain anxiety to kids and families?

Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.