A family may not always have a smooth sailing life. Life is just that way – it has its ups and downs. These trials test the foundation of a family and the capability of the parents to handle problems. Certain issues are sure to crop up every now and then concerning different aspects of life including relationships among family members.

In a family, children should be a priority especially when it comes to their physical and mental health. Parents are responsible for raising them the best way possible and one of their major responsibilities pertains to the children’s physical health. This should never be ignored because a person’s physical health reflects his total well being.

When health is a problem, though, parents can seek family counseling at home. With home counseling, children particularly those suffering from certain diseases can be assisted in improving their eating habits. A study done by Finnish researchers from the University of Turku found that children at risk of cardiovascular disease developed healthier eating habits after benefiting from home-based counseling.

Within a period of three years, the children covered by the research underwent five counseling sessions. As a result, the children later confirmed that after counseling, there were able to avoid foods with too much fat and salt compared to their peers. Unfortunately, the study did not find any effect on the exercise and smoking habits of the subjects resulting from the family counseling sessions done at home.

Family counseling usually involves the provision of a variety of interventions to help members cope with specific issues they may be facing. Focus is given on education and guidance in the aspects of developing discipline, problem solving as well as anger management skills, effective communication skills and skills in coping. Counselors may accompany family members as well in attending appointments in relation to fulfilling certain goals.

When young people are the focus of family counseling, counselors usually try to find ways to provide favorable opportunities that will help improve a child’s self-esteem, widen his knowledge of spiritual and family values and help him or her develop future goals. This type of counseling session is ideal for families where parents may not have sufficient time to monitor their children’s physical and mental health on a daily basis because of too much workload in the business or office. The early the counseling can start, the better for the children.

However, this is not to say that the parents don’t have any role to play in this situation. Their cooperation is of utmost importance because after all, they’re the still the parents responsible for raising their children and making sure they are in the best of health. While family counselors may provide guidance and education, the parents should also take it upon themselves to follow up with their children. Communication is vital here and parents should do their best to find out how their children are doing especially when it comes to their eating habits. They may be required as well by the therapists to report their observations.

If your family may be experiencing some serious problems in the different aspects of your life that you find difficult to cope with, a home based counseling may be a good option for you to consider.

 

 

Insights on Counseling Children – Jim Logan – Are you kids driving you crazy? Dr. Jim Logan has been working at Biblical Restoration Ministry for 23+ years, and has been counseling adults, teens, and children for over 40 years. Jim Logan shares Biblical truth to help counsel children.

 

Dr. Sandra Fischer of Horizons receives St. Luke's Professional Excellence Award

Filed under: counseling children

It's with great pride that Horizons, A Family Service Alliance announces Mental Health Counseling staff, Sandra Fischer, Psy.D as the 2012 recipient of St. Luke's Child Protection Center's Kathleen Opdebeeck Award for Professional Excellence. This …
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Children At Risk: A survivor's story

Filed under: counseling children

Now, Sean is the one helping others – serving as a junior counselor for a summer camp held at Marley's Mission for children who have suffered trauma. His abusers never saw criminal charges – his family brought his disclosure to state police, but after …
Read more on Scranton Times-Tribune