The family can be one of our most basic structures in life, they often influence many facets of your life. Your family can teach you about love, trust and respect, and how to relate with others.

You are lucky if you are born into a supportive and healthy family, however, every family has its challenges. No one is perfect, the same goes for your family. Most families deal with some level of dysfunction. This can be doubly challenging if your family struggles with unresolved conflict.

Conflicts: Is This Your Family?

Conflicts are normal, even in the healthiest of families. It is nearly impossible to be close with people and not disagree. Unfortunately, families are bound to have endless potential for conflict. In due time, the frequency of arguments and misunderstandings can wear on you, damaging relationships and making communication difficult.

Each individual is different, this is natural and healthy but is also a potential source of conflict. While being different from one another can be threatening as it constantly exposes you to disagreements, it can also increase understanding and strengthen relationships. Besides, variation promotes diversity, adding excitement and opportunities to expand your views. Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was the same. When there is a lack of communication or resolution, arguments can become constant.

Conflicts are stressful. Misunderstandings can escalate when the other members start taking sides. As disagreements grow more members can get involved. Conflicts can hurt feelings, giving rise to distress and fears. Unable to manage emotions, your home can become a breeding ground for depression, anxiety, grief and overwhelm.

Resolving Conflicts with Counseling

Conflicts cannot be resolved with avoidance. The key to a healthy family is communication. While you may know this to be true, communication is difficult. It can be hard to know how to resolve disagreements on your own. Counseling can be helpful in helping you to learn these skills. Family therapy can also provide a safe space to process disagreements and find common ground.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with therapists who can help you to process family distress and find resolution. Call today to get started.