How do we know if we need family counseling?

Family counseling isn't necessary for everyone.  Family counseling also isn't just for "bad" families.  Family counseling, in reality, is for families who are finding it difficult to get along with each other and to consistently show each other love. 

All families deal with conflict; it's part of living in close proximity with each other.  Family counseling may not be necessary if you're simply facing normal conflicts and arguments.  But when shouting matches become the norm, or when family members begin hurting each other (either emotionally or physically), that's when family counseling may be in order.

If you're considering family counseling, ask yourself these "Family Counseling Questions":

Family Counseling Question #1: 

Does it seem that our family conflict is becoming greater and greater?

Family Counseling Question #2:

Does it seem that walls are going up between us and that communication is either nonexistent or not very effective?

Family Counseling Question #3: 

Are there serious questions regarding the level of trust among our family members?

Family Counseling Question #4: 

Has at least one of us been hurt physically by one of the others?

Family Counseling Question #5: 

Does at least one of us regularly cause significant emotional pain for the others?

Family Counseling Question #6: 

Have persistent attempts to resolve our issues been largely unsuccessful?

If you answered yes to at least a couple of these family counseling questions, then now might be a good time for you to consider the possibility of professional family counseling.  A trusted religious leader or a professional family counselor can help you begin to take steps towards healing from whatever wounds you've all experienced, and then moving towards creating more healthy and loving patterns in your interactions. 

Family counseling, again, may not be the right answer for you.  But if you're worried that your family's problems may be spinning out of control, then now is the time to act.  The fact that you're even considering family counseling is a good sign, since it shows that you're willing to move onto the path to recovery.  There are many steps along that path, and family counseling may very well be one of them.

Additional Resources:
http://www.healthfinder.gov/orgs/HR2417.htm
http://marriage.rutgers.edu
http://marriageandfamilies.byu.edu/
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/