Let's face it, nobody's perfect. There's no such thing as a perfect family either. That doesn't mean we all need to seek professional therapy. However, there may be times when professional help is a good idea. Here are some indicators that therapy may be beneficial to you.

Individual Therapy

Your mood is low and stays that way for a prolonged period of time (weeks or months). You have lost interest in things that were once pleasurable to you; you notice a significant change in your eating and/or sleep habits; or you experience feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. These symptoms may indicate depression. See your family doctor and consider seeking therapy as well.

Couple Therapy

Your marriage isn't what you'd like it to be. Some couples seek therapy to help them strengthen a good marriage, while others seek help when in crisis. Dealing with conflict, improving communication, and working through pain and loss, are examples of what couples choose to address in therapy. It is best to address problems before they escalate. Having a neutral third party present can help couples move toward change. If you find yourselves revisiting the same issue(s) with no resolution, it's time to seek professional help.

Family Therapy

Your family has unresolved issues from the past that are negatively impacting one or more people. Also, if your family is in a state of turmoil or change in the present, seeking outside help can be beneficial. Because a therapist is not a part of your family, they have the benefit of not being emotionally connected to the presenting problem(s), and can thus provide unbiased support and mediation.

For more examples of issues clients address in therapy, please read on.