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Family Therapy for Addiction in NJ

Family addiction therapy to help you rebuild trust, improve communication, and support a loved one’s recovery at IKON Recovery in Saddle Brook, Bergen County

Family Addiction Therapy at IKON Recovery

Addiction affects the whole family, not just the person using. Family addiction therapy brings you and your loved ones together with a licensed clinician to talk honestly, repair trust, and learn how to support recovery while also taking care of yourselves.

At IKON Recovery in Saddle Brook, NJ, family therapy is part of treatment for people with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. We also welcome family members who are looking for guidance on how to help. If you’re not sure where to begin, call our team at (844) 394-4566.

What Is Family Therapy for Addiction?

Family therapy, also called family counseling, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflict within the family.[1] It invites collaboration between family members to address their issues, enhance their understanding, and create positive changes within their relationships with one another.[2]

Therapy sessions for families can be beneficial in navigating several challenges, such as communication breakdowns and conflicts,[3] and family therapy for addiction focuses on the impact that substance use and mental health challenges can have within this context.

Family counseling for addiction is delivered by a licensed professional (such as a therapist or a social worker) and can involve anyone whom the individual considers a part of their family. The duration of family therapy for addiction can vary based on several factors, including the specific needs and circumstances of the people in attendance. Sessions are usually between 60 and 90 minutes in length.[1]

Family Therapy at IKON Recovery in Saddle Brook, NJ

IKON Recovery is located in Saddle Brook, NJ 07663, in Bergen County. Family therapy is available to families of clients in our partial care, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and residential programs.

Who can take part? Anyone your loved one considers family: parents, spouses and partners, siblings, adult children, or close friends.

How sessions work. Family sessions are led by a licensed clinician and typically last 60–90 minutes. Sessions may happen weekly or at set points during treatment and can be in person or by telehealth.

How it fits with treatment. Family sessions work alongside your loved one’s individual therapy, group therapy, and other therapies such as CBT and DBT. Your clinical team coordinates so the work in each setting supports the others.

How Family Addiction Therapy Works

Family-based treatment seeks to address the interconnected family dynamics of addiction, recognizing that the well-being of the individual suffering is often closely tied to the family unit on the whole.

While there are several types of family counseling,[4] family therapy for addiction generally works to focus on the following aspects:

Improving communication patterns:

Family addiction counseling enhances communication, creating a space for open dialogue to better understand the challenges of addiction.

Addressing enabling and unhealthy patterns:

Families often fall into patterns, such as covering for a loved one, avoiding conflict, or taking over responsibilities, that make sense in the moment but can keep a cycle going. Sessions help you spot these patterns and replace them with healthier boundaries and support.

Providing education and increasing awareness:

Engagement in family therapy for addiction helps family members to understand addiction as complex and multifaceted, helping to reduce stigma and cultivating empathy.

Increasing well-being:

By involving the entire family, counseling contributes to building trust and the creation of a positive, more supportive family environment for the recovery process.

Strengthening the support system:

A vibrant support system is critical to recovery, and family therapy for substance use (and co-occurring mental health issues) emphasizes the importance of collective involvement in the recovery process.

The goal is not to place blame. It is to help your whole family understand addiction, communicate more openly, and build a home environment that supports recovery.

What to Expect From Family Therapy Sessions

If you’ve never been to family therapy, it helps to know the basics. At IKON, the process usually looks like this:

  1. A first conversation. Your clinician learns about your family, your concerns, and what you’d like to change.
  2. Shared goals. Together you set a few clear goals, such as improving communication, rebuilding trust, or agreeing on boundaries.
  3. Guided sessions. Everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard. Your clinician helps keep conversations productive and teaches practical skills.
  4. Education. You learn how addiction and recovery work, which can reduce blame and fear.
  5. A plan for after treatment. Your team helps your family prepare for life after treatment, including supports and what to do if there is a setback.

Not every family member has to be ready on day one. Your clinician can start with those who are willing.

Family Consultation: Questions Before You Start

Many families aren’t sure whether to call. If you’re worried about a loved one, or your loved one is already in treatment and you want to be involved, you can start with a confidential family consultation.

In a consultation, you can:

  • Explain what’s going on and ask questions
  • Learn about treatment options and levels of care
  • Find out how family therapy works at IKON and who would take part
  • Ask about insurance and next steps

To schedule one, call (844) 394-4566 or contact us. You can also read our guide for family and loved ones.

Support for Families Beyond Therapy Sessions

Family members need support, too. In addition to family therapy, IKON:

  • Offers family education sessions or workshops about addiction, recovery, and relapse prevention
  • Helps you prepare for visits and communication during treatment
  • Connects you with community support such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon
  • Includes your family in aftercare planning

More resources are on our page for family and loved ones.

Our Family Therapy Clinicians

Family therapy at IKON is provided by licensed behavioral health professionals who are trained to work with families affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Meet our team

What the Research Says About Family Therapy for Addiction

Just as problems within the family can influence addiction, a supportive family environment can play an important role in the recovery process.[5] Studies have shown that family engagement in counseling enhances motivation and the overall success of treatment, in addition to being linked with better outcomes for the individual struggling.[6]

Research suggests family-based approaches can be effective for substance use, including in adolescents,[7] and can improve how well treatment works as a whole.

Results vary by family and by the type of therapy used. Your clinician will recommend an approach based on your situation.

Family Therapy for Bergen County and Northern New Jersey

Our Saddle Brook location is easy to reach from across northern New Jersey. We welcome families from Bergen County, Passaic County, Essex County, and Hudson County, including Hackensack, Paterson, Clifton, and Newark. See all areas we serve.

Paying for Family Therapy and Getting Started

Many health insurance plans cover family therapy as part of addiction treatment, but coverage depends on your plan and level of care. IKON accepts a range of commercial plans. To get started:

  1. Verify your insurance online or call (844) 394-4566.
  2. Talk with our admissions team about your loved one’s treatment and your family’s role.
  3. Meet your clinical team and plan your first session.
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Other Therapies We Offer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Art Therapy
Yoga Therapy
Music Therapy
Exercise Therapy

Family Therapy for Addiction in NJ: Frequently Asked Questions

How does family addiction therapy differ from individual counseling for addiction?

While individual counseling focuses on the person with addiction, family addiction counseling involves the entire family unit. It addresses the collective impact of addiction on family dynamics, relationships, and the overall family system.

What if some of my family members don’t want to take part?

It’s not uncommon for resistance to arise. Family therapists are trained to work with hesitation and can work with willing family members initially. Over time, as the benefits of counseling become evident, others may be more open to participating.

How can family therapy benefit the person with addiction?

Family addiction counseling provides essential support for the individual with addiction by creating a healthier family environment. It may help reduce relapse risk, improve communication, and address underlying family issues that may contribute to the cycle of addiction.

How does family therapy support relapse prevention?

Family addiction counseling helps identify and address factors that may contribute to relapse, such as family stressors or communication breakdowns. By creating a supportive family environment and developing more effective coping strategies, the risk of relapse may be lowered.

Can family therapy be part of a larger treatment plan?

Absolutely. Family addiction therapy can complement individual therapy, support group participation, and other therapeutic interventions. The collaborative approach ensures a holistic and effective strategy for both the individual and their family alike.

Where can I find family therapy for addiction in NJ?

IKON Recovery offers family therapy for addiction in Saddle Brook, NJ, for families across Bergen County and northern New Jersey. Call (844) 394-4566 to ask about availability.

Can I take part if my loved one isn’t in treatment yet?

Yes. You can talk with our team about your situation and how to support your loved one. See our page for family and loved ones.

Will my loved one’s information be shared with me?

Substance use treatment records are protected by privacy laws, and we generally need your loved one’s written consent before sharing details. Family sessions let your loved one choose what is shared.

Who can take part in family therapy?

Anyone your loved one considers family, including parents, partners, siblings, and adult children.

Does insurance cover family therapy?

Many plans cover family therapy as part of addiction treatment, but coverage varies. You can verify your benefits or call (844) 394-4566.

Sources

[1] FAMILY THERAPY CAN HELP FOR PEOPLE IN RECOVERY FROM MENTAL ILLNESS OR ADDICTION. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma13-4784.pdf 15th, 2023

[2] American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Dictionary.apa.org. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/family-therapy on November 15th, 2023

[3] American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2015). About Marriage and Family Therapists. Aamft.org. Retrieved from https://www.aamft.org/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx on November 15th, 2023

[4] Information, N. C. for B., Pike, U. S. N. L. of M. 8600 R., MD, B., & Usa, 20894. (2020). Chapter 3—Family Counseling Approaches. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571088/ on November 15th, 2023

[5] Lander, L., Howsare, J., & Byrne, M. (2013). The impact of substance use disorders on families and children: From theory to practice. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3-4), 194–205. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3725219/ on November 15th, 2023

[6] Kourgiantakis, T., & Ashcroft, R. (2018). Family-focused practices in addictions: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 8(1), e019433. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019433 on November 15th, 2023

[7] Rowe, C. L. (2010). Multidimensional Family Therapy: Addressing Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Other Problems Among Adolescents with Comprehensive Family-based Treatment. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 19(3), 563–576. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2010.03.008 on November 15th, 2023