medical family therapy Bethesda md

Bethesda Medical Family Therapy

It can be difficult to accommodate new needs and demands brought on by medical issues and diagnoses. Bethesda Medical Family Therapy serves individuals, couples, and families dealing with acute or chronic medical and health-related stressors. Dr. Hoskins is especially experienced in working with couples dealing with hereditary cancer syndromes and other genetic conditions.

Who might benefit from Medical Family Therapy?

  • Anyone dealing with a new or unexpected diagnosis.
  • Anyone having trouble communicating with loved ones about health-related issues.
  • Anyone struggling with a health-related decision that has implications for them, and for other family members (e.g., reproductive decision-making, deciding if/when to get tested for a genetic condition).
  • Anyone navigating how the varied members of a healthcare-providing team can collaboratively work together to provide the highest-caliber care and services possible.

Dr. Lindsey Hoskins is specially trained to work with individuals, couples and families dealing with knowledge of the hereditary risk of cancer (e.g., BRCA1/2 families) and other genetic conditions (e.g., Huntington’s Disease) including the challenging decisions, information-sharing, and other stressors that may accompany such knowledge. She also works with couples struggling with reproductive decision-making in the context of hereditary health risks.

Medical Family Therapy often comprises several sessions up-front, followed by less frequent follow-up meetings as you continue to reconcile health-related issues with other aspects of your family life.

Contact Lindsey for a complimentary telephone consultation to help decide if medical family therapy in Bethesda MD could help you.

Schedule an appointment online for medical family therapy with Dr. Hoskins, or call 240-752-7650.

About Medical Family Therapy

Bethesda, MD medical family therapy from Lindsey Hoskins & Associates is an interdisciplinary approach that combines the principles of medicine and family therapy to provide holistic healthcare for families. This innovative field aims to address both the physical and emotional aspects of illness by recognizing the integral role that families play in an individual’s well-being.

Who

In medical family therapy, the focus extends beyond the individual patient to include their immediate and extended family members. The therapy sessions involve the participation of all family members, enabling them to express their concerns, fears, and hopes related to the medical condition. This collaborative approach fosters open communication, enhances family cohesion, and promotes the overall health and recovery of the patient.

What

One of the main points of medical family therapy is the recognition that illness affects the entire family system. Each family member may experience a range of emotions, such as anxiety, guilt, or anger, which can have an impact on their ability to support the patient effectively. By addressing these emotional responses within the therapeutic context, medical family therapy helps families develop healthier coping strategies and adapt to the challenges posed by the illness.

How

The therapist in Bethesda medical family therapy serves as a guide, facilitating conversations and offering support to family members. They help the family identify and build upon their existing strengths and resources, encouraging them to work together as a cohesive unit. By emphasizing the family’s resilience and potential for growth, therapists empower families to navigate through difficult medical situations more effectively.

Why

Medical family therapy also recognizes the importance of cultural factors in the understanding and treatment of illness. Therapists are trained to be culturally sensitive and aware, respecting the values, beliefs, and traditions of diverse families. By incorporating cultural competence into the therapy process, medical family therapy ensures that the care provided is respectful, inclusive, and effective.

Collaborative Healing

Another big aspect of medical family therapy is its collaborative nature. Therapists often work in tandem with medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. This collaboration allows for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment, where medical interventions are integrated with family therapy interventions. By working together, medical and family therapy professionals can optimize patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and provide ongoing support to families throughout the medical journey.

Applications

Medical family therapy can be applied to various medical conditions, including chronic illnesses, acute illnesses, and mental health disorders. It is particularly valuable in situations where the medical condition has a significant impact on family dynamics, such as pediatric illnesses or terminal illnesses. By addressing the emotional and relational aspects of the illness, medical family therapy helps families maintain a sense of control, find meaning, and improve their quality of life.

In Conclusion

Bethesda medical family therapy from Lindsey Hoskins & Associates is a type of approach to healthcare that recognizes the importance of the family system in the well-being of patients. By integrating medicine and family therapy, this interdisciplinary field provides holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families. Through collaboration, cultural competence, and a focus on family strengths, medical family therapy promotes healing, resilience, and improved quality of life for those facing medical challenges.