Untreated mental health conditions can significantly impact loved ones and family members. It can also impact the relationships that patients have with their family members. Dr. Guo is trained in couples therapy as well as family therapy, and believes that strengthening the support system plays a big role in helping the patient. He believes in the value of educating family members and including them in treatment, when appropriate. This can be valuable in healing the patient, their relationships, as well as the support system.
Often times, family members want to help but don’t know how. Psychoeducation and Family Inclusion are helpful interventions to decrease caregiver burnout. This leads to more empathy and support for the patient as they (and the system) learn to better manage the illness.
Sometimes, living with a family member who has struggled for a long time can lead to intense emotions, unhealthy dynamics and difficulty communicating. Couples therapy or Family therapy can shift the focus from blaming the patient to understanding how the mental health condition has affected the relationship, create a brave space for patients and families to express their emotions, and better understand how to love each other.
If you have a loved one who is struggling or want to learn how to better help them, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Guo for a consultation. If you are wondering why treatment may not be working, Dr. Guo can also assess your loved one’s current treatment plan and make suggestions as to what could be done differently. Dr. Guo has worked in many different systems of care in Philadelphia and can bring in assistance as needed.