[LiteraryLark]

There's been a lot of drama in my house lately. For months I've thought my mom hated me and lately she's been talking about kicking me out. So I packed my bags and I left, but my dad was worried so I came home. I screamed at him, then we talked and he explained his side of the story. I knew we weren't on the same page, but we weren't even on the same book. My dad wants me to talk with him and my mom tomorrow, and I'm terrified of talking with my mom. He promised it wouldn't be a lecture, but he told me to think about what I'd like to change to help the family.

Hm...not sure if this is really a question...but I honestly don't know what I want because I don't know where to begin. I feel like it'd help if I wasn't apart of my family anymore, but he told me they didn't want to kick me out. He suggested family therapy and I feel like it's the only way we can talk, but at the same time I think everybody will be wishing we wouldn't have to do it. I wish I could get away for a while, but we can't make ends meet. I don't know what to do. What would help a family that can't communicate well?

[Yoda]

If you think family therapy would help your family talk now then do it until you can communicate without it.

Kudos to your dad suggesting family therapy - he's trying his best to fix things, or at least that's how it comes over and he's not trying to blame you on anything, he wants the whole family to try together. Sounds fair and reasonable to me!

Just be honest when you go, the more honest you are, the more you will (hopefully) get out of it. I hope you all work things out and have a better relationship in the future :-)

[KathyM]

Hi DrSkipper

I think family therapy would be a good way for you and your parents to improve on your communication skills in a safe environment. When my son was in high school, he and his dad started butting heads and I was often caught in the middle. It appeared "natural" to me (part of a young man's growth), but it was disrespectful to his father and me for having to always be in the middle.

The three of us attended family therapy. It gave my son the chance to safely and calmly voice his side of the story (feelings, emotions) to help my husband understand the burden my son carried. It also gave my husband the chance to do the same, and it helped my son understand the burden my husband carried and the respect he deserved. The therapist was very helpful.

Good luck. If and when you do leave home, I hope it will be on good terms.

[Perna]

I say give the family therapy a try too; if it does become a burden with everyone not wanting to go, you can deal with that when it happens.

[LiteraryLark]

I'm having a conversation with my parents after dinner. I met my dad for lunch and he told me that my mom just wants to hear that I'm dedicated to college and my babysitting gig. And here I am worrying that I don't feel loved and that I should move out... =/

But I'm so scared to talk to my mom. She is so intimidating.

[shezbut]

In my experience, family therapy does help members of the family communicate more effectively with one another.

Some of us need reminders, every now and then, about the healthy way to communicate. Other people need a crash course in effective communication! Try not to worry about whether or not this therapy is worth your time and effort. IMO, it's entirely worth the financial and emotional cost.

Best wishes to you!