An Exploration of Family Dynamics

 A mother, father, and son stand in a meadow at sunset each holding different pieces of a house etching, representing family dynamics

 

What is Family Dynamics?

Family dynamics are the social and emotional structures that define the relationships between family members. Each family contains different dynamics and those dynamics change as people join – and potentially leave – the family. Nevertheless, family dynamics have a massive impact on the mental health and emotional development of the family’s children.

 

6 Types of Family Structures

There are six main types of family structures. The type of family dynamics that we were raised in has a big impact on our mental psyche today. 

Nuclear Family

Two parents and their children. This is the most common family structure in the United States.

 

Single-parent Family

A family in which one parent is present for their children.

 

Extended Family

Multi-generational families in which two or more related adults raise the children together. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

Childless Family

Two people in a romantic relationship who do not have children, either by choice or due to extenuating circumstances. It is, by definition, not possible to be raised in this family structure but you may be in this structure now or in the future.

 

Stepfamily

A family in which one biological parent marries or moves in with a non-biological parent. This can lead to children who are not related by blood being raised as siblings.

 

Grandparent Family

A family where one or more grandparents raises the children in lieu of the parents themselves, who are not around for one of various possible reasons.

Of course, the six traditional family structures are not comprehensive as there are other family systems. It is possible you were raised by solely an aunt/uncle, you were in the foster system, or you didn’t have any parental figures at all. However you grew up, your family structure left a mark on your psyche and still impacts your worldview today.

 

The Impact of Family

The concepts of community and relationships are essential to our healing and recovery here at Barn Life. After all, no person is an island. Humans are social creatures. As humans, relationships are integral to just about every aspect of our lives. 

 

What has been the quality of those relationships? Early in life, we may have grown up in nuclear families, adoptive families, or institutions such as boarding homes or foster homes. However, whatever the case, our family structures of origin were our first experiences of learning to engage in relationships.

 

Family System Dynamics: A Lasting Impact

These early experiences are of utmost importance. Indeed, family system dynamics often have a lasting impact on the quality, types, and patterns of our future relationships. Maybe some relationships have been healthy and supportive. However, others have perhaps been a source of pain, mistrust, disappointment, and toxic behaviors. 

 

These relationships are a significant factor in the formation of our lenses of perception. If our relationships have been of a toxic origin, how do we change them? Furthermore, how do we become aware that “normal and expected” is often a formulated perception based upon familiarity even if toxic or volatile relationships are the norm?

 

Forging New Relationships with What We’ve Learned

In life, we will run into other people moving on their path. These people have developed their own relationship styles, systems, and strategies. In order to stop repeating toxic and maladaptive relationship patterns that maintain substance use disorders through codependency, enabling, resentments, inauthenticity, and manipulation, it’s our philosophy that we must raise awareness of the dynamics we have learned from our early family experiences. 

 

Additionally, we must learn the characteristics and techniques that lead to healthy family dynamics such as trust, respect, effective communication, authenticity and how to set healthy boundaries. As we move forward in life and as we meet the other people on their journeys, we forge relationships that are made of denser and more reliable material.

 

Healing Family Dynamics in Costa Mesa, CA

Barn Life Recovery believes that helping people develop healthy relationship habits are key to our mental health services. Learn more about what Barn Life Recovery can do for you through our various events.

 

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Barn Life is uniquely special. As someone who has had long stretches of sobriety with "traditional" communities and methods, Barn Life stepped in when I started struggling during the pandemic and said "traditional" methods failed to help.The staff here are exceptional. This is a truly subjective statement, but it is my honest opinion that the people from the owner (Hi Matt!) to EVERYONE else works there because they believe in the work and want to share the tools they found.Barn Life and their little sibling, Peer Mental Wellness were the launchpad from a shell of an existence to person with self-love/respect, and a life-mission of personal development.

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Barn life is probably one of the most amazing facilities you could ever attend when it comes to mental illness. This was the first place that popped up when I was searching for help and I’m so thankful that it did. The environment is very therapeutic, the staff is awesome, and the group discussions and activities were so helpful in me understanding what I was experiencing. Do not hesitate to be a part of this place. It’s literally a game changer. I was only there for 6 weeks but I wished I stayed at least 6 months. Ever since returning home, I’ve been much happier and my perspective has changed dramatically. I’ve done things and participated in events at my college that I never thought I would be able to do. This place is truly amazing and I’m forever grateful that I found this place.

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Through trial and error of trying to stay sober this program is definitely the most caring and supporting of them all if anyone needs help and is willing to help themselves I suggest barnlife they will for a fact give you the push you need and the tools to keep you going

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My daughter has been at Barn Life Recovery now for two months. It was my last resort to send her 9 hours away from me. She has been in drug and mental health rehabs in and out for two years. This was my last stitch effort to save my daughter and get her back to herself. Alyssa and I spoke multiple times before deciding. Their willingness to do everything for her and the different teams they have work with them is amazing. My daughter is happy again and clean and sober. She loves it there in their outpatient program. They restore your faith in humanity. They help restore someone who is broken in so many places to themselves. They have put the light back in my daughters eyes. They are committed to helping each person who truly wants the help. They assist in helping them get jobs and be responsible members of society. I recommend their program to anyone wanting to recover from drug, alcohol and mental health.Thank you to all the people at Barn Life who have made my daughter smile and bring the light back to her eyes. I am truly grateful.DawnaLee

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