HEALTHY FAMILY TIES WITH FAMILY THERAPY & COUNSELLING
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What is Family Therapy?
Family therapy, also known as family counselling or systemic therapy, is a type of psychological therapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within a family unit. It involves working with family members together rather than individually to address issues that affect the entire family dynamic. The aims of family therapy include improving communication among family members, solving family problems, understanding and handling special family situations, and creating a better functioning home environment.
Family therapy operates from a systemic perspective, which means it views the family as an interconnected system where each member's behaviours and interactions affect the whole family. Even though the presenting issue may seem to be arising from one member of the family (e.g., a depressed mother), the family therapist will examine patterns of interaction, roles, and dynamics within the family system to better understand how these might have contributed to the specific family member.
Family therapists acknowledge and consider the perspectives of all family members and therapy sessions are collaborative, involving participation from all family members. Therapists use a variety of interventions and techniques tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of each family. These may include role-playing, genograms (family tree diagrams), narrative therapy, structural therapy (restructuring family roles), or behavioural interventions.
What are the Different Approaches to of Family Therapy?
There are different approaches to family counselling and each can address specific issues in a family dynamic. Depending on the types of problems encountered, therapists can draw from multiple different therapy modalities to find an approach that the family unit responds best to.
Narrative Family Therapy
Narrative Therapy on its own aims to separate an individual from the problem by allowing them to externalise the issues rather than internalise them. The therapist uses this concept to encourage family members to tell their own stories so the others can understand who they are and how their experiences have shaped them.
Structural Family Therapy
This approach focuses on restructuring the family system by identifying and adjusting dysfunctional roles, boundaries, and hierarchies within the family. The therapist may observe family interactions, enactments (re-enacting family dynamics), and use directives to re-organise family structure to improve communication and relationships.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy emphasises problem-solving and creating specific interventions to change behaviours within the family. Therapists may use paradoxical directives (encouraging the family to continue problematic behavior), reframing (changing the way a problem is viewed), or prescribing the symptom (assigning tasks that indirectly address the issue).
Bowenian Family Therapy
Bowenian Family Therapy focuses on understanding multigenerational family patterns and emotional systems to promote differentiation (the ability to separate thoughts and emotions from family influences). The therapist works to reduce emotional reactivity, improve communication, and foster individual autonomy while maintaining connection within the family.
Functional Family Therapy
Functional Family Therapy is an intensive short-term treatment that is typically used for families with adolescents who are experiencing high-risk behavioural problems such as violence, substance abuse, or other delinquent behaviours. It seeks to address these issues by first building trust and respect within the family unit, followed by skills that the family can use to relate more effectively with each other.
What to Consider Before Starting Family Therapy
Family therapy might explore uncomfortable topics and dig into the roots of emotional conflicts in a group dynamic. As such, it can be a difficult and sometimes upsetting journey for many families. As past conflicts or unhealthy behaviour patterns are brought up, families might feel like the dynamics are worsening compared to the start of family therapy.
It’s essential for family members to keep in mind that family therapists are highly-trained professionals who are there to help. Working through conflicts, opening old wounds, and experiencing intense emotions are all part of the process and they have to trust both the professional and the time-tested therapy methods used to fix problematic behaviours and ultimately strengthen the family unit.
Benefits of Family Therapy
Family counselling can help both the family unit as a group and individuals within the family who might need help. It strengthens bonds between family members and aims to ensure that there is mutual respect, trust, and understanding between everyone.
Improved Communication
Family therapy enhances communication skills among family members. It provides a safe space for open dialogue, promotes active listening, and teaches effective ways to express thoughts and emotions constructively.
Boundary Setting
Therapists assist families in establishing healthy boundaries and roles. Clear boundaries help clarify responsibilities, reduce conflicts over personal space, and promote autonomy while maintaining connection within the family.
Support During Transitions
Family therapy provides support during significant life changes such as divorce, remarriage, relocation, or the birth of a child. It helps families navigate transitions by promoting adaptation through building of resilience skills.
Healing from Trauma
Family therapy aids in processing and healing from past traumas or difficult experiences that affect family dynamics. Therapists create a safe space for discussing sensitive topics, promoting understanding, and fostering healing.
Enhanced Parenting Skills
If the family consists of younger children, parents may be provided with psychoeducation and skills building in effective parenting skills. Therapy sessions may include guidance on effective parenting techniques, enhancing parental communication, discipline strategies, and promoting a nurturing environment for children's development.
Conflict Resolution
Therapy sessions focus on identifying conflict patterns and addressing the individual contributions to the family conflict. Therapists help families understand the underlying causes of conflicts, find common ground, and develop strategies for resolving disagreements peacefully.
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