How Family Therapy Works

Family therapy is a specific type of treatment that helps families address challenges that affect their mental health and overall functioning. It aims to strengthen connections, improve communication, and resolve conflicts within the family system. By addressing how family members relate to each other, family therapy assists in creating positive change in close relationships.

Primary Aims of Family Therapy

Family therapy has three primary goals:

• Creating a more conducive and supportive home environment.
• Resolving family issues.
• Understanding and overcoming unique family challenges.

Types of Family Therapy

There are various types of family therapy, including:

1. Family Systems Therapy: This approach focuses on utilizing the strengths of family relationships to address mental health difficulties.

2. Functional Family Therapy: This short-term treatment helps teens and families find solutions while fostering trust and respect for individuals. It is commonly used for young people struggling with risky behaviors, violence, or substance use.

3. Narrative Family Therapy: This type encourages family members to share their experiences, helping them to comprehend how these experiences shape their identities and relationships. It allows individuals to view problems from a more objective perspective.

4. Psychoeducation: This treatment aims to enhance family members' understanding of mental health conditions. Information on medications, treatment options, and self-help strategies is provided, enabling family members to serve as a unified support network.

5. Supportive Family Therapy: This therapy creates a safe space where family members can openly share their emotions and receive support from the family unit.

Therapists may employ a specific type of family therapy or adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of the family.

Commonly Used Techniques in Family Therapy

The techniques applied in family therapy vary depending on the therapist's theoretical orientation and the specific requirements of the family. Some common methods include:

1. Behavioral Techniques: These techniques focus on skill training and psychoeducation to help family members address specific issues. For example, modeling and role-playing might be used to improve communication.

2. Psychodynamic Techniques: These techniques delve into how each family member interprets and responds to challenges. The therapist works with the family to develop new emotional insights and effective responses.

3. Structural Techniques: These techniques help families manage boundaries and power dynamics within the family, allowing them to establish new boundaries and routines for improved family functioning.

4. Additional Techniques: Other techniques include empathy practice, emotional validation, reflective listening, and cognitive reframing.

Benefits of Family Therapy

Family therapy offers various benefits, including:

• Improved communication: Family members learn to express thoughts, needs, and resolve conflicts in a healthier way.

• Addressing individual difficulties: It focuses on how family members can address individual challenges, such as mental health conditions, by altering contributing factors and supporting the affected family member.

• Reducing the likelihood of intensifying mental illness symptoms: It educates family members on how to support their family member while maintaining their own mental well-being.

Effectiveness of Family Therapy

Research supports the effectiveness of family therapy for various purposes: - A 2018 review found it beneficial in treating issues like relationship distress, violence, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, alcohol issues, and adjustment to chronic physical illness.

• A 2019 study demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing family functioning and aiding teens with mental health challenges.

• Another 2019 review showed its efficacy in treating conduct problems, emotional problems, eating disorders, somatic problems, and recovery from abuse or neglect. It was found to be helpful both independently and as part of a multimodal treatment program.

Things to Keep In Mind

• Family therapy involves discussing problems and conflicts, which may initially cause distress. It's essential to remember that the therapist is there to help the family navigate these challenges and handle intense emotions.

• This type of therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Exploring other treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or child psychotherapy might be useful.

Initiating Family Therapy

The duration of family therapy varies depending on the family's situation and needs, and it can involve all family members or focus on those willing to participate.

During sessions, the therapist asks questions to understand the issues and contributing factors, including underlying mental health conditions and environmental stress.

Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) often provide family therapy, but other mental health professionals like licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers may also offer it.

To find a family therapist, you can ask your doctor for a referral, search online directories, or visit the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) website.