The idea of Family Therapy or Family Systems Therapy originated from Dr. Murray Bowen in the late 1960's, he believed that human beings function as an emotional unit and that they are best understood when looked at as part of a family rather than a separate, isolated entity. In addition, Dr. Bowen believed that when a client is experiencing difficulty with something, whether it's a personal issue or one related to the family, the family's involvement in the solution generally proves to be beneficial to the client and yields a more positive result.
Many different kinds of therapies can be grouped under the Family Therapy tree. It's a type of Talking Therapy i.e. Psychotherapy that helps families and couples work through their problems, improve communication and resolve conflicts. Through this type of therapy, the bond and strength between family members is emphasized and a healthy relationship is encouraged because it helps with mental and psychological health.
While it is agreed that not all families share the same level of interdependence, some interdependence is always present, small or big. This helps family members provide support, protection, and affection to each other, however, in moments of tension or anxiety these bonds can be shaken and can lead to bigger problems and concerns leading to one or more of the members to feel isolated, angry, sad or depressed. Family therapy helps to bridge those differences and brings back unity and cohesion within the unit.
Genograms (representing a family's history) were used by Dr. Bowen to assess and treat his clients. Three generation of family history is gathered through interviews, based on this information Dr. Bowen looked for patterns of behaviour and a history of emotional, mental problems. Eight interlocking principles form the foundation of Dr. Bowen's theory on Family Systems, these principles are:
Family therapy sessions are conducted by a social worker, a licensed therapist or a psychologist and they will work out a treatment plan based on the family's need. Family therapy is usually a short term treatment and it includes either the whole family or the people who want to participate.
Numerous types and techniques of family systems therapy are used to help individuals and their loved ones. Contrary to popular belief, therapy does not mean sitting on a chair talking for endless hours to a therapist. Talking is a big part of the treatment but most therapists rely a lot on different kinds of games and activities all of which are designed to improve communication and increase trust between family members. Some of the techniques used in Family Therapy include:
Family therapy is a very beneficial treatment and very effective at resolving problems or helping individuals (within the family unit) understand each other better. In many cases, family therapy is done as a preventative step, to address and resolve a conflict before it happens. When the idea of Family Therapy first took hold, 'family' was defined in a traditional manner with children and their parents. Over the years that definition has evolved to include individuals who are in loving, supporting relationships regardless of whether they are related or married. Basically, this means anyone in a 'family' unit can get help.
While family therapy is not a one-stop solution for every conflict in the family going to therapy sessions should help family members communicate in a more effective manner and should help resolve concerns. However, it can't make bad things go away permanently unless you keep working at it. Every relationship needs work and commitment on a daily basis, but if nothing else family therapy will arm you with the skills you need to do the work.
Studies have shown that family therapy is an effective method for solving certain problems and it has proven to help families come to grips with traumatic events (such as a death) and has helped families deal with mental and behavioural problems along with a myriad of other issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, depression, marital problems etc. Many families choose to do interventions and then get help together as a family.
If you or someone in your family is going through something and this is having a negative impact on the family dynamic, then family therapy is something you should strongly consider. It will allow every member of the family to voice their opinions and concerns in a safe, non-judgemental environment and will help you arrive at a resolution as a family.
The first step is to speak to your family doctor or a health care professional, explain your concerns, speak to your family and together you can come up with the technique and type of therapy, which will best suit your needs. Family therapy will help you communicate and understand each other better.
Below are some commonly asked questions on this topic:
What therapy is best for families?
What is the purpose of family therapy?
What are the four stages of family therapy?
What are the 3 types of therapy?
Can family therapy make things worse?
How is family therapy done?
What are the three goals of family therapy?
What is an example of family therapy?
Is family therapy a good idea?
What are the disadvantages of family therapy?