Treatment Overview
Family therapy is based on the belief that the family is a unique
social system with its own structure and patterns of communication. These
patterns are determined by many factors, including the parents' beliefs and
values, the personalities of all family members, and the influence of the
extended family (grandparents, aunts, and uncles). As a result of these
variables, each family develops its own unique personality, which is powerful
and affects all of its members.
Family therapy is based on the following concepts as well.
- Illness in one family member may be a symptom
of a larger family problem. To treat only the member who is identified as ill
is like treating the symptom of a disease but not the disease itself. It is
possible that if the person with the illness is treated but the family is not,
another member of the family will become ill. This cycle will continue until
the problems are examined and treated.
- Any change in one member of
the family affects both the family structure and each member
individually.
Health professionals who use the family systems model in caring for
people always consider the whole family. They view any problem in one member as
a symptom of change or conflict in the group.
A family therapist:
- Teaches family members about how families
function in general and, in particular, how their own functions.
- Helps the family focus less on the member who has been identified
as ill and focus more on the family as a whole.
- Assists in
identifying conflicts and anxieties and helps the family develop strategies to
resolve them.
- Strengthens all family members so they can work on
their problems together.
- Teaches ways to handle conflicts and
changes within the family differently. Sometimes the way family members handle
problems makes them more likely to develop symptoms.
During therapy sessions, the family's strengths are used to help
them handle their problems. All members take responsibility for problems. Some
family members may need to change their behavior more than others.
Family therapy is a very active type of therapy, and family members
are often given assignments. For example, parents may be asked to delegate more
responsibilities to their children.
The number of sessions required varies, depending on the severity
of the problems and the willingness of the members to participate in therapy.
The family and the therapist set mutual goals and discuss the length of time
expected to achieve the goals. Not all members of the family attend each
session.