FAMILY THERAPY

FAMILY THERAPY
Introduction:

Family therapy is the branch of psychiatry which sees an individual's psychiatric symptoms as inseparably related to
the family in which he lives. Thus the focus of treatment is not on the individual, but the family.

Family therapy is a relatively new development that came about in the mid-twentieth century as an adjunct to
individual treatment and refers to the treatment of the family as whole.

Family therapists use a wide variety of theoretical philosophies and techniques to bring about change in
dysfunctional patterns of behaviour and interaction, some therapists may focus on the here and now,

Several or sometimes all members of a family members take part in this treatment. Usually both parents are
involved, often together with a child, grandparents, or others members of the extended family
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to initiate change to fix strained relationships between family
members or couples and nurture growth and development through the process.

The therapist, usually a psychologist or a social worker who has had experience in the field, acts as a catalyst to facilitate
conversation and improve the strained connections between family members.

Typically, families seeking therapy need anywhere from 5 to 20 sessions, depending on their circumstances.
The focus of therapy is not the number of people but the perspective and analytical framework.

Family therapy is also an effective method to treat underlying mental health concerns of individuals, which may or may
not have emerged due to the traumatic events in question.
 Definition

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves all members of a nuclear family or
step family and, income cases, members of the extended family (e.g., grandparents).

A therapist or team of therapists conducts multiple sessions to help families deal with
important issues that may interfere with the functioning of the family and the home
environment.
 Why Is Family Therapy Needed?

Families experiencing difficulties from stressful events can benefit from family therapy. There could be several contributing
factors that strain families such, as divorce, financial hardship, or the death of a loved one.

In addition, individuals suffering from depression, chronic illness, substance abuse, or eating disorders can impact the entire
family. Other problems common in most families, such as interpersonal conflict, communication problems, and behavioural
problems in children, can also cause more significant issues for families.

Family therapy in such cases can be very beneficial for promoting collaboration and understanding between the family
members to solve the problems as a group.

For example, if a child has academic and social issues, family therapy involves removing contributing factors from the
family's side. As they better understand the problem, they can work together to solve it.
 Why it's done
Family therapy can help you improve troubled relationships with your partner, children or other family
members.

You may address specific issues such as marital or financial problems, conflict between parents and
children, or the impact of substance abuse or a mental illness on the entire family.

Your family may pursue family therapy along with other types of mental health treatment, especially if
one of you has a mental illness or addiction that also requires additional therapy or rehabilitation treatment.

For example:

• Family therapy can help family members cope if a relative has a serious mental illness such as
schizophrenia- but the person who has schizophrenia should continue with his or her individualized
treatment plan, which may include medications, one-on-one therapy or other treatment.
 Conclusion
 Family Therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention.
family therapy focusing on the specific problem of the client and his/her family always provides better outcome than
only pharmacological treatment .

 Family Therapy is used for groups, families and couples for its beneficial structure in providing safe environment
to discuss issues and create healthy goals. Raising confidence, accepting responsibility and active functioning of
the client and his/her family is the basic aim of psychiatric social workers who focus on family therapy.
Thank you