When Is Family Therapy Needed In A Family?

Human social conditions are complex, even among family members. Family therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that seeks to improve the interaction between family members.

In this article we explain when it is necessary. In addition, we will go through some of the most basic principles and tell you which cases it can be effective for.

What is family therapy?

The goal of family therapy is to discover the main problems that affect the family members. Therefore, it is a therapeutic accompaniment process that aims to improve coexistence.

During family therapy, it is common to address issues such as assertive communication, frustration tolerance and acknowledgment of one’s own and others’ feelings. This is done to improve the adaptability of the family members.

Licensed psychologists, therapists and, in some cases, clinical social workers offer this type of therapy. Family therapy is usually short, as the main goal is to solve specific problems.

What are the benefits of family therapy?

Below we share a list of the most important benefits of seeing a family therapist. In addition to improving confident communication, it has other important benefits.

1. It does not require the participation of the whole family

Although this therapy focuses on improving the family system, not all members need to be present. Only those who feel the need should go.

The therapist will be able to provide the necessary resources to those who go into therapy so that they can be agents of change in the families.

2. It improves communication

Communication ensures healthy family ties. In many cases , poor communication leads to intense conflicts in families. But when communication improves, the problems end.

During the first sessions, the therapist should play the role of “translator” to ensure effective communication between family members. They will try to understand what lies behind behavior patterns or a sentence and give patients the tools to express themselves.

3. Family therapy strengthens trust in the family

Another aspect that usually leads to conflict in a family is mistrust. When situations destroy trust in a family, conditions quickly deteriorate.

To develop trust, family members need to understand that some things cannot be changed, which is why they need to accept them and move on. They will feel much better when they do.

Eventually, they will be able to trust the other members of the family. However, this process does not always happen in the same way in all cases. In some families, it may take longer to repair conditions.

4. It prevents future problems

In psychology, there are real and apparent reasons. When a person or family unit goes into therapy, they do so for an “apparent reason.”

As the process continues, the therapist will be able to discover the real causes of the problems and prevent them from getting worse or causing new ones.

5. Reduces aggression

Aggression is natural in all people, and allows them to cope with certain situations. When we say that some are aggressive, we mean that they are determined. It is not the same as being violent.

In family conflicts, it is common for poorly channeled aggression to end in domestic violence. Therefore, one of the main goals of the family therapist should be to reduce aggression and channel their aggression towards more adaptive conflict resolution methods.

When is family therapy needed?

A family needs the help of a therapist when they are immersed in a situation that affects all members. People usually try to seek individualized help first. In that case , the therapist should suggest family therapy.

As we mentioned above, not all family members will decide to participate in the process. It is best for each family member to volunteer, with a desire to use therapeutic resources in their daily lives.

Every family has problems. But when conflicts become repeated and intense, family unity can crumble. Thus, a family therapist should be consulted when the discomfort becomes prolonged and intense.

The characteristics of a healthy family

A healthy family, if such a thing exists, is one that meets the conflicts in a functional way without letting the bonds be permanently affected. A number of characteristics are typical of healthy families:

• Respect for individual differences for each of the family members
• Proper care, without falling into overprotection or neglect
• Healthy living
• Rules that are not rigid and that can be relaxed when necessary
• Natural communication, without fear of expressing oneself

What to do if your family does not want to go into therapy

If a person’s family refuses to go to therapy, they may decide to go alone to acquire important communication skills. Then they can try to get the other family members to voluntarily get involved in the process.

In some cases, the therapist may contact family members to invite them to a session. It does not matter if you decide to go to therapy alone, as this first step can help improve the family situation.