Family Therapy: Techniques for psychologists

Family therapy is a therapeutic discipline that addresses the intervention and treatment of the family as a whole. From the systemic point of view, the term family and couple therapy is used. However, it is understood that the object of intervention are family systems and subsystems. Family therapy can be developed from different fields, such as psychotherapy. The main objectives of family therapy are: improving the functioning of the family at different levels, increasing mutual understanding and emotional support among members the members, and developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills to different dilemmas and life situations. In family therapy, the therapist works with the family so they can try new ways of interacting with each other or think ways they can solve their problems.

In order to accomplish this, therapists use techniques to facilitate communication. Also, the therapist is free to move around the room, sit next to a family member to achieve establish an emotional connection with those who are resistant or draw attention to a family member. The therapist can also start a conversation between two family members to see their relationship from their perspective. Therapists help clients define treatment goals to improve the problem or symptom. They see development in the life cycle of the individual and couple or family. At the same time, they understand that the relationship between families members created with the use of different techniques is more effective. Listening, empathizing, interpreting and maintain analytical neutrality in family therapy several techniques are several techniques that therapists use. Of these four basic techniques, which are simple but not easy, the most important one is hearing. The therapist’s biggest job is to listen. The therapist does not confront or lead; he or she allows the family to submerge themselves in the experience. When the therapist intervenes, it expresses understanding, support and performs interpretations. Before attempting to make a change in the family, you should question your understanding of them, which he/she clearly understands by their knowledge of the family’s personality and behavior.

However, I believe that family therapy is extremely important because regardless of the problems the family faces, they must solve them to have a better quality of life. The goal of family therapy is to maintain the bond between parents and children, which can be achieved through communication. I believe that seeking help is the best solution to clarify existing problems and maintaining harmony. Family is extremely important and although parents decide not to continue together, family dysfunction should not exist nor affect any party, including children. In addition, as mentioned before, techniques to be performed by a psychologist during therapies are important because these are the key to success for a good handle of individuals, groups, couples and family therapy.