FAMILY COUNSELING
#Family counseling is a program of providing information and professional
guidance to members of a family concerning specific health matters, such
as the care of a severely retarded child or the risk of transmitting a known
genetic defect.
#Family is a group of people related by heredity, such as parents, children,
and siblings.
The term is sometimes broadened to include those related by marriage or
those living in the same household, who are emotionally attached, interact
regularly, and share concerns for the growth and development of the group
and its individual members.
Types of family counseling
Some family counselors offer home visits or online sessions. These could
provide families with more comfort than office-based meetings. However,
other families may prefer counseling outside of the home environment.
There are several types of family counseling:
Functional family therapy
This typically focuses on families with a child or an adolescent with
complex emotional or behavioral problems.The child and their parents or
caregivers may attend 8–30 weekly sessions together. The sessions will
help families learn strategies to deal with the child’s behavior and improve
family functioning.
Multisystemic therapy
This aims to address any behavioral and emotional problems of children
and adolescents.Multisystemic therapy also focuses on broader issues with
the child’s behavior. For example, their interaction with social systems,
such as schools or neighborhoods.
Transgenerational therapy
This involves a therapist examining interactions across generations, such
as between parents or caregivers and children. The aim is to understand
how past responses to challenges influence the family’s current interactions
or problems.
,Transgenerational therapy is useful when issues and behavior patterns
persist across generations. Also, it may help predict how problems might
develop in the future since past behavior is a good predictor of future
behavior.
Family counseling is a process in which
a) one or more persons to deal with personal and interpersonal issues in
relation to marriage; or
b) one or more persons (including children) who are affected, or likely to be
affected, by separation or divorce to deal with either or both of the
following:
i) Personal and interpersonal issues;
ii) Issues relating to the care of children.
Family therapy provides a safe environment and temporary structure for
people during these difficult times. People can re-build and create new
ways of being that are more effective for their current life.
Concepts in Family Therapy
1. Identified Client:
● The identified client is the family member displaying symptoms
or issues that prompt the family to seek therapy.
● It's essential to recognize this individual without scapegoating
them or overlooking broader family dynamics.
● By focusing on the identified client, therapists can address
underlying family issues more effectively.
2. Homeostasis:
● Homeostasis refers to the family's tendency to maintain its
customary organization and functioning over time.
● Families resist change, often reverting to familiar patterns even
when those patterns are dysfunctional.
● Understanding homeostasis helps therapists anticipate how the
family may react to interventions aimed at change.
,3. Extended Family Field:
● The extended family field includes not only the immediate family
but also the network of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other
relatives.
● This concept highlights the interconnectedness of family
systems across generations and the transmission of attitudes,
behaviors, and issues.
● Involving extended family members in therapy can provide
additional support and insight into family dynamics.
4. Differentiation:
● Differentiation refers to the ability of each family member to
maintain their individuality while remaining emotionally
connected to the family.
● Healthy families strike a balance between autonomy and
connection, allowing members to express themselves while still
feeling a sense of belonging.
● Therapists aim to promote differentiation within families to foster
healthy relationships and individual growth.
5. Triangular Relationships:
● Triangular relationships are common in families, where conflicts
between two members may involve or "triangle in" a third
member.
● These triangles serve to stabilize relationships and maintain
family homeostasis.
● Identifying and understanding these triangular dynamics helps
therapists intervene effectively to address underlying issues.
6. Multisystemic Therapy (MST):
● MST is a family-focused intervention that considers the various
systems with which the family interacts, such as home, school,
and community.
● It aims to improve family functioning, reduce symptoms, and
prevent out-of-home placement for children and adolescents
with serious emotional disturbances.
, ● MST has shown effectiveness in improving family relations,
reducing psychiatric symptoms and substance use, and
decreasing rates of re-arrest for delinquent adolescents.
7. Preparation:
● Families may be referred to family therapy by primary care
providers, educators, or other professionals.
● The decision to pursue family therapy may be influenced by
concerns about a child's behavior, family conflict, or other
issues affecting family functioning.
● Preparation may involve assessing the family's readiness for
therapy, addressing any logistical concerns, and clarifying the
goals and expectations of therapy.
Precautions: Individual therapy for one or more family members may be
recommended to avoid volatile interaction during a family therapy session.
Some families are not considered suitable candidates for family therapy.
They include:
● families in which one, or both, of the parents is psychotic or has been
diagnosed with antisocial or paranoid personality disorder
● families whose cultural or religious values are opposed to, or
suspicious of, psychotherapy
● families with members who cannot participate in treatment sessions
because of physical illness or similar limitations
● families with members with very rigid personality structures (Here,
members might be at risk for an emotional or psychological crisis.)
● families whose members cannot or will not be able to meet regularly
for treatment.
Risks:
1. Unsettling Rigid Defenses:
● Family therapy may challenge established coping mechanisms,
potentially causing discomfort or emotional upheaval.
2. Difficulty for Individuals with Psychological Disorders:
● Intensive therapy may be challenging for those with diagnosed
psychological disorders, potentially exacerbating symptoms.
#Family counseling is a program of providing information and professional
guidance to members of a family concerning specific health matters, such
as the care of a severely retarded child or the risk of transmitting a known
genetic defect.
#Family is a group of people related by heredity, such as parents, children,
and siblings.
The term is sometimes broadened to include those related by marriage or
those living in the same household, who are emotionally attached, interact
regularly, and share concerns for the growth and development of the group
and its individual members.
Types of family counseling
Some family counselors offer home visits or online sessions. These could
provide families with more comfort than office-based meetings. However,
other families may prefer counseling outside of the home environment.
There are several types of family counseling:
Functional family therapy
This typically focuses on families with a child or an adolescent with
complex emotional or behavioral problems.The child and their parents or
caregivers may attend 8–30 weekly sessions together. The sessions will
help families learn strategies to deal with the child’s behavior and improve
family functioning.
Multisystemic therapy
This aims to address any behavioral and emotional problems of children
and adolescents.Multisystemic therapy also focuses on broader issues with
the child’s behavior. For example, their interaction with social systems,
such as schools or neighborhoods.
Transgenerational therapy
This involves a therapist examining interactions across generations, such
as between parents or caregivers and children. The aim is to understand
how past responses to challenges influence the family’s current interactions
or problems.
,Transgenerational therapy is useful when issues and behavior patterns
persist across generations. Also, it may help predict how problems might
develop in the future since past behavior is a good predictor of future
behavior.
Family counseling is a process in which
a) one or more persons to deal with personal and interpersonal issues in
relation to marriage; or
b) one or more persons (including children) who are affected, or likely to be
affected, by separation or divorce to deal with either or both of the
following:
i) Personal and interpersonal issues;
ii) Issues relating to the care of children.
Family therapy provides a safe environment and temporary structure for
people during these difficult times. People can re-build and create new
ways of being that are more effective for their current life.
Concepts in Family Therapy
1. Identified Client:
● The identified client is the family member displaying symptoms
or issues that prompt the family to seek therapy.
● It's essential to recognize this individual without scapegoating
them or overlooking broader family dynamics.
● By focusing on the identified client, therapists can address
underlying family issues more effectively.
2. Homeostasis:
● Homeostasis refers to the family's tendency to maintain its
customary organization and functioning over time.
● Families resist change, often reverting to familiar patterns even
when those patterns are dysfunctional.
● Understanding homeostasis helps therapists anticipate how the
family may react to interventions aimed at change.
,3. Extended Family Field:
● The extended family field includes not only the immediate family
but also the network of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other
relatives.
● This concept highlights the interconnectedness of family
systems across generations and the transmission of attitudes,
behaviors, and issues.
● Involving extended family members in therapy can provide
additional support and insight into family dynamics.
4. Differentiation:
● Differentiation refers to the ability of each family member to
maintain their individuality while remaining emotionally
connected to the family.
● Healthy families strike a balance between autonomy and
connection, allowing members to express themselves while still
feeling a sense of belonging.
● Therapists aim to promote differentiation within families to foster
healthy relationships and individual growth.
5. Triangular Relationships:
● Triangular relationships are common in families, where conflicts
between two members may involve or "triangle in" a third
member.
● These triangles serve to stabilize relationships and maintain
family homeostasis.
● Identifying and understanding these triangular dynamics helps
therapists intervene effectively to address underlying issues.
6. Multisystemic Therapy (MST):
● MST is a family-focused intervention that considers the various
systems with which the family interacts, such as home, school,
and community.
● It aims to improve family functioning, reduce symptoms, and
prevent out-of-home placement for children and adolescents
with serious emotional disturbances.
, ● MST has shown effectiveness in improving family relations,
reducing psychiatric symptoms and substance use, and
decreasing rates of re-arrest for delinquent adolescents.
7. Preparation:
● Families may be referred to family therapy by primary care
providers, educators, or other professionals.
● The decision to pursue family therapy may be influenced by
concerns about a child's behavior, family conflict, or other
issues affecting family functioning.
● Preparation may involve assessing the family's readiness for
therapy, addressing any logistical concerns, and clarifying the
goals and expectations of therapy.
Precautions: Individual therapy for one or more family members may be
recommended to avoid volatile interaction during a family therapy session.
Some families are not considered suitable candidates for family therapy.
They include:
● families in which one, or both, of the parents is psychotic or has been
diagnosed with antisocial or paranoid personality disorder
● families whose cultural or religious values are opposed to, or
suspicious of, psychotherapy
● families with members who cannot participate in treatment sessions
because of physical illness or similar limitations
● families with members with very rigid personality structures (Here,
members might be at risk for an emotional or psychological crisis.)
● families whose members cannot or will not be able to meet regularly
for treatment.
Risks:
1. Unsettling Rigid Defenses:
● Family therapy may challenge established coping mechanisms,
potentially causing discomfort or emotional upheaval.
2. Difficulty for Individuals with Psychological Disorders:
● Intensive therapy may be challenging for those with diagnosed
psychological disorders, potentially exacerbating symptoms.
