Each family has its own unique social system, structures and processes of communication. Family therapy is based on this. Family processes are determined by varying factors such as parents’ beliefs and values, personalities of each family member and the influence of extended family members. These variables determine the family personality and it is has a powerful effect on the members.
Where one family member is experiencing psychological difficulties it may stem from a larger family problem. Professional interaction with the family will identify the probable cause. Applied therapy will help family members to identify conflict and anxieties and to resolve them.
Family therapy is helpful in the following situations:
- Where one family member has a mental or physical illness
- Child, adolescent and adult behaviour difficulties
- Parenting issues
- Separation, divorce and re-marriage
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Trauma
Through engagement with the family members, in the sharing of views and understandings, we together explore ways the family can co-operate and move forward positively. The family’s strengths are used to deal with the problems. All family members are encouraged to take responsibility and change certain behaviours in order to bring positive change.
Therapy provides the following benefits:
- Understanding normal family life, how the average family functions and how their own family functions
- Encourages families to focus on the family as a unit and not to separate an afflicted member
- Assists in the realisation of conflicts and anxieties and how best to resolve them
- Family members become more committed and therefore more able to work on problems together
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