According to the Mayo Clinic, family therapy is a counseling method in which a therapist treats family issues and difficulties that may be associated with the mental health or behavior of one or more family members. Family therapy is often brief in nature, lasting for an average of eight to 10 weeks. Sessions typically focus on improving family dynamics and communication to reduce conflicts and introduce improved problem-solving and coping skills.
Function of Family Therapy
According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, or AAMFT, individuals are often highly influenced by the dynamics and communication patterns within their families. When one or more family members suffer from emotional or psychological issues that require treatment, the family may wish to consider entering therapy together to explore how their dynamics affect each other. The AAMFT notes that, in many cases, family therapy can be more effective than individual treatment methods because it approaches the family unit as a system, often resulting in more drastic changes in behavior and relationships.
Symptoms of Families in Crisis
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, poor communication is often a sign that a family is experiencing instability or crisis. An inability or resistance to communicate can lead to poor problem solving and a uneven distribution of responsibilities among family members. This also produces more conflict, which is often not properly resolved. Experts at the AAP identify communication skills as one of the keys to improved family functioning, noting that many families may need to learn basic communication skills. Once families begin to use these skills, the dynamics among individuals often improve.
Improving Family Communication
The AAP offers a wide variety of tips on how parents can help to improve family communication. Availability is key, and busy families often need to make the effort to structure time together daily to share news. Families to communicate openly on a regular basis about routine daily events may have an easier time discussing more urgent or problematic issues because they will be accustomed to talking and listening. The AAP notes that adults have a major role in modeling communication techniques to children. Calm expression of ideas and careful listening skills can be practiced between parents, and children often learn from observation.
Managing Anger
The AAMFT notes that anger is an emotion that can cause disruption and discord among family members. Healthy expression of frustration and anger is important, but family members should try to refrain from yelling, as heated forms of communication rarely result in improved understandings or resolution of conflicts. Instead, individuals should take time to breathe and calm their emotions prior to a discussion. Sitting down in a structured setting and applying ground rules regarding respectful communication can also help families to talk openly and calmly.
Expert Insight
The AAP notes that all families can experience instability and crisis. Difficult life events such as a death of a loved one, financial problems, or divorce may occur, and families will experience increased stress. When under stress, their communication can become strained or blocked, and family therapy can serve to reduce these blocks in communication.
