Family therapy comes into play when families or blended families struggle as a “system” — failing to have a sense of unity or displaying any kind of reasonable connection.
Often a family member is highlighted as the “identified patient,” the one causing or having the most problems. On closer observation, however, each member usually suffers in his or her own way — the result of a lack of systemwide relational connection, in various forms for various reasons.
Children often seek more exclusive time with a parent or caregiver. Spouses or partners long for more time with one another, but familial responsibilities make this difficult. As a result, isolation avoidance, pain and frustration become dominant themes. These are among the primary causes of complaints and feelings of exasperation.
The therapist will educate the group on how healthy family systems work. How family members impact one another in ways they probably haven’t considered. (Perhaps mixing in contributing factors such as exhaustion, distractions and work requirements.) The therapist highlights the positive characteristics and strengths of each family member, seeking to bolster the unit and create deeper bonds.
There are so many positive results from this approach. A skilled therapist sees and treats the entire family system, creating for them new ways of relating and behaving.
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