Family Fucking Therapy

  There are so many ways, angles and subtopics when it comes to family therapy that it can be difficult to decide what the fuck to even talk about.

  Do we start off trying to define families and all of its aspects, do we discuss terminology like homeostasis or do we consider how to decide when it is warranted or successful? There’s so fucking much

For me the most pressing part of family therapy is to ouline how it is different from individual therapy and when it is the more beneficial option.

While there’s the obvious difference in numbers there is also a different in structure of the session and the goal. Individual therapy is about meeting the client where they are, determining their strengths, weaknesses and how their perspective and personality impacts how the approach ,see and deal with various issues. It’s about helping the client create, address and achieve goals they determine while maintaining balance and personal autonomy.

Family therapy on the other hand is about learning and sharing the roles family members take on, how they interact, defining subsystem and working together so they can learn how to communicate better, achieve cohesion and address specific issues.

Another big fucking difference is the role of the therapist. In individual therapy the main focus is on supporting the individual. That may include providing psychoeducation, build self esteem, take on personal responsibilities, etc.

  For family therapy the therapist is a facilitators and mediator who can use various skills, such as observation and psychoeducation to help guide the family in navigating, understanding and cha aging their dynamics. It’s also critical that the therapist don’t take sides, connect with each member and be willing and able to modify ot change their modality to address the individual needs of the family members. Always remembering that the family system is the client

  While the benefits of family therapy can include improved communication, conflict resolution,creating a supportive environment and enhance the relationships of the members how do you determine when family therapy is the right treatment ?

  The best time to choose Family Therapy include when you’re facing family conflicts and communication issues, parenting or child behavioral issues, blended families or stepfamily dynamics need to be addressed or worked on, substance abuse or addiction issues within the family,and major life transitions such as divorce or moving.

  Individual therapy on the other hand is best explored when someone wants to address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma or past traumatic experiences, self esteem or confidence issues, managing unhealthy behaviors, decision making ,coping with issues or life changes and personal growth ot goals.

Like all theraputic interventions family therapy is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed by and it can be a great way to help navigate situations with so many different perspectives and individuals making up a family unit.

….until next week