Family therapy aims to work on problems that arise between family members by exploring emotions and experiences in a safe environment. Families are entrusted to achieve overall improvement in their relationships through acknowledging each other’s similarities and differences, as well as respecting each other’s needs.
At Kin & Kids our therapists utilize a systemic-based approach when working with our clients, and that is when family therapy comes into play. A systemic-based approach to psychotherapy enables the therapist to obtain a more holistic view of the family dynamics as opposed to an individualistic approach.
Family issues are often never the sole responsibility of one or a few individuals, but part of a larger process involving many other people, behaviours, and meanings. Systemic approach to therapy recognizes the interconnection. Through systematic intervention the therapist can help improve the function in a family system and formulate effective solutions by disrupting unhelpful interactional patterns among family members.
Individuals seek family therapy for help with a range of problems, whether it is behavioral, emotional, or psychological. Issues may include:
- Behavioral problems
- Relationship issues
- Mental and emotional disorders
- Significant life changes (loss of job, separation, death in the family, mental illness, etc)
Some benefits of systemic intervention include:
- Cost effective
- More long-term effects as it focuses on fixing the system
- Promotes problem solving within the family
- Foster communication between family members and build cohesion