What are the techniques used in family therapy?

There are a few different techniques that are used in family therapy. Some of the most effective types of family therapy include:

  • Structural therapy helps families by strengthening their structure. This helps make sure that the parents are in control and that both the adults and the children in the family are able to set appropriate and healthy boundaries. The therapist observes how the family interacts, and strives to reinforce interpersonal relationships.

  • Systemic therapy focuses more on understanding each family member's behaviors and what may be causing them. Family members are encouraged to dive deeply into their issues as a group. 

  • Bowenian therapy focuses more on the individual members of a family and their unique needs as a person, instead of focusing only on their role within the family. Bowenian therapy strives to help family members to become less emotionally reactive during the conflict.

  • Strategic therapy aimed at creating change rapidly, this type of therapy intends to change the way that family members interact with one another by focusing on improving communication in the decision-making process.

A therapist may employ elements of more than one type if they feel it is appropriate for that particular case.


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