Family therapy is involved family along with patient to identify and solve the problem and improve the interaction

1. INTRODUCTION
We all start this life with a family, whether that family is composed of blood
relatives, adopted parents, a close-knit neighborhood, or a foster family. We also
learn how to love and how to interact with others from these first important
relationships.
Family Therapy developed in the 1950s from the belief that the family was
responsible for causing schizophrenia. In particular it was belived that certain
communication styles within families were responsible for causing the problem.
Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help
family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Family therapy is an approach to treatment that is based on the fundamental
premise that when a person has a problem, it usually involves the whole family.
Family interactions might be causing the problem or prolonging the problem for the
identified service user, or the problem or behaviours of the service user might be
affecting other members of the family. Family therapist aim to effect change in the
entire family system. Family therapy usually involves multiple family members,not
necessarily the same family members of each time , or therapy might involve a
single family member
Family therapy is often short term. Specific treatment plan will depend on your
family's situation. Family therapy sessions can teach you skills to deepen family
connections and get through stressful times, even after you're done going to therapy
sessions.1
FAMILY THERAPY
A type of therapeutic modality in which the focus of treatment is on the family as a
unit. It represents a form of intervention in which members of a family are assisted
to identify and change problematic, maladaptive, self-defeating, repetitive
relationship patterns.
(Goldenberg, Goldenberg, & Pelavin, 2011).
Family therapy , also referred to as couple and family therapy, marriage and family
therapy, families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and
development. (Wikipedia)
PURPOSE

2. 1. Family therapy can help you improve troubled relationships with partner,
children or other family members.
2. Specific issues such as marital or financial problems, conflict between parents
and children, or the impact of substance abuse or a mental illness on the entire
family can be addressed
3. Family may pursue family therapy along with other types of mental health
treatment, especially if one of you has a mental illness or addiction that also
requires additional therapy or rehabilitation treatment. For example:
• Family therapy can help family members cope if a relative has a serious
mental illness such as schizophrenia — but the person who has schizophrenia
should continue with his or her individualized treatment plan, which may include
medications, one-on-one therapy or other treatment.
• In the case of addiction, the family can attend family therapy while the person
who has an addiction participates in residential treatment. Sometimes the family
may participate in family therapy even if the person with an addiction hasn't sought
out his or her own treatment.
4. Family therapy can be useful in any family situation that causes stress, grief,
anger or conflict. It can help family members understand one another better and
learn coping skills to bring you closer together.3
TYPES OF FAMILY THERAPY
Family therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that is meant to help initiate change
and nurture development in intimate relationships between family members and
couples.
 Structural Therapy: Structural family therapy is a theory developed by
Salvador Minuchin. The focus of the therapy is based on five specific
principles. The five specific principles include:
- The structural therapist focuses on the interactions between people rather than
their individual psyches
- “Matrix of identity” based on personal interactions within the family
- Family structure based on social interactions

3. - “Well-functioning family” based on how family responds and develops according
to family needs
- The position of a family therapist is to help the family outgrow constraining
growth patterns and develop as a stronger entity
 Strategic Therapy
Strategic therapy is a theory that has evolved from a combined number of a variety
of psychotherapy practices. There are five different parts to strategic therapy
including a brief social stage, the problem stage, interactional stage, the goal-setting
stage and the task-setting stage
 Systemic Therapy
Systemic Therapy is rooted from family therapy or something known as family
systems therapy. There are a number of family systems therapies that contribute to
the current systemic therapy concept. In recent decades, systemic therapy has
moved away from linear causality and now approaches problems as they are created
in a social and linguistically influenced reality.
 Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is different in that it encourages the person to be their own
individual and to use their own skill set to address the problem and also to minimize
the tiny problems in day-to-day life. The idea of narrative therapy is that in life,
people create personal stories that help them identify who they are and also that
they possess the proper tools to navigate their lives. The point of narrative therapy
is to help clarify, develop and support the narrator in life and help guide their
journey.
 Transgenerational Therapy
Transgenerational therapy gives therapists the ability to examine interactions
between individuals in a family across multiple generations. The family therapist’s
observations and analysis of interactions helps the therapist to grasp the core issues
within the family group. In addition to current issues, the therapist may also pick up
on future struggles or stressful situations. Concepts of transgenerational therapy are
used frequently with other therapies to help create a lens to frame the issue being
addressed in sessions.
 Communication Therapy

4. Therapy for communication issues is a common need especially as it pertains to
relationship therapy and the cited issue between the couple is lack of
communication. Communication issues between individuals can start from
differences in cultural backgrounds and/or personal experiences. Additional
situations that may contribute to communication issues include trauma, secrecy,
mental health issues, etc. There are many options for addressing communication
issues whether it be for an individual’s improvement or two involved in an intimate
relationship. A trained therapist can help an individual decide what the best
strategies may be for improving communication skills and ability. Strategies include
active listening, opening lines of communication and mediated communication.
 Psychoeducation
The practice of educating those with mental health conditions and their families to
help empower and support them with their condition is referred to psychoeducation.
Psychoeducation is a strong tool against the stigmatization of mental health
conditions and those who face those challenges on a day-to-day basis.
 Relationship Counseling
Relationships are not easy and simple problems in your daily life can cause stress or
add strain to any relationship. Additional problems that can contribute to the stress
include chronic illness, a lack of communicating effectively, cultural differences,
infidelity and mental health issues. Couples may also face issues of sexual intimacy,
emotional distancing, financial difficulties and a general lack of trust. Relationship
counseling begins usually when a couple is trying to decide whether to work out
their problems and continue to be together or if they should move on.
There are a number of additional therapies that will not be covered in this blog that
include and are not limited to systemic coaching, systems theory, reality therapy
and the genogram. For more information about these therapies or the therapies
listed above consult your local Newport Beach family therapist.3
Family Therapy Models
1. THE FAMILY SYSTEMS MODEL
The Family Systems Model operates on the belief that a family unit tends to arrange
itself around substance abuse, in spite of its destructive consequences. The goal of
this model is to teach the family members how to build healthier organizational
patterns. For example, if an addicted family member is encouraged to continue

5. drinking because alcohol helps him work more productively, therapy would be
directed towards helping the family correct this maladaptive behavior
2. THE FAMILY DISEASE MODEL
The Family Disease Model is based on the concept that addiction is a disease, and
that this disease can affect a whole household unit. Family members who aren’t
addicted may become codependent on the addict for their emotional or material
stability. This model aims to treat the entire family by approaching addiction as a
condition that can be cured through modifications in behavior or environment.
3. MULTI-DIMENSIONAL FAMILY THERAPY
Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy draws from a number of therapeutic techniques
to help families become stronger and healthier. Behavior, emotion, cognition and
the household environment may be addressed as part of multi-dimensional family
therapy, or MDFT. Each of the factors that contribute to addiction may be
approached from a different perspective in this multi-faceted approach.
4. COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL FAMILY THERAPY
Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, or CBT, aims to improve family
relationships and promote sobriety by correcting the destructive behaviors and
thought patterns that contribute to addiction. Family members are taught to identify
the trigger events that prompt addictive behavior and to find healthier ways to
resolve conflict. CBT is widely used in personal therapy, as well, to help the
addicted individual correct negative, self-defeating thoughts and habits4
STAGES OF FAMILY THERAPY
The three main stages of family therapy are the initial interview, the intervention or
working phase, and the termination phase.
INITIAL INTERVIEW
During the initial interview, therapists gather data regarding family history; focus
on the presentfunctioning of the family. Confidentiality laws prohibit family
involvement without the client’s consent. If a certain family member is reluctant to
come in for the initial interview, it may be helpful if the therapist states the rationale

6. for seeing all family members at that time. For example, the therapist could state
that the problem affects all members of the family and that it is important to attend.
The therapist can explain that therapy will not be effective without that member’s
attendance and input. During the initial interview, the therapist facilitates the
process of determining which problems the family has identified as needing
attention. This process occurs in stages and includes the following:
• Engagement stage: The family meets and is put at ease by the therapist.
• Assessment stage: Problems that concern the family are identified.
• Exploration stage: The therapist and the family explore additional problems that
may have a bearing on present family concerns.
• Goal-setting stage: The therapist synthesizes all the information, and the family
members state what they would like to see changed.
• Termination stage: The initial interview ends, an appointment is set for the next
session, and it is determined
which family members need to attend (Haley, 1991). During the initial interview,
the therapist assesses and synthesizes all the information the family has provided
and formulates ideas or interventions for bringing about positive changes to resolve
the identified problems.
INTERVENTION OR WORKING PHASE
The goal of the intervention phase is to help the family accept and adjust to change
(Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2003). During this phase, the therapist identifies the
strengths and problems of the family. The therapist determines which of these
strengths are present in the family seeking help, because strengths are useful in
helping the family remain stable when other relationships seem threatened by
change. Twelve family strengths, identified by Otto (1963), are the ability to
1. provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each family member;
2. be sensitive to the needs of family members;
3. communicate feelings, emotions, beliefs, and values effectively;
4. provide support, security, and encouragement to enhance creativity and
independence;

7. 5. initiate and maintain growth-producing relationships within and without the
family system;
6. maintain and create constructive and responsible community relationships in the
neighborhood, school, town,
and local and state governments;
7. grow with and through children;
8. help oneself and accept help when appropriate;
9. perform family roles flexibly;
10. show mutual respect for the individuation and independence of each family
member;
11. use a crisis as a means of growth; and
12. have a concern for family unity and loyalty and for cooperation among family
members.
During the intervention or working phase, families do a lot of work, and the
therapist participates in the therapeutic process. Some family members may be
motivated to participate to help the identified client; other members may be
reluctant to participate because of fears of having family secrets revealed. The
therapist can ask all members their view of the problem, what they would like to see
changed, and their thoughts and feelings about other members of the family.
Through this technique, the therapist can learn a great deal about the problems and
conflicts that are occurring in the family system ( Goldenberg & Goldenberg,
2003). Soon, the family members begin to recognize that the therapist’s role is to
clarify and interpret communication as well as to offer suggestions and guidance.
The therapist facilitates open, honest communication among family members.
Learning appropriate methods of expressing themselves may cause some stress in
family members, especially if there have been hostility, angry outbursts, or little
communication. As therapy continues, family members begin to realize that
relationships can change. They recognize that roles do not have to be fixed and
rigid; they may change as personal growth occurs in the family. Family members
become more autonomous as positive changes such as open communication and
alterations in behavior (i.e. interdependent roles) occur. They also recognize that
change is equal in all family members. It is important that the family members are
satisfied with their new level of functioning before terminating therapy (Wright &
Leahey, 2005).

8. TERMINATION PHASE:
Sometimes, families want to terminate the sessions prematurely. They may indicate
this desire through their behavior. For instance, family members may begin to be
late or not show up for scheduled appointments, or all members may not continue to
participate, as agreed in the initial interview. Such behavior may occur if the family
perceives that a certain type of change is threatening to the family’s present
functioning. At this point, the therapist needs to review the identified problems with
the family and renegotiate the contract and number of family sessions. This review
is helpful in recognizing problems that remain and goals that have been met. If the
family has achieved the goals and the identified specific problems have been
resolved, then it is time to initiate the termination phase. However, the therapist
should remember that no family terminates therapy without experiencing some
problems. Also, some family members may be somewhat reluctant to terminate the
sessions because they fear that dysfunctional behaviors may recur or because they
have become dependent on the therapist. Nevertheless, termination should take
place. By the time of termination, typically, the family has learned how to solve its
own problems in a healthy manner, has developed its own internal support system,
and has learned to communicate openly, honestly, and directly. Power has been
appropriately assigned and redistributed, and family members are able to work out
and resolve problems at home without the therapist’s help or interventions. The
original problems or symptoms have been alleviated, and it is time for termination
of family therapy sessions (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2003).
CRITERIA FOR TREATMENT TERMINATION
Treatment is completed:
• When family members can complete transactions, check, ask
• When they can interpret hostility
• When they can see how others see them
• When they can see how they see themselves
• When one member can tell others how they manifest themselves
• When one member can tell others what is hoped, feared, and expected from
them

9. • When they can disagree
• When they can make choices
• When they can learn through practice
• When they can free themselves from the harmful effects of past models
• When they can give clear messages-that is, be congruent in their behavior-
with a minimum of difference between feelings and communication and with a
minimum of hidden messages.2
Goal of Family Therapy
In a nutshell, the goal of family therapy is to work together to heal any mental,
emotional, or psychological problems tearing your family apart (Lee, 2010).
To guide a family towards a healthy life, family therapists aim to aid people in
improving communication, solving family problems, understanding and handling
family situations, and creating a better functioning home environment (Family
Therapy, 2017A).
The goals of family therapy depend on the presenting problems of the clients. For
example, goals may differ based on the following scenarios:
• A family member is suffering from schizophrenia or severe psychosis: The
goal is to help other family members understand the disorder and adjust to the
psychological changes that the patient may be undergoing;
• Problems arising from cross-generational boundaries, such as when parents
share a home with grandparents, or children are being raised by grandparents: The
goal is to improve communication and help the family members set healthy
boundaries;
• Families deviating from social norms (unmarried parents, gay couples raising
children, etc.): The goals here are not always to address any specific internal

10. problems, but the family members may need help coping with external factors like
societal attitudes;
• Family members who come from mixed racial, cultural, or religious
backgrounds: The goal is to help family members further their understanding of one
another and develop healthy relationships;
• One member is being scapegoated or having their treatment in individual
therapy undermined: When one family member is struggling with feeling like the
outcast or receives limited support from other family members, the goal is to
facilitate increased empathy and understanding for the individual within their
family and provide support for them to continue their treatment;
• The patient’s problems seem inextricably tied to problems with other family
members: In cases where the problem or problems are deeply rooted in problems
with other family members, the goal is to address each of the contributing issues
and solve or mitigate the effects of this pattern of problems;
• A blended family (i.e., step-family): Blended families can suffer from
problems unique to their situations. In blended families, the goal of family therapy
is to enhance understanding and facilitate healthy interactions between family 3
Benefits of Family Therapy
The benefits of family therapy include:
• A better understanding of healthy boundaries and family patterns and
dynamics;
• Enhanced communication;
• Improved problem solving;
• Deeper empathy;
• Reduced conflict and better anger management skills (10 Acre Ranch, 2017).
More specifically, family therapy can improve family relationships through:

11. • Bringing the family together after a crisis;
• Creating honesty between family members;
• Instilling trust in family members;
• Developing a supportive family environment;
• Reducing sources of tension and stress within the family;
• Helping family members forgive each other;
• Conflict resolution for family members;
• Bringing back family members who have been isolated (American Addiction
Centers, 2017).
Family therapy enhances the skills required for healthy family functioning,
including communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Improving
these skills also increases the potential for success in overcoming and addressing
family problems.
In family therapy, the focus is on providing all family members with the tools they
need to facilitate 3
CONCLUSION
Family therapy is an approach to treatment that is based on the fundamental
premise that when a person has a problem, it usually involves the whole family.
Family interactions might be causing the problem or prolonging the problem for the
identified service user, or the problem or behaviours of the service user might be
affecting other members of the family. Family therapist aim to effect change in the
entire family system. Family therapy usually involves multiple family members,not
necessarily the same family members of each time , or therapy might involve a
single family member

12. REFERENCE
1. Evans k, Nizette D, Trenoweth S, Elder R. Mental health nursing:A manual
for practice. Canada: Elsevier Science;2013
2. Shives RL. Basic concept of psychiatric mental health nursing.8ed. wolters
kluwer india 2012. p. 184-190
3. Ackerman CE. Courtney E. Family therapy,techniques and
intervention.[Internet] 07Feb2021;
Available from http://www.psycholgy.com/familytherapy/
4. Substance Abuse and mental health services.and family therapy. [Internet]
2004 Mar 27;
Available from
https://www.skywoodrecovery.com/modelsoffamilyrtherapy/
.

13. CONTENT
 Introduction
 Definition
 Purpose
 Types of Family therapy
 Family therapy models
 Stages of Family therapy
 Criteria for treatment termination
 Goals of Family therapy
 Benefits of Family therapy
 Conclusion