It comes as no surprise that there are numerous therapeutic approaches, and while they all have the same underlying goal; that is, to assist clients in the best of their ability, systemic family therapy takes a somewhat different approach to achieve this.
Systemic family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to improve communication and understanding between different members of the family or any other close group. It provides a secure, safe space for people to talk about their feelings, gain insight into one another’s perspectives and ideas, recognize and validate one another’s needs, capitalise on the family’s assets, and jointly work together to effect positive change in their relationships and daily lives.
The systemic therapist’s goal is to help their clients make interactions between their inner and outer lives by focusing on the patterns that exist in every person’s life and serve as a bridge between their actions, relationships, emotions, and views (Boscolo & Bertrando, 1996). Systemic family therapy “takes place within their system of close relationships” (Stratton, 2010).
It’s crucial to work together as a couple or family to weather life’s inevitable storms and emerge stronger than before. Family therapists emphasise that the term “family” can have many meanings to various people. Therefore, ‘family’ may refer to any close-knit group of individuals who identify as such.
Certainly, families go through transitions like moving in together, getting married, having children, changing careers, becoming sick, getting older, experiencing marital breakdowns, losing loved ones, losing a job, or going through a traumatic event. Whether you regard these shifts as favourable or detrimental doesn’t mean that you won’t feel a sense of worry about them.
Various people have different approaches for dealing with change, which can lead to tension within the family. Family therapy is also helpful for families dealing with problems like alcohol abuse, mental illness, physical illness, eating disorders, family disagreements, cultural changes, worrying about a family member’s behaviour, fostering or adopting a child, parents who want to divorce or separate in a way that keeps their children’s happiness and needs in mind, and any family member, at any age, who would like someone to help them.
Therapy is helpful for families at many different ages and stages. The earlier in treatment a couple begins, the higher their chances of success. Doherty et al. 2021 found that couples wait an average of 2.68 years before entering couples therapy, and that on average 1.89 years pass between couples first considering treatment and commencing it.
Going to therapy is beneficial regardless of life circumstances. Individuals of any age, as well as their families, can visit a therapist who specializes in family therapy. Sometimes, if they think it will be helpful, clients can schedule appointments for the whole family as well as individuals (provided all clients are aware and willing to attend therapy). Professionals who specialize in working with families may also assist individuals in a relationship. Going to therapy as a family helps improve communication and bonding amongst members.
We hope that here at Iftaħ Qalbek we can accompany you on this journey. If you are interested in our services kindly email at [email protected], WhatsApp or call on 77771237 for a consultation.
References:
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Boscolo, L., & Bertrando, P. (1996). Systemic therapy with individuals. Routledge.
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Doherty, W. J., Harris, S. M., Hall, E. L., & Hubbard, A. K. (2021). How long do people wait before seeking couples therapy? A research note. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 47(4), 882-890. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12479
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Stratton, P. (2010). The Evidence Base Of Systemic Family and Couples Therapy. Association for Family Therapy, UK.