by Bridget

We tend to assume that therapy is only for individuals or couples. However, there is also a concept such as family therapy. You may wonder why a family as a whole needs therapy. The answer is sometimes events like the death of a family member, divorce, marriage conflicts, property issues, or mental health problems can strain the relationship between the family members.

Families going through challenging times that lead to anger, grief, and stress can significantly benefit from relationship counselling. These counselling sessions are designed to get the families to work together. It encourages them to communicate in a better way and resolve conflicts.

The family counselling, Bendigo-based sessions are conducted by trained professionals that use various methods for helping the family. If your family is undergoing a rough patch, you should not think twice before opting for family counselling. Here’s a look at some more information on family therapy.

What Is Family Therapy?

The families that need therapy would need to attend at least 5 to 20 sessions based on the underlying issue. The focus of therapy is never on the number, so therapy can benefit a small as well as big family. Family therapy is also effective in treating underlying mental health issues of individuals. Such issues may or may not have been  noticed.

Why Is Family Therapy Required?

As mentioned above, therapy can benefit families going through a tough phase. Many  factors can affect the peace and sanctity of a family, such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, the death of a family member, and more.

In addition, individuals that suffer from depression, any chronic illness, eating disorder, substance abuse, etc., can affect the entire family. Other common issues in many families are communication issues, behavioural problems in children, and interpersonal conflict that can lead to bigger problems.

Types Of Family Therapy

There are different types of counselling techniques that are used in family therapy, such as:

  • Structural therapy. This therapy is based on five principles which are as follows:

–       The focus of this type of therapy is not just individual psyches but interactions that between members.

–       It is believed that personal interactions within the family are the basis of the identity matrix.

–       Family structure is based on social interactions.

–       The basis of a well-functioning family is the response and development of the needs of an entire family.

–       Family therapists ensure that the family overcomes the constraints and becomes a strong unit.

  • Strategic Therapy. This therapy uses techniques that are derived from different psychotherapy practices. The therapy consists of five phases such as problem stage, social stage, interactional stage, goal setting stage, and task setting stage.
  • Systemic Therapy. The therapy has its roots in family systems therapy. A wide array of family systems therapy have contributed to the current concept of systemic therapy.
  • Narrative Therapy. This therapy focuses on the individual and motivates them to look into their problem. The therapist helps the individual navigate the issue. It also consists of helping the individuals in reducing their routine issues so that they have good clarity and few hardships.

The main focus of the therapy is that every individual has a personal narrative about their own lives. They can figure out their role in solving an issue in the family. The therapist can help and support the individual and guide them.

  • Transgenerational Therapy. This type of therapy considers a broader perspective by considering the effect of the problem, which runs through multiple generations in the family. The therapy works by observing the interactions among family members across the ages.

The observation helps the therapist understand, predict, and resolve the family’s underlying issue. The therapy uses concepts and other therapies that can help in understand the issue being addressed in the sessions.

The therapy used for relationship counselling is decided by the therapist. However, irrespective of the type of therapy, there are several benefits of family counselling, Bendigo-based. All you need is to ensure that you choose a trusted counsellor or a reputed centre for therapies.

It will ensure that your issues are kept confidential and that you receive the best solution for your family issues. Family relations matter the most, and you should try to improve them.