13.15:

13.15: Family Therapy

JoVE Core
Introduction to Psychology

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JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology

Family Therapy

13.14: Group Therapy

13.16: Couples Therapy

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01:30 min

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April 01, 2025

Overview

Family therapy conceptualizes psychological challenges as arising from dysfunctional interactions within the family unit, rather than as isolated issues within individuals. This approach seeks to address and transform the patterns of communication, roles, and relationships within families to promote healthier dynamics and emotional well-being for all members.

Strategic Family Therapy

Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities among family members. Therapists employ carefully planned tasks, known as directives, to alter dysfunctional interaction patterns. One notable technique is the use of paradoxical requests, where problematic behaviors are reframed in unexpected ways to elicit change. For example, a couple prone to frequent arguments might be instructed to argue more intentionally, thereby reframing their conflict as an expression of connection. This paradoxical approach often leads to reduced conflict and an improved relationship dynamic by altering the way family members perceive and engage in their interactions.

Structural Family Therapy

Structural family therapy focuses on reorganizing the family's hierarchical structure and boundaries to enhance functionality. Therapists actively participate in family activities to observe and modify interactions, fostering healthier dynamics. For instance, helping a teenager who initially sought their family's attention by refusing to eat to express their needs verbally, ultimately leading them to stop using food refusal as a way to seek affection. This direct engagement strengthens communication, reinforces healthy boundaries, and empowers the family to support each member's needs effectively.

Effectiveness and Applications

Research demonstrates that family therapy is as effective as individual therapy, offering distinct advantages for families dealing with relational or systemic issues. By addressing problems within their broader context, family therapy promotes growth and healing not just for individuals but for the family as a cohesive unit. Approaches such as strategic and structural therapy exemplify the flexibility and efficacy of this modality, making it a valuable tool in fostering healthier familial relationships and emotional resilience.

Transcript

Family therapy views psychological problems as rooted in dysfunctional family systems rather than in an individual.

The primary focus of treatment is the interactions within the family unit.

Strategic family therapy aims to address communication issues, problem-solving barriers, and how family members relate to one another.

Therapists use planned tasks called directives to reshape interactions and resolve conflicts.

A common technique in directives involves paradoxical requests based on reverse psychology.

For instance, a couple's frequent arguments may be reframed as a sign of closeness, with the directive to argue more. Paradoxically, to disprove the therapist, it may reduce their conflicts and strengthen their relationship.

Structural family therapy focuses on family organization and boundaries.

Therapists actively engage in everyday family activities to reorganize interactions and improve dynamics.

For instance, helping a teenager who initially sought their family's attention by refusing to eat to express their needs verbally, ultimately leading them to stop using food refusal as a way to seek affection.

This approach strengthens communication and fosters healthier family relationships.

Key Terms and definitions

Family Therapy – A collective approach to address emotional well-being in the family context.
Strategic Family Therapy - An emphasis on improving communication and resolving barriers in a family.
Directives - Planned tasks by therapists to alter dysfunctional interaction patterns.
Paradoxical Requests - Behaviour reframing techniques used in family therapy.
Structural Family Therapy - A form of family therapy focused on reorganising family structure and boundaries for better functionality.

Learning Objectives

Define Family Therapy – Understand its role in emotional wellness (e.g., family therapy).
Contrast Strategic vs Structural Family Therapy – Understand their distinct approaches (e.g., directives, paradoxical requests).
Explore Directives – Learn about their use in family therapy (e.g., paradoxical requests).
Explain Paradoxical Requests – Understand their role in reshaping interactions.
Apply in Family Context – Grasp the benefits of improved communication and boundaries.

Questions that this video will help you answer

What is family therapy and how does it work to improve emotional well-being?
What distinguishes strategic family therapy from structural family therapy?
What are 'directives' and 'paradoxical requests' and how are they used in family therapy?

This video is also useful for

Students – Understand How family therapy can be incorporated into well-being and psychological studies
Educators – Provides a framework for teaching about family dynamics and therapy approaches
Researchers – Offers relevant insights for study on family dynamics and therapy outcomes
Therapy Enthusiasts – Offer insights and broader interest in understanding family therapy approaches

Tags

Family Therapy Psychological Challenges Dysfunctional Interactions Communication Patterns Roles Emotional Well-being Strategic Family Therapy Problem-solving Paradoxical Requests Structural Family Therapy Hierarchical Structure Effective Communication Family Dynamics Emotional Resilience