Family (Systemic) Therapy

Family (systemic) therapy (FT) is a type of therapy that is based on the assumption that many psychological problems start early in life, are rooted in relationships within the family unit one grows up in and tend to  manifest later on in life. Family therapy, therefore, aims to help people deal with their problems within the context of their family units. Every member of the family attempts to work with the other members with the aim of understanding the existing family dynamic and how their individual actions affect each other and the family as a whole. One of the most important premises of family systems therapy is that what happens to one member of a family happens to every member the family.

When It's Used

FT is useful for

• Families in conflict, 
• couples and individuals with issues and concerns related to their families of origin
• individuals with mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction, and eating disorders. 
• individuals and family members hoping to gain better understanding and cope with physical disabilities and disorders.
  

What to Expect

During family therapy, the family works individually and together to resolve a problem that directly affects one or more family members. Each family member has the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about how they are affected. Together, the family works to help the individual in distress and to help relieve the strain on the family. Family members explore their individual roles within the family, learn how to switch roles, if necessary, and learn ways to support and help each other with the goal of restoring family relationships and rebuilding a healthy family system.

(Psychology Today, 2017)