Family therapy

A method of psychotherapy in which the family, instead of the individual, is considered as the unit in which emotional and psychological problems occur, particularly since it is this group to which the individual needs to learn to relate. Each member of the family may be perceived as a threat by each other member, thus provoking an exaggeration of the unsatisfactory existing dynamic as a defence against the threatening features perceived in any relationship which would be more balanced and fulfilling for all concerned. The family as a whole therefore requires education in more effective interpersonal relations.

In addition, every family has a large family potential which can be identified and used for its more productive functioning. Once a family begins consciously to seek out and develop such potentials, this process itself leads to a strengthening of the family and a consequent reduction in the significance of the difficulties previously experienced.

[Structural]

family therapy involves the therapist in counselling on the functioning of the family and the changes necessary to recreate a healthy family structure. [Conjoint]

therapy focuses on the problem of an individual member and his relationships with other members of the family. This type of therapy is particularly relevant in [marriage therapy]

, which is concerned primarily with the marital relationship of husband and wife.