The word “Family” look’s very simple yet significant. When we look deeper into its definition, “family” is a basic social unit consisting of a mother, a father, and their children. In Indian culture, “family” includes even grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins along with parents and their children. They may be bonded through a common residence, economic cooperation, etc.. They either have a blood relationship, marital relationship, or adaptation. A “Family” even has an ancestral connection. Intimate contact, commitment, trust, respect, and responsibilities from each and every individual in a family is very much essential. Among couples, sexual intimacy is also a unique element of the relationship. On the whole, a family is a psychosocial group in which its members work together to help and uplift each other and they have an intimate relationship
Why
are we in need of Family Therapy?
We have effectively explained
about “Family” in the above paragraph, Perhaps it looks extremely
pleasurable!! Isn’t it? But nurturing a family in specific situations or with
significant personalities would be a huge challenge.
In a family, one or the other may have rough experiences in the family. Personal and relational difficulties would lead to psychological disturbances or physical illness. Thus, demands for “family therapy” to overcome the existing problems and receive harmony in each individual’s life as a “family”. Family therapy is a part of psychotherapy.
When
should a family approach a family therapist?
A family therapist can
help the family members in situations like —
– conflicts in a couple or family members
– financial problems
– the difference of opinion in the investment of money
– property-related conflicts
– unemployment
– issues with in-laws
– issues with extended family members
– alcohol or substance abuse/addiction
– mental or physical illness of a family member
– differences in parenting
– problems in kid’s school
– siblings differences
– child’s low academic performance
– bereavement/ death in the family
– infidelity/ extra-marital relationship
– single parenting difficulties
– separation/Divorce
– retirement management
What
is the role of a family therapist?
Firstly, the family therapist is a trained
psychologist or counselor or social worker. His or her aim is to bring back the
harmony and happiness in a family. He or she talks to each individual
member of a family to know their views about the problem. The therapist even
helps in changing their views and cope with skills. Later, the therapist
conducts a group session and concludes the goals that they achieved as a team.
Family therapy lasts 8 – 12 sessions which depend on the problems and also
individual family member’s efforts towards a goal, which is to overcome the
problems and lead a happy life.