Family psychotherapy
Family therapy is based on the assumption (systemic perspective), which we share, that problems of an individual should be viewed in relation to the different contexts/systems in which this individual lives. One of such significant contexts is the family. Systemic practice considers `context’ as a background for an individual’s psychological development and emotional well-being.
Family therapy helps family members to identify, understand and strengthen various aspects of family functioning and its supportive role. It enables family members to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, to understand each other’s experiences and views, to appreciate each other’s needs and differences to build on family strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives.
Some of the goals of family therapy might include the improvement of family functioning on different levels, improvement of mutual understanding and emotional support, development of coping and problem-solving strategies in various life situations.
Family therapy can be useful in times of crisis and with long-standing problems as well. This type of therapy can very beneficial and of great value for the problems listed below as examples:
- school-related issues
- psychosomatic problems
- eating disorders
- child and adolescent mental problems
- marital/couple problems including conflicts, separation and divorce issues (couple therapy)
- problems with the transition through various life stages of a family
- challenges of parenting and family functioning
- traumatic experiences, loss and mourning
Family therapy begins with a consultation meeting during witch the family establishes the goal/goals and framework for the therapeutic work together with the therapist. Each session takes 90 minutes and takes place every 2 to 4 weeks.