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Family Therapy
Families often enter counseling because of conflict or communication
concerns with one or more family members.
The main goals of family therapy are to improve communication and
understanding, work toward conflict resolution, increase respect for each other,
and grow as individuals. Families also have their own goals for what they
expect out of treatment and these are worked with as well by the therapist.
As a family therapist I may ask questions similar to Figley:
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Do
family members have a clear understanding of stressors?
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Do
family members see the problems they face as family centered, or do they
blame 1-2 family members?
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Do
family members tend to be solution-oriented or blame-oriented?
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What
are the levels of tolerance for one another in this family? (every member
for himself?)
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How
committed are family members to each other?
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Is
affection shown to family members that show connection? Was
there affection before?
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What
is the quantity and quality of communication?
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What
cultural issues and personality characteristics does the family have?.
How cohesive is family as a group? Are they flexible in family roles?
Do they serve as a resource to each other?
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Are
there signs of family violence?
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Is there
evidence of substance abuse in the family.
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