2/20/2014

Functions Of A Marriage And Family Therapist

By Krystal Branch


Family therapy is counseling that is meant for the improvement of the way different members of a family communicate. Those involved will also be well placed to resolve conflicts they previously were unable to easily deal with. This form of therapy offers solutions on a short term basis and hence it is the responsibility of individuals to ensure no more conflicts arise and if they do, then they can be easily solved. Marriage counseling is meant for improvement of communication between couples. People looking to see a marriage and family therapist should know what to expect.

The main aim of family therapy is for enhancement of troubled relationships. The therapy may involve children, a spouse or other members of the family. There are a wide range of issues dealt with, ranging from specific issues such as marital or financial issues, to conflicts between children and their parents, or problems like mental illness and drug abuse. Other forms of treatment are also used in the event of mental illness.

People that suffer from any form of addiction will be expected to undergo residential treatment. This is a way to enhance their recovery and to avoid outside influence. At certain times, other members go for therapy while the one suffering from addiction is left at home. Any situations that cause anger, grief, stress or conflict can be handled by the therapist.

In the course of therapy, members of various families will re-examine their ability to solve problems effectively in addition to openly expressing their thoughts and emotions. Roles of individuals and behavioral patterns need to be explored so that contributing factors of conflicts are reviewed. Identification of strengths and weaknesses is also achieved.

When it comes to marriage counseling, the therapists help couples in all forms of relationships; homosexual or heterosexual, married or not. There are couples that go for this form of counseling as a way of strengthening their bonds and gaining better understanding of each other. It is also instrumental for couples that are looking to get married. With premarital counseling, such couples will be able to understand each other in a deeper way in addition to ironing any differences they may have.

People that are married can also be involved in domestic abuse. In such instances, counseling will only be effective in the event that the abuse has not exceeded a certain limit. Otherwise, counseling alone would not suffice and the abused partner will have to contact the police. As such, the counseling will be done when the individual is safe.

Getting the best therapist is a very important step. Primary care doctors usually give recommendations on the best therapists so that their patients get the best services. The other option is to get recommendations from relatives or friends who may be conversant with such information.

Before sessions are scheduled with a marriage and family therapist, certain factors should be considered. They need to have the required level of education and experience. Further, they need to be licensed and certified.




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