Basic Techniques of Family Therapy Psychology Essay

Basic Techniques of Family therapy
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Basic Techniques of Family Therapy
Family therapy can be carried out in various ways. Moreover, alternatives to every aspect of the process exist. However, some guidelines are shared by all the approaches. They serve as the core framework for clinical practice. Family therapy occurs in stages. The initial telephone call marks the first stage of the process. This initial contact seeks to establish the magnitude of the presenting problem and to arrange for a consultation. By listening to the description of the caller; no matter how brief it is, a therapist should be able to establish the number of the family members involved. A connection must also be established with the caller and the first interview scheduled. The therapist must specify who is to attend the interview after weighing the needs of the caller. To avoid absenteeism by some of the family members, a reminder call before the initial session is necessary.
The first interview seeks to create an alliance with the family and come up with a hypothesis of the cause of the problem. However, a therapist must avoid jumping into conclusions at all costs. It is also in this stage that the therapist gathers as much information as they can regarding the family and seeks to create a good rapport with each of the members. The strengths and weaknesses, as well as the process of interaction in the family, should also be assessed. Identification of the systemic context is a critical element in the establishment of the presenting problem. Factors to be considered in this process include gender, culture, ...