Monday, February 17, 2014

Functions Of A Marriage And Family Therapist

By Krystal Branch


Family therapy refers to a form of psychological counseling which is done so that there is improvement of communication between family members. It also enables them to solve conflicts easily. It is normally short term and could include some or all members of the family. Marriage counseling is also known as couples therapy and helps different couples to solve conflicts and improve relationships. It is also short term and mostly includes both partners. When looking for the services of a marriage and family therapist, one should know their scope of work and what to expect.

People that go for family therapy mainly do so for enhancement of relationships that are troubled. The conflict may be between partners, children and parents or other family members. Some of the problems dealt with are marital and financial issues, conflicts between parents and their children and even mental illness and drug abuse. In the event that an individual suffers from mental illness, they would have to seek other forms of treatment in addition to counseling.

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.

One main advantage of this form of therapy is that it enables those concerned to develop proper problem solving techniques. They will also be able to openly express their thoughts and emotions whenever they feel like. Family roles and patterns of behavior are explored in a way that the issues contributing to conflict are reviewed and sorted out. Further, those involved will understand and accept their strengths and weaknesses.

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.

For married persons, counseling also becomes a necessity in case there is domestic abuse. Counseling however only helps before the violence has escalated. If the violence has escalated, those affected will need to report to relevant authorities or the police. This will ensure that even as counseling is done, the violence does not continue.

The only form of preparation required for those that want to see a therapist is finding the right professionals. One may ask their primary care doctor for referral to therapists. Based on their experiences, relatives ones and friends may also give recommendations based on experiences they have. Recommendations may also be given by clergy, health insurer and state or local mental health agencies.

A marriage and family therapist is therefore an important professional. One should check that they have the right education standards. Checking their previous records will also give an insight on their ability to deliver services. Cost of their services will need to be considered too.




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