Meaning, Purpose and Influence of Family Therapy

Family Therapy

The process of creating a treatment plan in family therapy involves meeting with the family at an intake session; observing family dynamics; and listening to the familys description of the presenting problem. This information would allow me to know how their perception of the problem is shaping their behavior. I would continue to actively listen to the presenting problem of the identified client and gather additional pertinent information. During the course of a three session assessment period additional background data would be gathered. This data would include: social behavior, school or work behavior, current meds, past/present counseling, past hospitalizations, extended family information, religious information, marital history, legal concerns/problems, history of mental illness and substance abuse in client and/or family. I would ask each member what he/she sees as the problem or needs of the family. A benefit of family assessment is the opportunity to observe the interpersonal exchanges of family members directly, and to contrast family members subjective appraisals of the presenting problem ( LAbate, 1998). This information would aide in helping to decide what the family needs.

I would also administer the Adlerian questionnaire which includes a list of questions such as: What are most outstanding difficulties at present? Since when have you had them? What else was happening when they first arose? What illnesses, organ inferiorities, or inferiorities of appearance did you have as a child? How did you feel about them? What was the social and economic position of your family in your childhood? What was the behavior of your father and mother towards you? And that of other adults during your childhood? What was your behavior towards them? Of what are you most afraid of? Why? ( www.compueserve.com). I would complete a Genogram of the identified client. This would allow myself and the family to examine the family in its intergenerational context. The genogram provides a visual mapping that may help family members see patterns and relationships in a new light. A more objective assessment may become possible when the whole is seen in context rather than focusing only on the limited emotional experience that is each family members narrower perception of the family (Becvar & Becvar, 1996). Furthermore, I would administer the Becks Depression Inventory at the beginning of each session to the identified client. The results of this inventory would give information about the clients current mental status. This information would help me determine an appropriate and individual diagnosis for the identified client.

Also, with this information it would allow me to arrive at a treatment modality. The treatment modality would be chosen from the results of the assessment period and observation of family dynamics. My approach to therapy would encompass the use of Becks Depression Inventory at the beginning of each session. I would use the GARF relational scale. The GARF is beneficial in assessing the current functioning of a family or other ongoing relationship on a hypothetical continuum ranging from competent, optimal relational functioning to a disrupted, dysfunctional relationship. This information would permit me to rate the degree to which a family relationships meet or do not meet the needs of the members (DSM-IV American Psychiatric Association). From the usage of Rational Emotive Behavioral therapy (R.E.B.T) these results would aide in identifying the familys cognitive state. Rational-Emotive therapy is a highly action-oriented and deals with the familys cognitive and moral state. This tool of therapy helps the family see how their thoughts impact their behavior. Based upon the family structure I would conclude my prognosis. The prognosis would be established from the familys ability to receive therapeutic input and willingness to participate in the process.

The information gathered would allow the family and therapist to develop a treatment plan based upon the familys presenting problem. The involvement of the family in treatment planning allows the family to own or have part in their treatment. The main goal of treatment is to empower the family with the need tools to fix their family problems. In my opinion the family members are the experts and I am an aid to assist them with their problems.

Treatment planning is an essential part of the therapeutic process because it allows families to set and achieve goals. Although their goals change, the established treatment plan aids the family through these changes, and keeps the therapy focused. Treatment plans are a concrete way to allow families to see that they have achieved something. For example, at the beginning there may have been temper tantrums occurring 5-7 times daily however, now it has decreased in frequency but not in intensity. Therefore, the treatment plan allows the family to see some progress even if its minimal progress. Treatment goals to be measurable in order to give the parents evidence of progress made. This allows them to stay on target and remain focused.