Structural family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is used to help families and individuals who are struggling with various issues. It can be helpful for those who are dealing with problems such as addiction, abuse, and mental health disorders. Structural family therapy is based on the idea that our relationships with others play a significant role in our lives. In this blog post, we will discuss what structural family therapy is and how it can help you or your loved ones!
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What Is Structural Family Therapy?
Structural family therapy refers to a type of psychotherapy that focuses on family relationships and interactions. The goal of this therapy is to help families identify and change negative patterns of behavior. It is also known as SFT, which is an acronym for Structural Family Therapy.
Structural family therapy was developed in the 1950s by Salvador Minuchin, a psychiatrist who worked with families from different cultures. He noticed that many families had similar problems, regardless of their cultural background. Also, he noticed that these problems were often the result of negative patterns of behavior that had developed over time.
Minuchin developed a model of family therapy that was based on the idea that families are like systems, with each member playing a role in the overall functioning of the family. He believed that families could be helped by changing the way they interact with each other
So, structural family therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on family relationships and interactions, with the goal of helping families identify and change negative patterns of behavior. If you’re considering this type of therapy for your family, it’s important to find a therapist who is trained in SFT.
How Does Structural Family Therapy Work?
It is believed that family members are interconnected and that family dynamics can influence individual behavior. Therefore, the goal of structural family therapy is to change the way family members interact with each other in order to promote healthy functioning within the family unit.
Therapists who practice this type of therapy will work with families to help them identify negative patterns of interaction. And then teach them new, more constructive ways to communicate and interact with each other. This process can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for families who are willing to put in the work.
In structural family therapy, there is one technique that is used quite frequently and that is called “family-mapping.” This technique is used to help family members understand the way that they interact with each other. Family mapping can be a very powerful tool in helping families to see the impact that their words and actions have on each other. The process of this technique includes:
- family rules
- patterns of behavior
- communication styles
- beliefs and values
These are the common topics that will be family mapped. Once the family understands how they interact with each other and the impact of their words and actions, they can then begin to work on changing these patterns. Structural family therapy can be an incredibly effective way to help families improve their communication and overall functioning.
What Other Techniques Used In This Therapy?
There are several other techniques used in this type of therapy. These include:
Reframing
This is one of the most commonly used techniques in structural family therapy. It involves changing the way you see a problem or situation. For example, if you are having difficulty communicating with your partner, the therapist may help you reframe the problem as an opportunity to improve your relationship.
Minimal Encouragement
This technique is used to help clients explore their own thoughts and feelings. The therapist will ask questions and make comments that encourage the client to think about their own experiences. It is important to note that the therapist does not give advice or tell the client what to do. But they may make suggestions about how to change the situation.
Joining
It is used to build rapport with the client and to help them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. The therapist will join the client in activities such as:
- talking
- walking
- eating
It is believed that this type of therapy can help to improve communication and increase cooperation within the family. It can also help to reduce conflict and build stronger relationships.
Redirecting
This type of technique is used to help clients focus on the here and now. The therapist will redirect the client’s attention to the present moment if they start to talk about past events or future worries. It is believed that this can help to reduce anxiety and improve communication. In simple words, it helps the client to focus on what is happening right now.
Role-playing
The role-playing technique is used to help clients explore different ways of behaving in a particular situation. It can be used to help clients practice new skills such as assertiveness or problem-solving. It is also believed that this type of therapy can help to increase empathy and understanding.
Other techniques
There are several others techniques too, that SFT uses in order to help families. These include:
- Structural Analysis: This is a way of looking at the family system and how it functions. It can help to identify problem areas and possible solutions.
- Transgenerational Transmission: This looks at how patterns of behavior are passed down from one generation to the next.
- Family Sculpting: This is a process where family members work together to create a sculpture that represents the family system. This can help to identify and understand issues within the family.
- Enactment: This is where the therapist works with the family to act out problematic situations. This can help to identify patterns of behavior and find new ways of dealing with them.
These are just a few of the techniques that are used in structural family therapy. If you think this type of therapy could be helpful for you, please speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They will be able to give you more information and refer you to a qualified therapist.
SFT is a brief, time-limited therapy that typically lasts for 12-20 sessions. It is usually conducted in weekly or biweekly sessions, each lasting for 60-90 minutes. The therapist works with the entire family to help them identify and change negative patterns of behavior. So consider giving it a try! It might just be what your family needs.
What Conditions Can SFT Help With?
There are several conditions that structural family therapy has been shown to be effective in treating. These include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Behavioral problems in children and adolescents
- Families affected by trauma
- Divorce or separation
- Marriage counseling
- Single parenting
- Stepfamilies
- Substance abuse
- Significant life changes
SFT has also been shown to be helpful in treating other issues not mentioned above. If you are struggling with a problem that is not listed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified SFT therapist to see if this approach can help you. In fact, they can better tell you about the things they have helped people with in the past.
Moreover, this type of therapy is not just for people with mental health issues or disorders. It can also be beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their relationships or communication skills. If you feel like your family could benefit from some help in this area, structural family therapy may be a good option for you.
What Are The Goals?
The goals of structural family therapy are to help families identify and change the interactional patterns that are keeping them from functioning effectively. The therapist works to create a more functional family system by helping family members understand and change the way they relate to one another. Some of the common goals include:
Improving communication and problem-solving skills
This is one of the most important goals of structural family therapy. The therapist works to help family members improve the way they communicate with one another. This includes teaching families how to express their needs and wants in a more effective way, how to listen to one another, and how to resolve conflict in a constructive manner. As communication is improved, families are better able to work together to solve problems.
Reducing family conflict
Another goal of structural family therapy is to reduce the amount of conflict within the family. The therapist works to help family members understand and resolve the issues that are causing conflict. Also, it is the goal of the session to help family members learn how to express their needs and wants in a more effective way. In addition, the therapist also works to teach families how to resolve conflict in a constructive manner.
Building stronger relationships
If someone is considering structural family therapy, it is likely because they want to improve their relationships with their family members. The therapist works to help families understand and change the interactional patterns that are keeping them from functioning effectively. This includes teaching families how to communicate more effectively, how to resolve conflict, and how to build stronger relationships.
Managing emotions more effectively
It focuses on the family unit and how emotions are managed within that context. Because emotions are often expressed and felt differently within a family, they can be a source of conflict. This type of therapy can help families to understand and manage emotions more effectively. Also, it is believed that managing emotions more effectively within the family unit, can lead to improved functioning of the family overall.
Developing a stronger sense of identity and self-esteem
This is something that people might not think of when they hear the term “family therapy”. However, a large part of family therapy is focused on helping individuals develop a stronger sense of identity and self-esteem. This is done by exploring family roles and dynamics. For example, if someone feels like they are always in the shadow of a sibling, family therapy can help them to understand why that is and how to develop a stronger sense of self.
Deepening relationships and connections
Finally, this is the most important goal of structural family therapy: to help you feel closer to the people you love and care about. It is even important if you are having disagreements within your family, as this type of therapy can help you understand one another better and work through your issues. If you are feeling disconnected from your family or just want to improve your relationships, structural family therapy may be a good option for you.
So, overall these are the benefits and utmost goals of structural family therapy. This type of therapy can be very helpful if you are looking to improve your relationships or feel closer to your loved ones. It is a great option for those who want to work through their issues in a productive and positive way. Hence, if you are considering this type of therapy, be sure to consult with a professional to see if it is the right fit for you and your family.
How To Get Started?
If you are struggling to find the right therapist for you, don’t worry. Here are a few tips that can help you find the right therapist who is trained in structural family therapy:
Do some research online
This is the foremost and simplest start to your search. Look for a structural family therapist in your area by searching online directories as the internet has made the world smaller. Also, when you check online there are fewer chances of word-of-mouth referrals that can be biased. However, it can be tricky to find a structural family therapist as not all of them have an online presence.
Ask your family for referrals
Referrals are not just restricted to the internet. You can also ask your family, friends, or acquaintances if they know anyone who practices structural family therapy. If you have a friend or family member who has been in therapy before, they would be the best people to ask for referrals as they have first-hand experience.
Look for someone who is licensed
This is an important factor to consider as not all therapists are licensed. When looking for a structural family therapist, make sure that the person you are seeing is licensed by the state in which they practice. This ensures that they have met the necessary education and training requirements.
Check if your insurance covers therapy
This is another important factor to consider as therapy can be expensive. Before you start therapy, check with your insurance provider to see if they cover therapy sessions. This will save you a lot of money in the long run. Because therapies are not always covered by insurance, some people opt for self-payment.
Make sure you feel comfortable
Being comfortable is important when you are in therapy as it allows you to open up and be honest. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, it will be difficult to share your thoughts and feelings. It is important to find a therapist who you can trust and feel comfortable with. In fact, comfort level is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a therapist.
These are just a few tips to help you get started on your search for the right structural family therapist. If you keep these factors in mind, you will be well on your way to finding the right therapist for you. Good luck!
Conclusion
To conclude structural family therapy is a type of family therapy that focuses on changing the interactions and relationships between family members. It is based on the idea that families are systems with patterns of behavior that can be changed. This type of therapy can be helpful for families who are dealing with issues such as addiction, mental illness, or violence. Overall, it is actually a very effective form of therapy and has helped many families.
If you are struggling with any of the issues mentioned above, or if you just feel like your family could benefit from some counseling, consider looking into structural family therapy. You can contact Mantra Care for more information on this type of therapy and how it can help you and your family. We offer a variety of counseling services that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. You can also book a therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
