Friday, February 28, 2014

Various Functions Of A Marriage And Family Therapist

By Krystal Branch


Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling whose aim is the creation of improvement in the way members of certain families communicate. It also offers a way of effective conflict resolution. The solutions offered are short term and thus it is up to those concerned to implement the resolutions arrived at. Normally, all or even one member of the family is involved. Marriage therapy is also called couples therapy and improves relationships in addition to helping couples in conflict resolution. When seeking the services of a marriage and family therapist, it is important to consider what their work involves.

Family therapy is usually done to enhance relationships that are troubled. It may involve the spouse, kids or other members. One is able to deal with specific problems like financial or marital issues, parent-children conflicts, or even such things as the effects of substance abuse and mental illnesses. In the event of mental illness, other forms of health treatment will be considered as well.

In case of addiction, the therapist will advise that the affected individual undergoes residential treatment. There even are instances when other members of the family participate in therapy without the affected individual seeking treatment. Therapists in this field will help in any situations that cause grief, conflict, stress or anger. Those involved will understand each other better and develop a closer relationship.

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.

With marriage counseling, people in all kinds of relationships can get help. These include those in homosexual or heterosexual relationships, those that are married and even the unmarried. Counseling does not however only come in handy when there are problems. There are those that go for it as a way of strengthening bonds between them and so that they are able to understand each other better. Premarital counseling helps those that are about to get married to develop deeper understanding and learn techniques of conflict resolution.

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.

When looking for the best professionals, there are ways to do so effectively. One way to get the best therapists is to seek recommendations from friends or relatives have relevant information. The primary care doctors also help their patients to get the best therapists. Other options include consulting the clergy, state or local mental health agencies and health insurers.

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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