Family therapy: when is it useful?

When is family therapy useful?

There are many reasons for seeking family therapy. If everyday family life is increasingly characterized by conflicts and tensions, therapy can help. In order to find a solution and get out of these difficulties, it can make sense to involve the whole family or a part of the family members in the solution process.

Common reasons for family therapy are:

• mental health problems or illness of a family member, eg an eating disorder, addiction or depression
• Marital problems, separation/divorce of parents
• school problems
• chronic physical illnesses or the life-threatening illness of a family member
• Problems with adoption or foster care
• serious conflicts within the family
• traumatic experiences, loss of a family member

Important: Therapy is not about blaming the family for problems. Rather, unfavorable interactions within the family should be recognized and solutions sought.

What happens in family therapy?

In most cases, systematic therapy forms the basis of family therapy, as does couple therapy . If unfavorable relationship patterns develop in a family, this can trigger psychological symptoms in a single family member or in several members. From the point of view of systematic therapy, these psychological problems can only be understood and treated if the relationships of the whole family are taken into account.

The family therapist plays an important role in this because he comes from the outside and acts as a “neutral” person. This person can have a better overview of the family’s entire situation and, through his psychological knowledge, can point out changes in relationships and behavioral patterns.

The approach in family therapy is different and depends on the respective therapy orientation. However, there are also similarities in the process – despite different approaches: At the beginning of therapy, a trusting relationship must be established between the family therapist and the family members. The focus of therapy is on communication between people. That is why the therapist uses a wide variety of discussion and questioning techniques as a method in systematic family therapy, but also in other orientations. Misunderstandings often arise because needs are not clearly stated. They also have the goal of therapy in common: to change communication and thus improve family relationships.

How much does family therapy cost?

Counseling at family counseling centers is usually free of charge. More extensive family counseling, on the other hand, may incur costs. How high the costs are depends on the duration of the therapy and the chosen therapist. Qualified psychotherapists charge around 80 to 200 euros per hour or per session. How many hours/sessions a family needs varies from case to case. For some, four to five sessions are enough, others need significantly more.

Are there also free offers of therapy?

Some family counseling centers offer free counseling. In individual cases, there is also the possibility that the costs incurred will be covered by the social welfare office or youth welfare office. Health insurance companies may also cover the costs of family therapy. The prerequisite is usually that the therapy takes place in a psychological or psychotherapeutic practice or in the psychosomatic department of a clinic. In any case, you should inquire in advance about a possible assumption of costs.

What do I have to consider after family counseling?

After a session with the family therapist, the family members involved should take the time to calmly process what was discussed. Every family member should have the opportunity to do this.

In some cases, positive changes occur early on. For other families it takes a little more time. Certain processes in a family have often existed for years and cannot be changed that quickly. But with a lot of patience, strength and strong cooperation, it is possible to break through these dynamics and come closer to the goal of open, shared communication in the family.