Family therapy relies on family systems theory to assess family members in terms of their position or role within the family and how it affects the overall dynamic. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines family therapy as “a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the improvement of interfamilial relationships and behavioral patterns of the family unit as a whole, as well as among individual members and groupings, or subsystems, within the family.” In family therapy, issues are treated by addressing and shifting the way the entire family system functions. Family therapy aims to illuminate and correct dysfunctional family patterns, disintegrate unhealthy family dynamics, improve communication skills, increase family cohesiveness, and strengthen family relationships.
Home-Based Family Therapy
Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are associated with substantial impairments in various aspects of psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Significant clinical findings indicate that home-based family therapy can be an effective treatment modality for non-responding adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Home-based therapy, also known as home-based psychotherapy, home-based counseling, or in-home therapy, is defined as “an intervention that takes place in the consumers’ homes and is designed to work with the entire family (in contrast to interventions that work exclusively with either children or parents).” The following information illuminates some of the benefits and long-term effects of home-based family therapy:
- Experts assert that the delivery of family therapy in the home of clients has been shown to significantly increase attendance and participation of adolescents and their families in therapeutic sessions when compared to office-based therapy.
- One study concluded that home-based family therapy offers the opportunity to conduct intensive child and adolescent psychiatric treatment using the infrastructure and supervision of the respective family or caregivers which reduced the risk of failed transfer of treatment achievements after termination.
- Experiential and creative approaches often used in home-based family therapy are directly linked to increasing families’ engagement and ultimately improving family-child interactions.
- A study examining the long-term effects of home-based family therapy for non-responding adolescents with psychiatric disorders found evidence of statistically, practically, and clinically significant changes in symptom and competence-related variables among adolescents and caregivers with sustainable long-term effects in its 3-year follow-up period.
Considerable empirical support confirms the effectiveness of including family members in therapy with adolescents. Further, home-based family therapy has been found more effective than peer groups, parent education, multi-family interventions, and individual counseling.
Further Information and Support
For most of us, life can be very stressful, leading us to feel emotionally charged, which can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and getting stuck in a cycle of being burdened with negative thoughts. Navigating through the challenges and emotional turmoil of life can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Engage Treatment is a Joint Commission Accredited professional psychological practice. We specialize in treating children, teens, and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety through community-focused treatment plans that incorporate a carefully selected combination of therapeutic interventions. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary practitioners are devoted to providing the highest quality of care that helps ignite positive change and enables clients to reach optimal health and well-being. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are happy to answer questions and provide you with any additional information. Feel free to call us at 805-497-0605 or email us at [email protected]. You are also welcomed to get in touch by filling out our contact form. We look forward to connecting and having the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to support you.