In this article, we intend to introduce you to family psychology and the main types and concepts in this field.
The foundation of human development and social functioning is the concept of family. A family is the first environment for communication, love, conflict resolution, and social adaptation.
What is Family Psychology?
Family psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the functions, dynamics, and mental health of family members. This branch focuses on relationships and interpersonal relationships in the family structure.
Family psychology doesn’t only focus on treatment; it also emphasizes support, education, and guidance.
Common family problems often arise from difficulties adjusting to environmental or life changes. Therapists help family members develop problem-solving skills.
Family History and Background
The family has been a social unit since ancient times, but the psychological study of the family began in earnest in the 20th century. Initially, they prioritized each family member, focusing on the growth and development of the children. However, in the middle of the 20th century, psychologists viewed the family as a system with distinct dynamics and unique relationships. In the 1960s, Murray Bowen developed the “Family Systems Theory,” which revolutionized psychologists’ perspective of families. This organization considers the behavior of each family member as a unit and not as a separate person from the family.
Goals of family therapy or family psychology
family therapy can provide critical interventions to strengthen intergenerational communication, resolve conflicts, and help families cope with crises.
In other words, it helps family members to solve problems in a safe environment.
Getting to know family members better
Family therapists bring all family members together to talk to them personally about their experiences and listen carefully. In sessions, therapists clarify each person’s beliefs, values, needs, hopes, and assumptions, so this therapy could help families stop blaming and explore how everyone can work together to make positive changes.
Communication between family members
One of the most common complaints of families is differences between parents and children and conflicts between brothers and sisters. Family therapy helps families in this field and teaches them to be together.
Finding the best solution for marital problems
Minor or severe marital problems that could turn into divorce and separation are also areas where family therapy can help to make the right decision.
Life is not always in the same way, good or bad, but happiness and sadness are side by side with sadness and misery. Family therapists can help people to go through life changes with minimal damage.
Getting through with difficult and painful problems
The death of a loved one is one of the most painful events in life. If the mourning process is done properly, it can significantly impact a person’s entire life, leading to profound changes. A professional therapist can provide valuable support during this time. Also, family therapy could help in reducing anxiety, behavioral problems, etc.
In addition, family psychology can help create social programs and policies. Parental leave laws, child welfare services, mental health programs, and services for aging parents are all included. Family therapy affects society as a whole, in addition to individual families.
Different types of family therapy
There are various types of family therapy, and therapists choose the proper one based on the issues and needs of family members. Sometimes, they use a combination of different methods to address the problems.
Systemic family therapy
In this form of therapy, therapists aim to address issues by enhancing relationships between family members. Essentially, they view each person’s problems as stemming from their interactions with family members. These problems should be fixed while maintaining their individuality and helping them recognize their strengths.
Functional family therapy
For families whose teenagers have risky and violent behavior or are involved in drug use, we use this type of treatment.
Functional Family Therapy aims to help families build trust with their teenagers. This method reminds them that, despite problems, they always respect the teenager as an important family member. The therapy then focuses on finding a suitable solution to the problem.
Narrative family therapy
In this type of therapy, the therapist asks the family members to tell their stories and narratives of their lives to be aware of the impact each of their experiences has on their personality. They will know the positive benefits of problems through narrative therapy, and they will understand how complexities have changed their life and then their other decisions to continue the path; after going through these steps, the negative feelings caused by the point of view they had will disappear, and they will stop blaming themselves for everything that happened. This therapy destroys the identity that people have created for themselves based on their problems and negative effects and shows them their strengths and skills.
Supportive family therapy
In this type of treatment, the effort is to turn the family environment into a safe and peaceful environment so that all family members can easily share their feelings and get support from each other.
Strategic family therapy
This type of therapy is based on creativity and innovation, and it is also short-term because it only focuses on solving a specific problem. Family therapists try to change people’s wrong mental beliefs by using humor and metaphors according to family conditions. People often resist adopting a new attitude and continue with habits that cause problems. In family therapy, it’s important to remember that there isn’t just one way to solve problems. There may not be a specific solution, but there are always different approaches to problem-solving.
First, strategic family therapists ask family members to express their problems clearly and accurately. Then they examine the available solutions to solve and analyze the problems, and according to the family and their mindset, they provide solutions to change problems.
The type of treatment varies according to people’s problems and family system. Therapists often use a combination of treatments to address all the family’s problems comprehensively. The number of treatment sessions also depends on the specific conditions and family situation, the nature of the complexities, and family relationships.
Key concepts and terms in family psychology
Family systems theory: This theory sees the family as an interconnected system, where changes in one part can impact all other parts. For example, a parent’s divorce will affect the children’s future.
Family life cycle: includes the stages a family goes through over time, such as marriage, raising children, and aging.
Parenting styles: The various ways parents interact with their children are typically categorized into four types: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and negligent. Each of these types has specific effects on the children’s future.
Marital satisfaction: defines a measure of happiness or satisfaction in a marital relationship.
Asking for help with family issues is always very difficult; however, seeking help and finding solutions through family therapy can make it easier to navigate life’s journey and provide a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Professional psychologists can be of great help to you and your family members.
