Family Therapy Research Paper

Family Therapy: An Overview
Jennifer Smidt
Liberty University

Abstract
The family therapy process was described in detail beginning with before the initial interview and ending with termination. Family therapists must understand the family dynamic using the Systems Theory. The Systems Theory was defined and described in detail. Family therapists have different approaches to helping families depending on their unique issues. Each approach was defined and a reason for using these approaches were given. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics has eight sections. Each section was examined and explained in detail with examples of possible issues the family therapist may have. It
The therapist will help the family learn to communicate by modeling and many different exercises that will help them develop better communication skills. The structural approach is used when the family structure is out of balance. The family therapist will help align the family structure by establishing the roles and responsibilities of each family member. The family systems approach is used when the family is not working as a team, but as an individual entity. A family connection and boundaries must be set with the help of the therapist for this approach to be successful. The strategic family approach will help families develop rules and spread out the power within the family dynamic. The family therapist will also help a family work on a pattern of behavior that is appropriate for each family. A therapist will use tools from behavior therapy and behavior modification therapy with the social learning approach. This approach helps members of a family cope with issues and teach them basic skills in communicating, interacting, and behaving as a family unit. A family therapist will use the narrative approach when helping the family identify and describe their problems by comparing them to stories, fables, movies, etc. (Shearor, Horejsi, & Horejsi,
Ethical questions regarding family therapy can become unique and complicated when dealing with more than one individual person. What may serve in the best interest of one person, may conflict with the interests of another. To help guide family therapists with these ethical dilemmas, The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has developed a code of ethical standards. The AAMFT code of ethics is divided into eight principle sections: responsibility to clients, confidentiality, professional competence and integrity, responsibility to students and supervisees, responsibility to research participants, responsibility to the profession, financial arrangements, and advertising (Cory, Corey, & Callanan,