The Therapist’s Role, Essay Example

In Structured Family Therapy (SFT) it focuses more on the group family problems as opposed to that of the individual. The method considers how the family interacts and operates with one another.  This is often used where there is a dysfunction within the family and some form of behaviour modification or adjustment therapy is required.  There are two very common types of therapy pathology in SFT.  This is Dysfunctional transactions that are referred to as either – Enmeshed where part of the family is smothered by too much attention or lack of personal space or Disengaged – where the family structure is distant from one another and is ceasing to function as a cohesive unit. Another concept is that of Triangulation – where one family member is divided between two others: this often seen in cases where parents are splitting up. Person Centered Therapy (PCT) is focused with 1:1 psychotherapy with the focus clearly on the issues or problems with the individual patient.  This is the most common form of psychotherapy.  The role is essentially that of a counsellor or facilitation advisor as opposed to performing specific courses of treatment.

Within the Context of Strategic Family Therapy (SFTH). In this approach, the therapist takes control of the session and guides it in a particular direction in order to take control and responsibility for the outcome.  An example might be where two members of the family disagree on the approach to discipline their small children.  The emphasis is that of building cohesion and looking at the entire family as a unit. There is a need to teach the children both discipline and respect for their parents but modern thinking is that this is achieved more by education and motivation as opposed to physical punishment.  If the couple were having relationship troubles that affected or influenced their decision, making abilities, it is possible to introduce couples therapy.  This is more about bringing the couple together such that the children become the focal point of concern and they work as a unit to address any issues.

Existential Group Therapy (EFT) is based on the understanding of what it is to be human or the study of humanity within a group setting.  An example of this might be with how people deal with the concept of death in a terminal illness.  How people deal with the sudden loss of a loved one or family member – the grieving process.

In Psychodynamic /Bowenian Family Therapy ( PBFT) the focus is often upon the origins of dysfunction within childhood. The focus tends to be on past events as opposed to current occurrences. The theory is based upon the dysfunctions being passed down from one generation to the next and as such creating recurring behavioural patterns. Focus may be directed towards the spouse or a specific individual. This can often involve the therapist in a complex relationship.  The objective of the therapist is to act as an empathetic advisor in the exploratory role towards finding a suitable resolution.

With Rational Emotive Group Therapy (REGT)  is based upon the provision of helping a group that is disturbed to lead a more fulfilling life. An example of this might be helping a child come to terms with a new parent after the birth parents have either split up or divorced… the boy’s acceptance of his new Father (parent figure).  This can be a very difficult time for a 12 year-old who finds himself displaced from his natural Father, in this case through divorce.  The family need to re-bond as a unit and this needs mutual cooperation by all worklng towards a common objective.  This often involves an environment change and re-conditioning of the thought processes of the group. This is a time driven events change that requires a great deal of understanding, mutual support and co-operation.  Another example might be in the provision of therapy towards kicking a specific habit like smoking, substance abuse or alcohol.