The therapist aims to restructure the dysfunctional relationships found within the family. Restoring relationships involves the goal of establishing boundaries and limits. The therapist encourages the parents to define their expectations of the children and enforce consequences if those expectations are not met. Sometimes the child may have taken on the role of the adult, in which case the goal then becomes getting the adult to take responsibility. Music Therapy methods used for treatment Music is very useful in both family and marital therapy since music is a medium for communication.
Communication is one of the underlying problems in almost all dysfunctional groups.
Music is also particularly useful because it uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic cues all at the same time. By using all three cues together the client is more likely to remember and use the new behaviors. Family therapy brings the entire family into the treatment setting for therapy so they can experience the same thing together. When making music together spouses who did nothing but fight with each other are forced to work together. The therapist should make sure to ask questions to get the most complete background picture as possible.