Effective family therapy has many goals and each may be different from family to family. However, as a field of practice, there are three primary goals to achieve during family therapy.
Healthy Boundary Setting
A boundary is not based on what another person does to you. It is based on what you will do in response. It’s establishing an if/then paradigm. “If you do this, then I will do this.”
This is a communication and follow-through skill that doesn’t come naturally and must be developed.
Open Communication Skills
All members of the family should feel safe expressing themselves without negative consequences. However, when negative patterns must first be overcome, open communication skills must be developed and practiced in order to reduce tension and conflict.
Greater Empathy
In order to interact more effectively, it’s important to understand each individual’s experience. By cultivating empathy toward others, we can improve relationships and strengthen our connections to one another.