MFT is a Systemic
Approach to therapy. What's special about this
approach is that it transcends simple cause and effect
explanations, which tend to see the problem(s) as a result
of deficits within the individual. MFT includes those
aspects of the client's context, past and present, in
the therapy process which will help them manage, resolve
or better understand their difficulty. The interconnectedness
of people, beliefs and all things is central.
Therapist and client work together to explore the presenting problem focusing
on the interactions and beliefs that maintain the difficulty. The acceptance
of the interconnectedness of biological, social and psychological parts of the
problem help clients to better deal with choices and conflicts by establishing
new patterns of understanding.
This systemic focus sees the family as one of the strongest influences on our
developing view of 'reality'. It is in the early years that our beliefs and
behaviors are most significantly impacted. In adult life we can be thrown into
turmoil, experience self-doubts, have destructive feelings, struggle with intimacy,
feel depressed, etc. Often these feelings may be started off by something relatively
simple and the underlying feelings are frequently more to do with aspects of our early
family life. With more recent traumas our feelings and ways of dealing with the
experience can become more healthy in Family Therapy.
Some forms of therapy establish long-term relationships with their clients.
With Marriage and Family Therapy goals are usually achieved in a relatively
short period. The goals are worked toward in every session and 'homework' is
suggested in most sessions.
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