Family Systems Therapy - Lotus Recovery Services

Whole Family, Whole Healing. Creating Healthy Dynamics in Families With Mental Health or Substance Use

Family systems therapy is a form of psychotherapy that views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions within it. Developed by Murray Bowen in the mid-20th century, this therapy emphasizes the importance of understanding the family dynamics and patterns of behavior that influence each member’s experiences and relationships.

When people start treatment for a substance use or mental health disorder at Lotus Recovery, we recognize that they are unique individuals with their own backgrounds. Our families shape who we are, and this influences how we deal with stress and conflict. Acknowledging the role that families play in the recovery process is an important part of the healing journey. Fortunately, even families who have unhealthy attachments and coping mechanisms can heal.

Key Components of Family Systems Therapy

The main concepts addressed in family systems therapy are:

Systems thinking

The family is seen as an interconnected system where each member’s behavior affects the others. For this reason, the focus is on the whole family unit rather than just individual members.

Family dynamics

Family systems therapy examines repetitive behaviors and interactions within the family. It identifies the roles each family member plays and the unspoken rules that govern their behavior. This is an eye-opening exercise for many families.

Differentiation of self

Even though the family is a single unit, it’s still important for individuals to develop independence from the family while still maintaining emotional connections. In other words, the need for autonomy with the need for togetherness should be well-balanced.

Triangles

Three-person relationships, known as triangles, are studied, as they frequently impact family dynamics. For instance, conflicts between two family members can involve a third member, creating a triangle.

Family Projection Process

Sometimes, parents transmit their emotional issues and patterns of behavior to their children. It’s important to understand how these projections affect children’s development and behavior. It’s possible that some of the issues you are dealing with today could stem from unhealthy projections.

Goals of Family Systems Therapy

Anyone can develop mental health or substance use disorders, regardless of their family background. However, when these issues surface, most families can benefit from support. In many cases, unhealthy dynamics and behaviors are contributing to these issues.

The goals of family systems therapy include:

Improving communication among family members
Teaching members how to address and resolve conflicts
Building stronger and more supportive relationships
Identifying and altering dysfunctional family patterns and behaviors
Supporting personal growth and development while maintaining family cohesion

Techniques in Family Systems Therapy

When you participate in family systems therapy, your therapist may recommend a number of techniques to help you understand the family dynamics in your household and how they may be contributing to other issues, such as poor mental health or substance use. These techniques may include:

Genograms. These include visual representations (e.g., maps) of family relationships and patterns across generations. You can use them to identify patterns of behavior, emotional connections and historical issues.
Circular Questioning. Family members are encouraged to view issues from different perspectives and highlight how each member’s behavior influences others.
Reframing. This involves altering the way family members view problems, leading to new insights and solutions.
Boundary Setting. Healthy boundaries are everything. Your therapist will work with you to establish clear, healthy boundaries within the family, along with clarified roles and responsibilities.
Enactments. Enactments can be helpful in understanding family dynamics and practicing new behaviors. Your therapist can also provide immediate feedback during the enactment.

Applications of Family Systems Therapy

Family systems therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, such as:

Communication problems within the family
Parent-child conflicts
Behavioral issues in children and teens
Marital conflicts
Substance use disorders
Mental health disorders

We Empower Families! Start Your Recovery Today!

Family systems therapy offers a powerful approach to improving dynamics in families with addiction or mental health problems. By viewing the family as an interconnected system, this therapy helps family members communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts and support each other’s growth and well-being. If your family is facing challenges, consider exploring family systems therapy at Lotus Recovery. We can help you foster a healthier, more supportive family environment that is conducive to healing.