Reply to What actually happens in family therapy? What's it like?

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Reply to "What actually happens in family therapy? What's it like?"

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[quote=Calisto]OP, it depends on the theoretical training of the therapist you see.  In general, the ideal scenario is to have you all together so that no one in the family feels that the therapist favors one person over the over.  The key element in gaining momentum is developing a positive trusting space for everyone involved.  Yes, you all sit in a room together.  The first session will likely be some family history, an an opportunity to describe the issues that brought you into therapy.  If your MIL starts going off and dominating the whole session and the therapist doesn't reel her in firmly but respectfully, consider switching therapists.   The bottom line is that most families have an "identified patient", who is often the one who manifests the obvious negative symptoms, and is generally the reason that the family begins counseling.  Anyone working from a family systems approach believes that your family is just this, a social system that tries to maintain a homeostasis, and your MIL's behavior serves a purpose in maintaining it.  The goal is to upset the status quo.  If there is too much fighting and bickering going on, I might opt to see your husband alone as he is clearly in the middle.

Family therapy is always enlightening, even if it appears to not be going well.  The fact that you MIL is willing to participate and risk being challenged speaks volumes and is positive.  Give it a try, OP.  If you find someone you all can trust to tolerate your feelings, you will find it very helpful.  In my opinion, this is the most productive type of therapy there is.

-Marriage and Family Therapist[/quote]

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