What is The Role of the Therapist in Strategic Family Therapy?

Family therapy uses different techniques to address different levels of familial problems. One such technique is ‘strategic family therapy.’ As the name suggests, it works by a proper ‘strategy’ to resolve conflicts by changing interactions in place of analyzing deep-seated psychological issues. Similar to any other family counseling process, the role of the therapist in ‘strategic family therapy’ is very important. Let's explore what are the responsibilities and the involvement of a therapist in SFT (strategic family counseling therapy).

What is strategic Christian family counseling?

This particular technique of family counseling is rooted in ‘systems theory’ which views the whole family as an interconnected system. Also, it is considered that the behavior of every member affects every other. Hence, in SFT, therapists do not look at the problems stemming from one individual. Instead, they consider that the issues within the unit are because of the family's patterns of interaction. The role of the strategic family counselor is to identify any dysfunctional patterns in the family. Based on the observations, they provide strategic interventions that shift behaviors and ultimately help solve conflicts. 

Key principles of strategic family counseling 

There are 4 topmost priorities of SFT:

• Problem-solving focus 

The therapist comes to find practical solutions for the family in place of discussing the origins of the issues.

• Directive approach 

Also, SFT is a kind of family therapy where the counselor takes control of the session. Yes, it is a directive approach where they assign tasks to different family members and restructure relationships within the family.

• Changing communication patterns 

The counselor also identifies if there are dysfunctional communication patterns within the family. They alter them later on to promote healthier interactions.

• Utilization of resistance

When one or more family members resist family counseling, the therapist suggests individual counseling in Duluth to them. In place of confronting resistance, they use it to their advantage by guiding the families strategically toward the change.

The SFT therapists need to keep all these principles in mind to guide the family the right way towards a solution.

Key responsibilities of the SFT therapist in Christian family counseling

Assessing the family structure 

First of all, the counselor starts by understanding the structure and dynamics within the family. During this step, they try to understand the hierarchies, alliances, conflicts, and patterns of interaction that are contributing to the present problem. During the counseling session, the SFT therapist observes how family members communicate and react to each other in real-time. They do not only rely on verbal accounts.

During the assessment in the initial stages, the therapist can ask the following questions:

• Who has the most control over family decisions? 

• Is any particular alliance in the family creating tension within the group? 

• How do family members handle conflicts?

These related questions provide the therapist with a proper understanding of the family's issues and focus on the root causes of dysfunction. 

Defining and reframing problems 

In SFT, the counselor does not accept the initial problem statement from the family. Instead, they redefine the issue their way by understanding it through the interactions within the family. When the therapist during strategic family counseling understands the problem better, they can shift the perspective of the family as well. 

For example: if initially the family is labeling the child as “rebellious”, the counselor might reframe it as the child's way to seek attention or maybe he/ she requires emotional support from the family.

Setting clear goals 

If you look at other therapeutic approaches to family counseling in Duluth, they mainly focus on open-ended discussions. On the other hand, strategic family counseling is more about a goal-oriented approach. The therapist discusses with the family what they want from the counseling session and ultimately works towards achieving that in a relatively short period.

Designing and implementing interventions

To alter dysfunctional interactions, the SFT counselor uses structured interventions including:

• Prescribing the symptom 

• Ordeals

• Family restructuring 

• Directives

With these effective interventions during offline or online Christian counseling, particularly SFT, new, healthier patterns of interaction build-up.

Managing resistance and encouraging change 

When the family members understand that their current behaviors are harmful, they often resist family counseling. Here, a skilled strategic family therapist anticipates this resistance and works around it in place of confronting it directly. They guide the family through small, manageable changes so that they can also adopt new behaviors without overwhelming them.

Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies

As professional Christian counselors say, SFT is a dynamic process that requires ongoing assessment. And, this is what an SFT counselor does. They continuously evaluate whether interventions are working. If not, they focus on making necessary adjustments based on the responses coming from the family.

Empowering the family to maintain changes 

The ultimate goal of the Christian therapist online is to provide the family with the tools so that they can maintain positive changes even after the therapy as well.

Conclusion

The role of a strategic family therapist is highly proactive and solution-focused. In place of dwelling upon the issues and discussing more from where they are stemming, they take control of providing the solutions. If you also want a practical approach to your familial relationships, you can go to a strategic family therapist.