A family’s patterns of behavior influences [sic] the individual and therefore may need to be a part of the treatment plan. In marriage and family therapy, the unit of treatment isn’t just the person—even if only a single person is interviewed—it is the set of relationships in which the person is imbedded.
—American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, “About Marriage and Family Therapists”
When issues arise within a family unit, the family often presents with one member identified as the “problem.” However, you will frequently find that the issue is not necessarily the “problem client,” but rather dysfunctional family patterns and relationships. To better understand such patterns and relationships, and develop a family treatment plan, it is essential that the practitioner appropriately assess all family members. This requires you to have a strong foundation in family assessment and therapy.
This week, you practice assessing and diagnosing client families presenting for psychotherapy.