Five Highly Effective Family Counseling Techniques Families are a social system within themselves. No matter how small, each family is a unit of social understanding and coexisting. Each unit, however, comes with its own distinct pattern of communication and functioning. These patterns are decided by the family’s values, each member’s personality and the influence of external forces. When the family goes through a rough patch, the family may consider family counseling which is useful to restore the original level of functioning and help the family overcome hurdles that they may not be able to get past themselves. The primary motive or objective for any family unit is to function peacefully and in sync as one harmonious unit. If your family, however, faces difficulties and issues over a course of time, you must consult a counseling psychologist. If the problem isn’t out of hand and can be resolved within the family itself, here are a few family counseling techniques that you can incorporate: 1. Genogram - A genogram is used to understand a family’s history. It is an elaborate understanding using pictures and symbols to understand the core of the family and its way up. Various important details about the family are mentioned in a genogram like names, dates of important events, divorces, deaths etc. This helps a family understand its roots and branches all at the same time. 2. The Process of Reframing - Reframing is a technique used by counsellors to understand basic family problems. The counselor first understands the depth and nature of the problem and then offers a different perspective to look at the same problem – one that is rational and unbiased. This helps the issues to be resolved in an organized and timely manner. 3. Photo albums and old photos - Reminiscing old memories can be a great way for family members to bond with each other. If you feel like your family is finding it hard to break the ice after a fight, bring out old photographs of memorable gatherings or occasions that come with beautiful memories. This will definitely bring the family closer by talking about past occasions that remind you of happier times. 4. Building Communication - The main reason that a family fights is due to fault communication patterns or the lack thereof. Families need to communicate effectively to understand each other better and talk about problems that arise. Talking about problems is the first step to solving them which is why counsellors would first suggest ‘talking it out’ to a family that is facing discrepancies.
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5. Empty Chair Technique - The empty chair technique is mainly used by counsellors who serve as a relationship advisor while dealing with couples. The empty chair technique allows the family member to imagine that they’re talking to whoever they’re facing a problem and talk to an empty chair. This encourages the person to talk freely and hesitation free and vent out their frustrations on the matter. This then helps the counselor understand the member’s state of mind and facilitates healing. Each counselor is different and may use their skills and techniques as per the case they’re dealing with. However, these easy techniques have proven to be beneficial to most people and even some of the most complex cases. A positive and open mindset along with a reliable counselor can be resourceful to resolve a family problem.
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