Family Therapy and its Social Implications

Abstract

Family therapy is a relatively recent development. Consequently, there is still much confusion about it, as well as a dearth of systematic information on how it is currently being used. In this paper, a conceptual distinction is made between individual therapy (I.T.), family member therapy (F.M.T.) and family unit therapy (F.U.T.) in terms of their rationale, aims, the nature of the therapeutic relationship and confidentiality. Some types of F.U.T., which alone is viewed as novel, are briefly outlined, with special attention to their common core. This framework is further used in reporting the results of the first small scale survey of family therapy in Australia. Lastly, the implications of F.U.T. for health and welfare policies are considered, with specific recommendations for social action and further research on the F.U.T. approach.