Toward a Biblical Framework for Family Therapy

Abstract

The development of family therapy has brought a major change in the way many people in the helping professions view behavioral problems. This paper presents some of the central concepts of family dynamics and therapy, followed by a consideration of biblical concepts of the family and its functioning. The two models have large areas of congruency, particularly in considering the structure of the family, the proper conduct of interpersonal relationships, individual responsibility, and the importance of the concept of family to individual well-being. Proper application of biblical guidelines will bring about change in family members in psychologically and spiritually healthy ways.