Family therapy is a process that helps families communicate better and resolve conflicts. It can be very helpful for couples who are struggling to maintain a healthy relationship, or for parents who are having trouble with their children.
In family therapy sessions, the therapist will ask questions of the family members in order to get a better understanding of what is going on. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 examples of questions that therapists might ask in a family therapy session.
1. What are the main problems that you are experiencing?
In family therapy, the therapist will typically ask a variety of questions in order to get a better understanding of the family dynamic and the issues that they are experiencing.
For example, the therapist may ask about the family’s history, their current relationship with one another, and what specific problems they are hoping to address in therapy.
By asking these types of questions, the therapist can begin to get a sense of the underlying issues that are causing conflict within the family.
Additionally, these questions can also help the therapist to identify any negative patterns of communication or behavior that may be contributing to the problem.
Ultimately, by asking these types of questions, the therapist can gain valuable insight into the family’s situation and begin to formulate a plan to help them resolve their issues.
2. What are your goals for therapy?
Just as with any other type of therapy, family therapy sessions will typically begin with the therapist asking some questions in order to get to know the family dynamics better.
In addition to general questions about the family’s history and current situation, the therapist may also ask more specific questions about what prompted the family to seek therapy and what their goals for therapy are.
Asking these types of questions at the beginning of therapy can help to set the stage for productive sessions and ensure that everyone is on the same page. By understanding the family’s goals, the therapist can tailor the session to address those specific needs.
Additionally, by getting an idea of the family’s history, the therapist can be better prepared to understand how past events may be impacting present interactions.
3. What has been happening in your family that has led to these problems?
While every family therapy session is different, there are some common questions that therapists will ask in order to get a better understanding of the family dynamic. For example, therapists may ask about the specific problems that led to the decision to seek therapy. This question can help to identify patterns of behavior and pinpoint specific areas that need to be addressed.
Additionally, therapists may ask about the history of the family and how they have coped with adversity in the past. By asking questions about the family’s strengths and weaknesses, therapists can gain insights into the best way to approach treatment.
Ultimately, these questions can help to create a more effective and tailored therapy experience for all involved.
4. How do each of you feel about the situation?
One of the most important aspects of family therapy is learning to communicate effectively with one another. This can be a challenge, even for the most close-knit families.
In order to help families open up and start communicating, therapists will often ask questions during sessions. For example, they may ask each family member how they are feeling about the situation at hand.
This question can help to get the conversation started and allow everyone to share their feelings openly. It can also be helpful in identifying any underlying emotions that may be causing conflict within the family.
By asking questions and encouraging communication, family therapists can help families resolve their differences and improve their relationships.
5. How do you think things could change for the better?
After a family has been dealing with conflict or stress for a while, they may start to feel like things will never change or improve. In these moments, it can be helpful for a therapist to ask what changes the family would like to see.
This question allows everyone to share their individual hopes and dreams for the future of the family. It also helps to create a shared vision that everyone can work towards. In some cases, simply articulating these desires can be enough to help the family start making positive changes.
However, if more specific goals are needed, the therapist can help the family develop a plan to make their vision a reality. Either way, this question is a valuable tool for helping families move forward in therapy.
Final words
Family therapy can be a helpful way for families to resolve conflict, improve communication, and work towards common goals.
By asking questions, the therapist can gain insights into the family dynamic and help to create a more effective treatment plan. These are just a few examples of questions that may be asked in a family therapy session.
Ultimately, the goal is to help the family improve their relationships and communication in order to resolve their challenges.
If you are considering family therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional to learn more. Therapy can be very helpful, but it is not right for everyone. A qualified therapist can help you decide if it is the right choice for your family.
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
