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What is strategic family therapy (SFT)?
SFT is a throw in of short-termfamily therapyoften used with children and adolescents who have behavioral issues.
A therapist helps the family by designing individualized interventions to resolve specific problems and create behavioral change.
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This article discusses how strategic family therapy works, its uses, and its efficacy.
It also covers how to get started if you think this approach could be helpful for your family.
SFT focuses on changing behavior rather than finding the sources of the family’s problems.
Techniques of Strategic Family Therapy
SFT is individualized and tailored to each family’s unique situation.
Joining
The first step involves creating atherapeutic alliancewith the family.
This relationship involves mutual respect and consideration that helps the family feel that the therapist is on their side.
In doing so, they can identify strengths and weaknesses that will allow them to develop a treatment plan.
The goal of restructuring is to help promote more productive, constructive interactions that then motivate people to change.
Benefits of Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy can benefit families in a number of different ways.
Flexibility is another important benefit of structural family therapy.
Strategic family therapy can help people from a range of different backgrounds when practiced by a culturally-sensitive therapist.
Participation
It is important for family members to participate in the treatment process.
Resistance
How people come into treatment may also have an impact on participation and outcomes.
Working with a skilled therapist can help address some of these issues.
You may also be referred to a therapist through a social worker or a school counselor.
Once youfind a potential therapist, ask them about their background, experience, and approach to treatment.
American Psychological Association.Strategic family therapy.
APA Dictionary of Psychology.
2019;16(7):1255. doi:10.3390/ijerph16071255
