Evidence-based family therapy helps improve relationships and resolve family conflicts by recognizing that individual problems are often connected to how family members interact. Its main goal is to improve communication, empathy, and positive behavior among family members.
That’s why many addiction treatment centers rely on evidence-based family therapy to improve patient outcomes. Not only do they develop healthier bonds between individuals, but they also support at-risk individuals with quantitative, long-lasting care.
Let’s get started.
What is Evidence-Based Family Therapy?
Evidence-based family therapy (EBT) refers to treatments backed by scientific research and peer-reviewed studies, demonstrating their effectiveness. In simpler terms, it means that a particular treatment has been thoroughly examined, scientifically proven to work, and has been scrutinized by experts in the field.
Some evidence-based therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This widely recognized therapy is based on numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness across numerous mental health conditions. It helps individuals reshape negative thoughts and behaviors to better cope with challenging situations.
- Interpersonal Therapy: Design to treat mood disorders, this time-limited approach aims to enhance interpersonal relationships and social functioning, reducing distress. Research supports its efficacy in treating depression, either alone or in conjunction with medication.
- Behavioral Activation: According to studies, this approach emphasizes engaging in meaningful activities to increase pleasure and reduce symptoms, which is particularly beneficial for younger individuals.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Derived from CBT, DBT incorporates mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques to improve resilience, stress management, and interpersonal relationships. Initially developed for borderline personality disorder, it has shown effectiveness in managing various mental health issues.
These treatments have been rigorously tested through randomized controlled trials and analyses, consistently demonstrating positive outcomes, similar to trials conducted for medications, surgeries, or medical devices.
Why is Family Therapy Important?
Family therapy addresses various issues affecting family dynamics, including marital conflicts, parent-child relationships, sibling rivalries, and children’s behavioral problems. It offers a safe environment where family members can openly share their thoughts and feelings, and then work together to resolve disputes.
The objectives of family therapy are two-fold. Firstly, it aims to enhance the overall functionality of the family by improving communication, problem-solving abilities, and conflict-resolution techniques. This encourages better cooperation among family members, fostering a peaceful atmosphere. Secondly, family therapy aims to promote individual growth and well-being by dealing with individual family members’ specific challenges.
In addiction recovery treatment, family therapy can be used to reestablish connections and clear up misunderstandings. The role of the family is increasingly important to the successful treatment of the individual, and for many families in recovery, it must be based on empirical evidence.
What Are the Benefits of Evidence-Based Therapy?
There are several benefits of evidence-based therapy impacting both families and the individual in question.
This includes.
- Mental health support: Therapy for families is supported by various healthcare experts in the treatment of mental illnesses. They are also effective in addressing negative cognitive and behavioral patterns.
- Empirical results: Evidence-backed strategies result in quantitative results validated through extensive research. Many find the results to be sustainable and long-lasting.
- Supportive treatment modality: Family counseling can provide accurate guidance for therapy diagnosis and treatment plans. These services work well in clinical environments, particularly for treating mental health concerns.
Certain mental health conditions garner interest from multiple disciplines of study. Evidence-based therapy integrates findings from general health practitioners, therapists, and neuroscientists to understand these conditions from different angles. It is a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals, offering demonstrated efficacy when multiple fields investigate a topic.
What Are Evidence-Based Approaches in Family Therapy?
Family therapy, backed by evidence, has emerged as a highly effective method for enhancing family dynamics and addressing a broad spectrum of issues. Numerous approaches within family therapy have undergone thorough research and validation.
One such evidence-based approach is Structural Family Therapy (SFT). It focuses on identifying and reshaping dysfunctional patterns within the family structure. Studies indicate that SFT effectively enhances family communication, diminishes conflicts, and fosters healthier dynamics among families.
Another extensively studied approach is Multisystemic Therapy (MST), commonly applied to families with adolescents engaged in criminal behavior or facing significant behavioral challenges. MST operates within the community, targeting various systems influencing the youth’s conduct, such as family, school, and neighborhood. Research consistently demonstrates MST’s effectiveness in reducing delinquency, improving familial relationships, and enhancing overall functioning.
Strategic Family Therapy, another EBT that is frequently employed in family counseling, operates on the principle that dysfunctional family behaviors stem from specific interaction patterns. The therapist actively steers the family toward change, offers directives, and proposes new behavioral approaches. This therapeutic approach prioritizes problem-solving, goal-setting, and devising solutions tailored to the family’s unique dynamics. Research indicates that Strategic Family Therapy effectively enhances family communication, diminishes conflicts, and tackles various issues, including behavioral problems, substance abuse, and mental health concerns.
All this said, not all family therapists rely on evidence-based solutions such as the ones above. Carefully vetting your options up-front ensures a seamless match between your family’s expectations and your provider’s capabilities.
Family Therapy as Part of Substance Abuse Treatment
Family therapy is often combined with other treatment methods. For instance, when dealing with substance abuse, family therapy can be combined with individual counseling and support groups. This comprehensive approach addresses the individual’s recovery journey and the family’s support system. Involving the entire family fosters a nurturing environment that boosts the individual’s chances of successful recovery.
Moreover, family therapy contributes to preventing relapse and sustaining long-term recovery. Delving into underlying family dynamics that may trigger relapse equips individuals and families with healthy coping strategies and effective communication techniques. This proactive approach reduces relapse risks and enhances the overall well-being of the individual and the family unit.
Integrating family therapy with other treatments is crucial for delivering thorough care to individuals and families. Collaborative efforts between family therapists and other healthcare professionals ensure a holistic understanding of the individual’s needs, leading to tailored treatment plans.
When is it Time to Consider Family Therapy?
It may be time to consider family therapy if:
- You or a loved one struggles to function at home or work. This may be due to a mental health condition, substance abuse, addiction, or similar struggles.
- It’s difficult to communicate feelings as a family. There may be a disconnect only a trained counselor can resolve.
- Your family members are heavily impacted by a loved one’s actions. A full intervention may be necessary for their recovery.
If you need assistance with making a decision, speaking with an experienced counselor may be beneficial. Many provide free information about their services so you can determine whether or not your family is a fit.
Finding The Right Family Therapists for Your Mental Health Concerns
Not all family counseling centers offer the same level of care.
You should look for evidence-based family counseling that offers:
- Licensed, qualified professionals: Look for professional clinical counselors with LPCC/LPC certifications. Other professionals capable of family therapy include psychiatrists (MD), clinical psychologists (PhD/PsyD), social workers (LCSW), and licensed mental health counselors (LMHC).
- Professional demeanor: Growth through family therapy requires openness and vulnerability. You should seek a seasoned family counselor who can create a safe and protective environment.
- Specific experience: The best family therapists have experience dealing with families like yours (as well as your specific challenges). Be sure to ask how this specific family therapist can address your needs with evidence-based family therapy.
The best way to determine if a family therapist is right for you is to book a consultation with the professional in question. This allows you to familiarize yourself with their approach, ask questions about their methods, and determine if it is based on evidence.
If you spot any red flags or feel uncomfortable about proceeding, immediately look for another family therapy program. It’s important to find the right family addiction therapist to ensure a comfortable fit for your family.
Final Thoughts about Evidence-Based Family Therapy
Family therapy is a valuable tool supported by research and has proven effective in improving family relationships and mental health. Its various approaches, combined with its long-lasting benefits and professional recognition, make it an essential intervention for helping families overcome challenges and thrive.
Does your family need support while navigating a loved one’s recovery?
Learn more about our Fresno Family Counseling Therapy and Support Group.
