Family is the first thing a human has a connection with after birth. Bond with family is essential since it's the family that helps you in your most difficult times. Similarly, family is with you in your best times, too. Even though a bond with family is irreplaceable, there are times when the relationship between family gets tormented. 

In this situation of turmoil, it is crucial to seek professional help. One of the ways you can save your bond with your family is structural family therapy. With the digitalization era, structural family therapy online and in-person is possible. 

Overview of Structural Family Therapy

What is structural family therapy?

Structural family therapy is a type of talk therapy that aims at bringing families closer together once again. It takes the whole family as a single unit and assesses and identifies factors that cause distress among them. Interconnection of the family is taken into consideration, and the therapy is based on the idea that the actions and behavior of one family member can affect the mental state and behavior of the other. 

Structural family therapy combines the original family structure and dynamic and treats various problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In recent times, the availability of online sessions of structural family therapy has made access to this type of therapy way easier.

History of Structural Family Therapy

Salvador Minuchin was a family therapist and psychiatrist known as the founder of structural family therapy. He is called the father of structural family therapy, considering his contribution to this field. Minuchin analyzed that the dynamics of any family held the gateway to several severe mental health issues. 

He developed a therapeutic approach to understanding and addressing the dynamics of families. Since its inception, structural family therapy has been used to fix various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Theoretical Foundations of Structural Family Therapy

Structural family therapy is based on the theoretical foundation that family structure is a factor that influences each family member's behavior in each family system. Structural family therapy focuses on finding the family's underlying dynamics, including communication patterns, roles, and boundaries. 

A structural family therapist's job is to identify all dysfunctional family patterns to minimize communication gaps and encourage a healthy relationship between family members. This type of therapy emphasizes that families are meant to be one unit instead of individuals living in isolation.

Aim and Techniques of Structural Family Therapy

Structural family therapy aims to modify the family structure and boundaries to promote healthier functioning relationships. A structural family therapist makes the family members understand the factors causing distress. The therapist works with the family so that healthy ways of interaction between the family are encouraged. 

Troubling patterns of behavior and interactions within families system are restructured to improve the quality of the social interaction. The therapist works collaboratively with the family members to have an idea and then identifies and modifies the family's boundaries. In this case, the therapist ensures the family's ability to face challenges increases.

Techniques used in structural family therapy include role-playing, reframing, and restructuring. One important method used in structural family therapy is joining, which involves the therapist communicating with the family members to work with them and build trust and rapport. This method lets the therapist have a closer look at the family structure and have an insight into what goes on in the family. 

Another technique used in structural family therapy is boundary-making, which involves setting boundaries within the family subsystem. This helps promote healthier functions and relationships within the family. Every family member can be aware of their roles and responsibilities, and the number of conflicts can be decreased. 

Benefits of Getting Structural Family Therapy Online

After the rise of COVID-19 in 2020, people realized that shifting to online alternatives of things is a better idea. Apart from conventional ways of physically going to the therapist, getting structural family therapy online is the new trend nowadays. It is feasible, convenient, and provides a comfortable option for families to get treatment. 

Here are a few benefits of getting structural family therapy online as compared to conventional in-person sessions:

Convenience

The online version of structural family therapy provides families with a great deal of convenience in terms of comfort. Families can be in the comfort of their own houses while getting treatment. It is a very convenient option for families living in remote or rural areas who cannot travel frequently, and it saves them time and the cost of travel.

Flexibility

Another advantage of online structural family therapy is the flexibility of time options. Families can get the sessions scheduled as per their ease and routine. It can also make it easier for families who live in different time zones to get therapy.

Increased Access to Specialists

By opting for the online version of structural family therapy, families can get a broader range of options for choosing their therapist/specialist. This can benefit families living in areas with limited mental healthcare options. 

Reduced Stigma

By getting structural family therapy online, there can be a reduction in the stigma associated with mental health or family treatment. It allows the treatments to be more private as the family stays at their place during the treatment. Families can get therapy without feeling embarrassed about it.

Increased Comfort and Safety

Online sessions of structural family therapy can be comfortable and safe for individuals who may have developed social anxiety due to a trauma they have faced previously. They can have a feeling of being safe while staying in the comfort of their house.

Summary

Family is the most important part of someone's life, and you should not compromise on the mental health of your family members or on the bond between your family that is meant to be strong. You must find a reputable therapist that provides structural family therapy to strengthen your family bond. Structural family therapy can be helpful for those families that have developed weak relationships between them. Choosing between in-person or online structural family therapy sessions is your choice, and you can opt for any option depending on your preference.