Theory-Based Treatment Planning for Marriage & Family Therapists

Problems encountered within the context of a marriage or family are seldom the result of one person's actions. Families tend to function as a unit in terms of how communication processes take place. In order to address individual, or group problems within this unit, therapists use a relationships-oriented approach when creating treatment plan goals and objectives.

Identification

• A family's influence on an individual's sense of identity and behavior may or may not be in the best interests of the individual. Each member's contribution to the group works to promote whatever communication patterns are in place. Theory-based treatment planning is designed to identify which communication patterns are contributing to the problem at hand. In some cases, individual counseling is provided to further strengthen individual members so they can better cope with the family unit.

Function

• Theory-based treatment planning for marriage and family therapists is based on a family system's approach. This approach works to create a healthy equilibrium within the unit by addressing relationship, or communication imbalances between family members. The treatment plan is made up of objectives and goals that deal with the problems and issues being addressed. Desired treatment outcomes are identified, as well as the actions needed to reach the desired goals. Both the therapist and the family decide what will go into the plan.

Objectives

• Treatment plan objectives focus on the behaviors that will bring about the desired change within family interactions. Based on family system theory, these objectives will point to certain communication patterns that take place between two, or more members. Each objective is designed to improve relationship interactions within the group by assigning constructive communication skills for use within their daily interactions. Unresolved emotional issues held by a particular family member, or marriage partner may require individual counseling that coincides with the overall treatment goals.

Goals

• Treatment plan goals spell out specific, measurable events, or behaviors that show progress has been made throughout the course of treatment. Plan objectives are designed to provide the steps needed to obtain each desired goal. In effect, each goal will be a natural result of following through on the stated objectives. Over the course of treatment, plan goals may need to be revised by the therapist to reflect new developments that take place. New developments may involve new information that comes to light during the course of treatment, or a change in family roles (i.e. father loses job, mother goes back to work).

Considerations

• A marriage or a family unit is a system made up of interconnected relationships. Whether it be a healthy unit, or a dysfunctional unit, its still a "working" system. Theory based treatment planning works by disrupting the system that's in place, in order to create a healthy functioning system. Proper guidance and direction is needed on the therapist's part to avoid a total breakdown in the family system. In addition, successful treatment outcomes require participation from all members involved in order to create a healthy family unit that works.