CNPS 364

Family

Psychotherapist (counsellors)/School Counsellor Family Educators/Consultants

Social Workers Psychologist

Psychiatrists

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PSYCHOTHERAPY/ COUNSELLING

Counsellors’ work are corrective and remedial. They work in private practice, or in counselling organizations.

They work with dysfunctional families who suffer from deeper issues. Counsellors do in-depth therapy (e.g., physically or emotionally abusive relationships, drug and alcohol issues, anxiety or phobias, anger, depression, etc.)

When the family system is shattered

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SCHOOL COUNSELLORS/FAMILY EDUCATORS

Conducted by counsellors, school counsellors, educators, and/or teachers. They give instruction, discuss the issues, and practice how to use

knowledge and skills. (educational groups, private practice, school settings)

They provide information on important facets of family life and child developmental stages.

They cultivates awareness as well help people to put the “gained awareness” into practice ( eg., parenting style, values/beliefs, transition and adjustment issues).

They enhance parenting skills (e.g., how to parent, effective communication and coping skills).

They educate parents on issues related to boundaries, roles and rules. They strengthen the capacity for problem solving within the family system. They do not force parents , they just educate them.

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Involves a counsellor, school counsellor, or a teacher. A collaborative work with parents.

The family is not viewed as dysfunctional, in need of family therapy but as functional, in need of mobilization or empowerment in order to deal with the pressing issues and difficulties (parents are aware of the existing problem).

Guidance, defines the problem and generates solution, and instructs to fix the problem and/or participate in problem-solving process by implementing solutions.

Process facilitation (summarize, clarify, suggest, and tests scenarios). Encourages and ask task relative questions.

Responses that might be appropriate in family therapy such as confrontation, deep interpretation, penetrating questions are apt to be inappropriate in family consultation.

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Family education and consultation is not just a matter of informing people of what do. It is to provide information and offer advice.

An educator needs to know that things to do are indefinite. But it is worthwhile to have techniques, skills, specific programs, or a response. They need to be informed on (cultures, economic circumstances, nature of child’s problems, etc.).

Avoid professional blindness. Respect confidentiality, avoid judgment, be empathic.

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Families are diverse in both membership and functioning. Families include: 2 parent families – biological parents 2 parent remarried with step children Single parent family – never married individuals Divorced individuals (children live in more than one

family because they have different residences, with extended families, or grand parents).

Widow or widowers with children Different gender parenting

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Family as a Complex System: Relationship among family members or with the outside world.

Families vary in terms of functionality that means the ability of the family to meet the physical, emotional, and/ or spiritual needs of each member.

Parents are both full time, or one full-time one half time, or both half time employment. In 2008, as a result of economic problems both parents stayed home or struggling with financial crisis.

Quality time: Time and energy are important parenting factors (stay home mom and lack of energy).

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Positive & Functional Families Parents put lots of energy to create a healthy atmosphere They communicate with care and non-violence. Parent-child relationship evolves over time. Values and boundaries are clear and respected . No power / control

issues Possibilities will be discovered in a respective way. The roles are defined and differentiated and responsibilities are clear. Family members have constructive copying skills at the time of

frustration. Growth is toward functionality. The family is oriented toward utmost respect and strength

rather than disrespect and weaknesses. Attention seeking in a healthy and constructive way.

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Negative & Dysfunctional Families There is great violence of all types. The roles and rules are not defined. Family members are disrespectful and disengaged. Values & boundaries are crossed. Distractive & insulting or distracted. Unkind un-empathic/violent communication. There is no stability in relationships. Coping skills are destructive. Family system is more toward pathological behaviors. Members are not family oriented. Attention seeking in negative ways.

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