Family therapy forces on the entire family constellation and requires an
understanding of the family problem as it presents to others within the family
system. Cross-cultural and blended families add a new dimension but the
primary goal is to alleviate problems in one or more family members.
The process is built on trust, equality and framed with Democratic principles
equal to our society. Within the family system there is a movement toward
freedom within limits realizing that parents and children have different
roles but each is to be treated with respect, dignity, and positive regard.
The therapist identifies the problems and paves the way for a successful
win/win outcome through negotiation and compromise, realizing that in order to
get something one has to give something and that respect is something you
have to have in order to get. Consequences are choices that are clearly
communicated throughout and have logical connections to the behaviors.