Family systems therapy (FST) is an approach to treating teen substance use disorder (SUD) that addresses the family dynamic as a whole. While addiction affects the entire family, the family members often enable the addicted individual to continue using substances.
In FST, the family is seen as a system made up of interconnected parts, and each family member is seen as playing an important role in that system. By understanding how each member contributes to the problem, FST can help identify and change dysfunctional patterns of behavior.
FST can help break down the barriers that keep the addicted individual from seeking help. In addition, it can help to improve communication and build new coping skills within the family.
The 4 Subsystems in FST
There are four main subsystems in family systems therapy:
#1. Spousal
The first subsystem is the relationship between the husband and wife. This system sets the tone for how all other relationships will be in the family.
#2. Parental
The second subsystem is the parental system, which includes parents and their children. This system teaches children how to form future relationships outside of the family.
#3. Sibling
The third subsystem is the sibling system, the relationship between brothers and sisters. This system helps children learn how to resolve conflict without violence.
#4. Extended Family
The fourth and final subsystem is the extended family system which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. This system helps individuals see themselves as part of a larger group.
The four subsystems help you to understand how a family functions as a whole. Each of these subsystems has its own set of rules and patterns of behavior. For a family to function well, all of the subsystems must be balanced.
If one subsystem is out of balance, it can cause problems in the other subsystems. For example, if the parent-child relationship is not working well, it can cause problems in the marital relationship. FST helps families find balance by working on each subsystem separately. By doing this, families can learn how to function as a whole and how to support each other through difficult times.
FST Promotes Unity
Family systems theory posits that family members are interconnected systems and impact each other’s behavior. This theory is often used in family therapy to help families improve communication and resolve conflict.
It can also be applied to teen addiction treatment, as family unity is crucial for a teenager’s recovery. Addressing family dynamics can help break down the barriers that enable addiction, such as enabling behaviors and family disagreements. In addition, family therapy can help family members learn how to support a teenager in recovery, promoting unity within the family system.
Focus On Being Human
Family systems therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on the family unit as a whole rather than individual family members. The theory behind this approach is that families are systems, and each family member plays a role in the system’s functioning. This means that when one member of the family is experiencing problems, it can have an effect on the entire family dynamic.
FTS teen addiction treatment addresses these issues by helping families understand their roles within the family system and learn healthy coping skills. This approach can benefit individuals as it helps them focus on being human rather than being mentally ill or an addict. By understanding the family system and learning how to cope with its challenges, families can begin to heal and move forward in a more positive direction.
Focus on Teamwork
Family systems therapy promotes teamwork within families. Family systems therapy aims to help family members understand and support each other to function more effectively as a unit.
This type of therapy can be particularly beneficial for families dealing with addiction, as it can help them communicate more openly about their experiences and work together to find solutions. By promoting teamwork within families, family systems therapy can help to create a stronger foundation for recovery.
Fosters Accountability
Family systems therapy is a form of counseling that views problems within a family as being caused by the interactions between family members. This therapy promotes accountability by helping family members understand how their actions and words contribute to the family dynamic.
In the context of addiction treatment, family systems therapy can be extremely helpful in getting teens to take responsibility for their recovery. By understanding how their behavior affects the family as a whole, teens can begin to see the need to change their habits and make healthy choices.
In addition, family systems therapy can help families to support and encourage their teen’s recovery by teaching them how to communicate and resolve conflict effectively.
Family systems therapy posits that the family is a complex system with many interconnected parts and that family dynamics play a significant role in individual behavior. This theory has a number of implications for teen addiction treatment. First, it suggests that family unity is essential for promoting recovery. By working to improve communication and strengthen family bonds, teens can create a supportive environment that promotes healing. In addition, family systems theory can help to identify underlying issues that may be contributing to addiction. By addressing these issues, families can help to reduce the risk of relapse and promote long-term recovery. FST promotes accountability and teamwork within the family unit, which can have a great effect on teens’ ability to stay sober. For more information on family systems therapy for teenage substance use disorder treatment, call Clearfork Academy today at (817) 259-2597.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
