Family Therapy

Evidence shows that Family Therapy or Systemic Psychotherapy provides effective help for people with a wide range of difficulties. It can improve relationships and can be effective in treating childhood conditions such as conduct disorder, mood disorder, eating disorders and drug misuse. In adults it can help with couple difficulties and sever psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

There is also good evidence, Carr (2000a), that Family Therapy can help with problems associated with childhood abuse and neglect, oppositional behaviour and problems with inattention and hyperactivity as well as psychosomatic problems.

Carr (2000b) found good support for Family Therapy for chronic pain management, management of neurologically impaired adults, treatment of psychosexual difficulties, marital conflict, alcohol misuse, anxiety disorders, agoraphobia with panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, major depression and bipolar disorder.

Carr (2000a) Evidence-Based Practice in Family Therapy and Systemic Consultation 1: Child focussed problems. Journal of Family Therapy. 22. 29-60

Carr (2000b) Evidence Based Practice in Family Therapy and Systemic Consultation 11: Adult focussed problems. Journal of Family Therapy. 22. 273-295