What is the primary goal of Extended Family Systems Psychotherapy?

The primary goal of Extended Family Systems Psychotherapy is to increase the differentiation of all family members. Differentiation refers to an individual’s ability to maintain their sense of self while remaining emotionally connected to their family. This concept is rooted in the work of Murray Bowen, who emphasized the importance of individuals being able to separate their thoughts and feelings from those of their family members. In this therapeutic approach, clients work to develop a better understanding of their roles within their family system, improve self-awareness, and reduce anxiety in relationships.

As family members achieve greater differentiation, they can manage their own emotional responses more effectively, leading to healthier interactions within the family unit. This therapeutic focus ultimately helps to create a functional family dynamic, allowing for personal growth while maintaining supportive relationships with other family members.

While increasing family cohesion, enhancing communication, and reducing external influences may also be goals of family therapy in general, they are secondary to the central aim of increasing differentiation within the Extended Family Systems framework.