The early communications theory is a source of several concepts fundamental to family therapy. It is focused on improving relationships within a family by studying verbal and non-verbal exchanges between family members (Nichols & Davis, 2020). The first concept is the attention to actions that lead to conflicts (Nichols & Davis, 2020). One cannot solve an issue if one does not identify its root. The second idea is that each family is unique and needs a specific therapy strategy (Nichols & Davis, 2020). The diversity of human interaction models and environmental factors is infinite and not universal. Thus, communications theory has significantly contributed to the general perspective on efficient family therapy.
Two prominent family therapy schools that also adopted these ideas are Bowenian and Structural. Bowen family therapy looks at the family as an “emotional unit” (Yarhouse & Sells, 2017, p. 63). It implies that all the emotional responses are originated from family and the quality and quantity of interactions with them (Yarhouse & Sells, 2017; Nichols & Davis, 2020). For efficient family relationships, one should balance individuality and togetherness (Nichols & Davis, 2020). It means that one must have enough time both for personal and family needs.
Structural family therapy also looks at the quality of communication within the family to identify the roots of the problems. However, unlike the Bowen theory, which mainly considers the amount of time spent with the family members, the Structural approach is focused on the interactions’ structure itself (Yarhouse & Sells, 2017). The therapist has to identify the rules and principles of communication established in a particular family and find patterns that cause problems (Yarhouse & Sells, 2017). Thus, Structural therapy focuses on the quality of contact with relatives rather than quantity, as Bowen’s theory.
Relationship within marriage plays an important role in the Christian worldview. According to Lobnibe (2019), solid marriage in Christianity can symbolize virtuous behavior (p. 673). Christians disapprove of divorce when spouses have conflicts (Bobyreva & Dmitrieva, 2018). On the one hand, it fits the Bowen and Structure theories in terms of the need to improve the quality of communication before considering divorce. On the other hand, such disapproval of divorce as a possible option may create unnecessary pressure on people that can become a barrier in the therapy. Thus, these family therapy theories do not fully align with Christian beliefs.
References
Bobyreva, E.V., & Dmitrieva, O. A. (2018). Place of family and family values in worldbasic religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism). Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 198, 19-22. Web.
Lobnibe, I. (2019). Review of the book Faith, power and family. Christianity and social change in French Cameroon, by C. Walker-Said. The Journal of Ecclesiastical History, 70(3), 672-673. Web.
Nichols, M.P., & Davis, S. D. (2020). The essentials of family therapy (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
Yarhouse, M.A., & Sells, J.N. (2017). Family therapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal. InterVarsity Press.