What is a critical early goal for a Structural Family Therapist in treatment?

A critical early goal for a Structural Family Therapist is to join with the family early in treatment. This approach emphasizes building rapport and establishing a trusting relationship with family members, which is essential for effective therapy. By joining with the family, the therapist can help create a safe environment where family members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. This process involves understanding the family's dynamics, communication patterns, and relationships, allowing the therapist to effectively assess and intervene in their presenting issues.

Successful joining also sets the stage for the therapist to facilitate change in the family's structure and communication patterns, which is a key aspect of structural therapy. It fosters a sense of collaboration between the therapist and the family, making it easier to explore deeper issues and work towards healthier interaction patterns within the family. In this way, early engagement lays the foundation for productive therapeutic work in subsequent sessions.