What is a key initial focus when starting therapy with an extended family in Bowen Family Therapy?

In Bowen Family Therapy, a key initial focus when starting therapy with an extended family is indeed developing rapport with the parents. This is essential as it establishes a foundation of trust and cooperation, which is vital for the therapy process. Building a strong therapeutic alliance with the parents enables the therapist to effectively work with the entire family unit. Parents play a central role in the family dynamic, influencing the emotional climate and the relationships among family members. By engaging with the parents first, the therapist can create an environment where family members feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings, ultimately facilitating healthier interactions among all family members.

Creating a family genogram, while an important tool in Bowen Family Therapy for visualizing family dynamics and history, typically follows the initial rapport-building phase. Addressing immediate concerns of the children can also be crucial, but focusing primarily on the parents enables the therapist to gain insight into the overarching family system. Setting strict boundaries for therapy may be necessary later in the process, but initially, the emphasis should be on establishing rapport to foster effective communication and engagement from the outset.