What is the first action an Extended Family Therapist should take in a session?

In the context of an Extended Family Therapy session, developing rapport with parents serves as a foundational step that enhances the therapeutic environment. Building trust and a strong relationship with parents is crucial, as it establishes a sense of safety and openness that can significantly impact the effectiveness of the therapy process. When parents feel comfortable and connected, they are more likely to engage fully in discussions, share concerns, and collaborate on treatment objectives.

Creating this rapport also sets the stage for better communication among family members, which is essential in extended family dynamics, as these situations often involve complex relationships and histories. With strong rapport, therapists can better navigate family dynamics, facilitating healing and fostering a more productive therapeutic experience.

While gathering background information and establishing treatment objectives are important steps in therapy, they typically follow the establishment of rapport. Similarly, facilitating family discussions is more effective when trust has been built among participants, allowing for deeper exploration of issues and more meaningful interactions. Therefore, developing rapport with parents is indeed the first action an Extended Family Therapist should take.