Therapy professionals, how is involving extended family members beneficial for the therapy process?

Extended family members, such as grandparents, can be a large part of a client's support network. I work with people in the transition to parenthood, and I see extended family members coming into play to assist with childcare, household tasks, and filling in the gaps... especially when the family is adding a second child. In healthy relationships with extended family members, these are often people clients go to for advice, support, guidance, and vent. Involving them in care can lead to a better understanding of each other, the client we are supporting, and can also help the extended family member remind the client(s) of their coping skills, resources, and self-care plans outside of the one hour per week we see them as a therapist.

As a Family Therapist, I view all of my clients through a systemic lens. Each of us is shaped by the relationships we have, so when I get to know your parents, siblings, partner, or children, I get a better understanding of what informs the way that you are. Additionally, insights from your family members can bring new awareness to you when they join therapy sessions. The input from family members when I ask, "what would you like me to help your family member out with?" are meaningful to clients' personal growth and their relationships.

When we engage with the family of origin and extended family we are granted access to one of the cultures our client has been steeped in and impacted by. It can offer insight into emotional, and behavioral patterns, that without witnessing my seem to be stand alone beliefs creating self doubt, confusion, or isolation. By engaging the extended family we are able make connections that may otherwise go unnoticed, and provide support in potentially more effective ways. We are now engaging with or moving away from what we are witnessing within the greater context of our clients life.

My clinical experience and research in family therapy tell us that involving extended family members in therapy significantly enhances the therapeutic process. Family members provide the clinician and the client a broader perspective on family dynamics especially as it addresses relational issues. (McGoldrick, Carter, & Garcia-Preto, 2016). I have experienced that extended family members offer additional information, support, and resources and give insight and understanding of family patterns. Including family members also can often help in creating a supporting network that strengthens the overall family system, as interventions often benefit from the input of individuals who have long-standing relationships with the primary family members (Brown & Harris, 2019). Engaging extended family helps in addressing systemic issues and improving overall family cohesion. References: McGoldrick, M., Carter, B., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2016). The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives. Pearson. Brown, G. W., & Harris, T. O. (2019). The Social Origins of Depression: A Study of Psychiatric Disorder in Women. Routledge.