Functional Family Therapy at Dayspring
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is normally used by Dayspring Center for Christian Counseling when the family contains adolescents from 10 - 18 and is a short-term intervention that involves the entire family in addressing adolescent behavior problems.
FFT is a flexible approach that can be customized to fit different family types and cultures. It focuses on fixing the underlying issues causing unhealthy behaviors and giving hope to change them into more positive interactions. FFT has shown great results in strengthening family bonds and lowering the number of young people involved in delinquent activities.
Dayspring counselors need to understand what young people think and feel to make this therapy work for them. Young people often have different experiences than adults, which can lead to misunderstandings. When young people are involved in therapy, they feel like they own what’s happening and can take responsibility for their actions.
Talking openly about their feelings, behaviors, and goals helps young people feel empowered. This also helps build trust between family members, so it’s easier to talk about tough topics. FFT uses resources and activities that are appropriate for young family members.
FFT typically lasts about ten sessions but your Dayspring counselor may incorporate other therapies as needed such as Narrative Therapy or Strategic Family Therapy.
FFT uses several techniques to engage your entire family, like:
1. Building strong bonds with family members: This means getting to know and like your family members to create a supportive environment.
2. Asking questions that help your family members shine: By asking questions that recognize and appreciate each family member’s unique strengths, your counselor can give them the confidence to take action and overcome challenges.
3. Listening to family members’ feelings and validating them: Dayspring counselors acknowledge and validate family members’ emotions, helping them feel understood and heard. This creates a sense of emotional safety and encourages open communication.
4. Stepping in when negative behavior patterns come up: Your counselor will gently intervene when negative behavior patterns emerge and provide alternative ways for family members to express themselves.
5. Helping family members reframe blame, negativity, and anger by offering different perspectives: Our counselors help your family members reframe negative thoughts and emotions by presenting alternative perspectives. This encourages them to consider different viewpoints and find more constructive ways to cope with conflicts.
6. Teaching communication, parenting, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
FTT comprises a series of five progressive phases that your Dayspring counselor will guide your family through:
- Engagement: The Dayspring counselor work to demonstrate responsiveness and establish credibility with all family members.
- Motivation: This phase aims to encourage motivation and lasting change by reducing family hostility and blame, increasing hope, and building healthier family relationships.
- Assessment: The counselor helps identify patterns within your family through observation and questioning.
- Behavior Change: The counselor teaches your family members communication skills, parenting skills, and youth compliance. This phase may include other therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Generalization: This final phase applies the improvements made in the Behavior Change phase to other areas. Your Dayspring counselor will help your family plan for future challenges to prevent relapse.
FFT is more than just fixing kids and teens’ behaviors. It also helps families and friends. Here are some of the goals that your Dayspring counselor is expecting to see in your teens by the end of the treatment plan:
Teens learn to manage their emotions better.
They’re more motivated and engaged in activities.
Their moods improve.
They learn healthier ways to cope with stress.
They’re more likely to take responsibility for their actions.
They’re less likely to get into violent or serious crimes.
They’re less likely to commit crimes as adults.
They’re less likely to be sent to live with a guardian.
Families are closer and more supportive of each other.
You may be curious about what to expect from Dayspring Center for Christian Counseling. Established in February 2002, we are a community mental health provider that began as a nonprofit group of local counselors. Our mission has remained unchanged throughout our journey.
Unlike some popular online counseling companies that adopt an “industrialized” approach, Dayspring remains a local organization prioritizing the well-being of our clients over profit. While our reach has expanded from Marshall County to throughout Alabama, we continue to be dedicated to providing affordable, personalized counseling services that have a hometown feel.
