Family Therapy

History and Background

The history of family therapy began around 1960, when Gregory Bateson coined the term, “system thinking.” This type of therapy was a daring departure, both technically and philosophically, from traditional and individual treatment during the 1960s. Gregory Bateson was inspired. He felt that the unit known, as “the family” needed to be celebrated and that is exactly what he did” (Family Therapy, 2010, Para 1) Along with Gregory Bateson, are a list of several others who contributed to the evolution of Marriage and family counseling. This list includes the founder of social work, Mary Richmond, Mr. W. James, who researched the organic expression of social systems intervention and Mr. J. Dewey. Each of these therapists considered family therapy to be, among other things, a “consequence of the development of persistent elements of American professional culture, experience, and philosophy’’ (Family therapy, 2010, Para 2). It is said that the family therapy has a “historical- anthropological viewpoint’’. Moreover, these mentioned have greatly contributed to the overall development that makes up this wonderful field known as family, marriage and counseling or therapy. Marriage and Family counseling does have its relevance to the field of counseling as well as a unique distinction as it relates to Christian identity, function and ethics.

What are Family Counseling and its relevance?

It is important to understand what Marriage and Family counseling entail’s so that there will be an understanding of its true relevance. The union of Marriage is understood to be one of the most sacred institutions God has put in place with the family unit falling next in line as it is the foundation of society and the buil...

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...d returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them’’ (The Online Bible, 2010)

As a counselor, I will with the help of the Holy Spirit, walk this passage of scripture out in my daily profession. I am reminded of a quote given by one of my instructors. She stated, as a professional I bring my expertise but a Christian I come on my knees. I am nothing more than a servant in the field of counseling.