From Dr. Jane's Notebook

What is Medical Family Therapy?

I recently returned from this year's Annual convention of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. This organization, which has certified over 18,000 Clinical Members, celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Perhaps the most thought-provoking new concept of the entire conference was Medical Family Therapy. Here are a few thoughts on the subject.

Chronic medical conditions lead to intense relationships with the medical community. When a member of the family becomes ill, all priorities become reorganized to center on health issues. This may mean a long string of appointments and medical tests, absence from work and plenty of worry. Health issues become the priority, and the future becomes even more uncertain.
When one member of a family is sick, the entire family is sick. In effect, when one member of the family becomes sick, all members become part of the medical situation. Emotional concerns and financial responsibilities are shared. Family members must communicate accurately with each other and decisions must be made together. Recovery from illness is, indeed, a family project.
Emotional adjustments are necessary for all. The sick person must adapt to "being a patient". Usually we resist giving up control of our lives and plans, even for the shortest periods of time. But when illness occurs, we must trust others to care for us and make the right decisions. This process changes roles within the family, self-concepts, creates fear, and often leads to depression. All members may find themselves on an "emotional roller coaster".
It is essential to communicate well with your Doctor. Emotional upheavals, the shock of diagnostic reports and lifestyle changes can create tremendous resistance to treatment. Communicating accurately and personally with your physician can eliminate much of the frustration of this experience. When communication is angry or terse, the situation becomes worse.
Regaining health is a cooperative effort. Medical family therapy offers the patient and their family the opportunity to communicate accurately among themselves, express feelings, coordinate efforts, and delegate tasks. When a patient feels the emotional support of family, and the doctor receives cooperation, hope is facilitated on both sides. Medical family therapy can take place in hospitals, at home when the patient is bed-ridden, or in the office of the family therapist.

When illness strikes, there is always the temptation to lash out at the caretaker. Malpractice suits have had a destructive impact on our medical care delivery system. Patients are angry and frustrated about becoming patients, and their families are stressed out. Medical family therapy is a way to help families through the emotional process and improve relations with the medical community. I believe it is the wave of the future.

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Last Updated October 17, 1998 by Gary M. Grandon, Ph.D.