What is a Family Counselor, What Do They Do? Tasks and Responsibilities
A family consultant is a professional who helps individuals and families understand the problems they are facing by examining the relationships and dynamics within the family. Because the complex structure of the family is shaped by various factors coming together, consultants aim to analyze these factors and provide concrete solutions to family members. Family consultants provide support across a wide range of issues, from communication problems between spouses to the behaviors of children and adolescents in the home.
Tasks of Family Counselor
The tasks undertaken by family consultants are quite diverse. Here are some of these tasks:
Consultation and Therapeutic Support: Family consultants conduct individual and group therapies to address the challenges faced by families. In this process, they adopt a solution-oriented approach by helping families clearly express their problems.
Improving Family Communication: When effective communication cannot be established within the family, consultants provide training for family members to improve their communication skills. This training can focus on areas such as empathy, active listening, and emotional expression.
Conflict Management: Consultants who help resolve disputes within the family teach family members conflict management techniques. These techniques involve obtaining opinions in a healthy way and exploring ways to solve problems.
Service Provision: Family consultants can offer various services such as individual therapy, group therapy, home visits, and workshops according to the families' needs. These presentations are shaped according to the family's situation and needs.
Observation and Evaluation: Consultants observe the attitudes and behaviors of family members to evaluate the functioning of family dynamics. These evaluations are critical in creating family-specific intervention plans.
Responsibilities of Family Counselor
The responsibilities of family consultants are not limited to providing consulting services. They also have important duties to support the psychological and emotional health of families:
Protection of Privacy: Family consultants must prioritize the privacy of the families they work with. Keeping all information obtained during the counseling process confidential is an ethical responsibility.
Adapting to the Family: Considering that each family member has a different background and perspective, the consultant must understand the needs of these individuals and respect their differences.
Ethical Principles: Family consultants must act in accordance with professional ethical principles. Adhering to professional standards and codes of conduct strengthens the relationship with families.
Professional Development: Family consultants should continuously improve themselves by participating in training and seminars while working autonomously. This enhances both their professional competence and allows them to provide better support to families with updated information.
When Should One Seek Family Counselor?
Problems within families can often be overlooked, but in some cases, seeking professional support can be of vital importance. Here are some situations when family consulting should be sought:
Communication Problems: If there is ongoing communication breakdown or conflict among family members.
Divorce or Separation Processes: When a divorce decision is made between spouses, it is important to seek support for the situation of the children.
Behavioral Problems in Children and Youth: When a significant change or problems are observed in children's behaviors.
Family Appointments or Moves: Significant changes within the family can affect the mental health of individuals. The consulting process should be considered for these changes.
Loss or Serious Life Crises: Seeking professional help can be beneficial in situations where there is a loss of a family member or a serious trauma.
Conclusion
Family Counselors are an important support structure that guides families through difficult processes. They contribute to positive changes in family dynamics through methods such as healthy communication, effective conflict management, and emotional support during the consulting processes. The situations in which family consulting should be sought are critical for the successful development of relationships. In this context, careful attention should be paid to the selection of a family consultant, and one should work with a consultant suited to one's needs.
