Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

In family therapy, which of the following issues is generally addressed first?

1. Financial problems

2. Communication breakdowns

3. Parental conflict

4. Behavioral issues with children

The correct answer is: Communication breakdowns

In family therapy, addressing communication breakdowns first is crucial because effective communication forms the foundation for resolving other issues within the family. When families experience conflict or challenges, often at the heart of these problems lies a failure to communicate openly and respectfully with one another. By focusing on improving communication skills, family members can express their thoughts and feelings more clearly, listen to each other, and understand different perspectives. This enhanced communication not only helps to alleviate current tension but also equips family members with tools to handle future conflicts more effectively. Once communication improves, it becomes easier to address other issues such as financial problems, parental conflict, and behavioral issues with children. These problems often stem from misunderstandings or poor communication, so tackling the communication aspect first creates a more constructive environment for discussing and resolving the other, often more complex, issues within the family dynamic.