Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

What therapy focus aims to alter behaviors stemming from dysfunctional family systems?

1. Individual counseling

2. Family therapy

3. Cognitive behavioral therapy

4. Supportive counseling

The correct answer is: Family therapy

Family therapy is the approach specifically designed to address behaviors that arise from dysfunctional family systems. This therapy focuses on the relationships and interactions among family members, aiming to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and change negative patterns of behavior within the family dynamic. In cases of dysfunction, individuals may develop certain behaviors as a response to the family environment, and family therapy seeks to identify and alter these maladaptive behaviors by working with the entire family unit. The other therapeutic options, while valuable in their own right, do not specifically target the intricate dynamics of family systems. Individual counseling often focuses on a single person’s issues without delving into family interactions. Cognitive behavioral therapy primarily targets individual thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, rather than addressing the broader family context. Supportive counseling provides emotional support but lacks the structured approach to modify behaviors that come directly from dysfunctional family systems. Thus, family therapy is uniquely suited for this purpose.