Joining in Family Therapy

In the realm of Family Therapy, where relationships are the focal point of healing, lies a crucial skill that forms the foundation of effective intervention – Joining. Joining, a concept developed by renowned family therapist Salvador Minuchin[1], is the art of establishing rapport, building alliances, and connecting with family members to facilitate meaningful change within the family system. In this article, we explore the transformative power of Joining in Family Therapy and its vital role in fostering collaboration, trust, and growth.

Creating a Therapeutic Alliance
At the heart of Joining lies the creation of a therapeutic alliance between therapist and family. Joining involves establishing rapport, building trust, and creating a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and challenges. Therapists demonstrate empathy, authenticity, and nonjudgmental acceptance, meeting clients where they are and validating their experiences. By forging a strong therapeutic alliance, therapists lay the groundwork for meaningful engagement and collaboration with the family.[2]

Entering the Family System
Joining also entails entering the family system with humility, curiosity, and respect. Therapists approach families with an open mind and a willingness to learn, acknowledging the uniqueness of each family’s culture, values, and dynamics.[3] By adopting a posture of curiosity and humility, therapists invite families to share their stories, perspectives, and experiences, gaining insight into the complexities of their relational landscape.

Aligning with Family Goals and Values
A key aspect of Joining is aligning with the goals, values, and strengths of the family.[4] Therapists collaborate with families to identify their strengths, resources, and areas for growth, honoring their expertise as experts on their own lives. By affirming the family’s goals and values, therapists empower families to take an active role in the therapeutic process, fostering a sense of ownership and agency in creating positive change.

Navigating Resistance and Ambivalence
Joining also involves navigating resistance and ambivalence within the family system with empathy and flexibility. Therapists recognize that change is often met with resistance and ambivalence, and they work collaboratively with families to explore and address underlying concerns and fears.[5] By acknowledging and validating resistance, therapists create space for families to express their emotions and concerns, paving the way for deeper exploration and engagement in the therapeutic process.

Promoting Collaboration and Empowerment
Ultimately, Joining is about promoting collaboration, empowerment, and resilience within the family system.[6] Therapists empower families to explore new perspectives, experiment with alternative solutions, and navigate challenges together with confidence and resilience. By fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic environment, therapists support families in creating meaningful and lasting change in their relationships and lives.

In conclusion, Joining is a cornerstone of effective family therapy, fostering collaboration, trust, and growth within the family system. By establishing rapport, entering the family system with humility and curiosity, aligning with family goals and values, navigating resistance and ambivalence, and promoting collaboration and empowerment, therapists can create a therapeutic environment where families feel heard, valued, and supported as they embark on a journey of healing and transformation.

[1] Minuchin, Salvador, and H. Charles Fishman. Family therapy techniques. Harvard University Press, 1981.

[2] Jones, Alan. “Joining the family.” Seminars in Hearing. Vol. 16. No. 02. Copyright© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 1995.

[3] Lee, Eunjung, et al. “Joining revisited in family therapy: Discourse analysis of cross‐cultural encounters between a therapist and an immigrant family.” Journal of Family Therapy 40.2 (2018): 148-179.

[4] Bertram, Dale E. “Joining with all members of a family system: The rhetoric of antilogic in family therapy dialogue.” Contemporary family therapy 18 (1996): 523-533.

[5] Greif, Geoffrey L. “Twenty-five basic joining techniques in family therapy.” Journal of psychoactive drugs 22.1 (1990): 89-90.

[6] Natrajan-Tyagi, Rajeswari, and Scott R. Woolley. “Joining in Couple and Family Therapy.” Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2019. 1608-1612.