Which therapy treats people within the context of the family system?

• A. Family therapy
• B. Token economy
• C. Virtual reality exposure therapy
• D. Cognitive therapy

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that some therapies address distress by looking at how people relate to each other within a family, not just at the individual in isolation. Family therapy treats symptoms and problems by examining patterns of interaction, communication, boundaries, and roles across the family as a whole. The therapist works with multiple family members to uncover how these dynamics contribute to distress, and aims to change the way the family functions so everyone can support each other more effectively. This approach emphasizes the system rather than focusing solely on one person’s thoughts or behaviors, with goals like improving communication, resolving conflicts, and clarifying boundaries to create a healthier family environment.

Other options don’t focus on the family system in the same way. A token economy uses external rewards to shape behavior, typically in controlled settings and often aimed at individuals. Virtual reality exposure therapy uses immersive simulations to treat specific fears or PTSD by targeting fear responses, usually for an individual. Cognitive therapy concentrates on changing an individual’s thoughts and beliefs, which is also typically discussed at the level of the person rather than the family dynamics.