Variations in family composition. Implications for family therapy.

The American family is truly diverse, with many forms and changes between and among forms common. Each variation in family composition presents its own unique challenges and possesses its own unique possibilities for success, building on its own unique strengths. Each family in trouble expects and demands respectful, patient, and committed assistance from the family therapist. The family therapist must appreciate the uniqueness of an individual family and the features that that family has in common with similar families and with all families. It is the commitment of parental figures to take responsibility for their children and participate actively with them in their development that creates successful family life. The family therapist's acceptance, curiosity, and respect for the family and its members encourages change and enlists strengths. This approach permits the family therapist to participate in meaningful and effective lives for each family.