Therapy as an Alternative Approach in Counseling: A Literature Review

Abstract

The development of the digital era and multicultural society has necessitated a transformation in family counseling services, shifting from traditional face-to-face models to online, hybrid, and technology-based approaches. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of family therapy as an alternative approach in family counseling to address complex challenges in Indonesia, such as rising divorce rates, intergenerational conflict, and family dysfunction—65% of which stem from ineffective communication and shifting values. Using a literature review method, this study examines various family therapy approaches, including Strategic Family Therapy and Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy, along with intervention techniques such as reframing and family sculpting. The findings indicate that family therapy, based on systemic, holistic, and interactional principles, is effective in modifying dysfunctional interaction patterns within families. However, a significant gap remains between theoretical development and practical implementation, particularly regarding the adaptation of therapeutic approaches to local cultural contexts. The study concludes that family therapy can serve as a relevant and transformative intervention in Indonesian family counseling when integrated with local cultural values and digital technologies. It recommends the development of context-sensitive therapeutic models and counselor training programs tailored to the dynamics of modern families.