In family therapy, what does the term 'enmeshment' typically refer to?

The term 'enmeshment' in the context of family therapy specifically refers to diffuse boundaries within family dynamics that lead to over-involvement and a lack of autonomy among family members. In enmeshed families, individual identities may become blurred as family members excessively engage in each other’s lives, often leading to problems such as dependency and lack of personal boundaries. This can hinder healthy communication and can create challenges in establishing individual roles and responsibilities within the family unit.

Understanding enmeshment is crucial for therapists because it highlights the need to help families establish clearer boundaries. By addressing enmeshment, therapy can facilitate healthier interactions among family members, allowing for a stronger sense of self while still maintaining supportive relationships.