THE FAMILY JOURNAL: COUNSELING AND THERAPY FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES / July 2001Eckstein / A F.A.M.I.L.Y. APPROACH TO SELF-CARE For Couples and Families A F.A.M.I.L.Y. Approach to Self-Care: Creating a Healthy Balance

The F.A.M.I.L.Y. Approach to Self-Care introduces a systematic ap-proach for couples and individuals in identifying personal percep-tions of health toward balancing current strengths and weaknesses with self-care behaviors. Health factors within the acronym F.A.M.I.L.Y are identified as a model for self-care. The F.A.M.I.L.Y. Self-Care Assessment Inventory specifically describes the factors of health in the physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual di-mensions of self. A model, “Caring for Self, ” is also included to illustrate the need for integration and balance with self-care. The effects of stress and social support are discussed. Needs and problem-solving skills are identified. Questionnaires, “Creating a Healthy Balance ” and “Health- A Balancing Act ” assist the reader with identifying a plan of action to improve one’s health. Health is a question of balance. The purpose of this article is to assist the reader in understanding and individualizin