Family Counseling in Contemporary Contexts: A Systematic Review of the Literature Following PRISMA Guidelines

Abstract

This study aims to systematically review the scientific literature on family counseling to evaluate its theoretical foundations, effectiveness, and research trends, while identifying key research gaps. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) for studies published between 2010 and 2025. A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that systemic, structural, and cognitive-behavioral approaches dominate the field, with strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of family counseling in improving communication, reducing conflict, and enhancing family cohesion. However, significant gaps persist, particularly in Arab contexts, longitudinal research, and digital counseling applications. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and practice.