Chapter 9 - Transgenerational Theories: Psychodynamic Family Theory / Bowen Family Systems Theory

Question 1

Psychodynamic theory

Answer 1

TRANSGENERATIONAL (“the interactions of families across generations as a way to understand current problems) and one of the oldest approaches to working with families

emphasizes the importance of UNCONSCIOUS FORCES in family life.

An eclectic mix of PSYCHOANALYSIS and SYSTEMS concepts that sometimes make it more LINEARin its emphasis on working with individuals in families.

The therapist acts as a COACH, TEACHER, and CATALYST

Offers Object RELATIONS THEORY - bridge between classical Freudian theory, (individual drives) & family therapy, (social relationship). An OBJECT is something that is LOVED.

Question 2

Nathan Ackerman

Answer 2

A Founder of Psychodynamic Family Therapy

The most prolific writer of the three

Developed concepts of scapegoat and TICKLINGlisof defenses (provoking family members to open up and speak their mind)

concept of interlocking pathology - an unconscious process takes place between family members that keeps them together. If members violate the unwritten family rules, then the members either make a conscious decision to leave & become healthier or are drawn back into the family pattern function in a less than ideal manner.

Question 3

James Framo,

Answer 3

One of three founders of the Psychodynamic family therapy;

applied principles of individual psychoanalysis to FAMILIES and emphasized early human development, especially OBJECT RELATIONS

Question 4

Boszormenyi-Nagy

Answer 4

One of three founders of the Psychodynamic family therapy;

worked with families and helped them BALANCE LOYALTIES and ethical obligations to one another,

Question 5

Psychodynamic Family Therapy Treatment Techniques (SEVEN)

Answer 5

goals to break dysfunctional interactions within the family based on unconscious processes and to resolve individual dysfunctionality.

The therapeutic techniques include

1. TRANSFERENCE
2. DREAM ANALYSIS
3. CONFRONTATION
4. FOCUSING ON STRENGTHS
5. LIFE HISTORY
6. COMPLEMENTARITY
7. INTERPRETATION

Question 6

transference

Answer 6

PROJECTIONS of feelings, attitudes, or desires onto the therapist (

This technique is EMPLOYED DURING INDIVIDUAL ANALYSIS in individual analysis to help clients WORK THROUGH FEELINGS by viewing the therapist as a significant other with whom relationships are unresolved

Question 7

dream analysis,

Answer 7

to analyze what needs within the family are not being met.

Question 8

confrontation,

Answer 8

therapist points out to how their behaviors contradict or with their expressed wishes

(You better check yo self before you wreck yo self).

Question 9

focusing on strengths

Answer 9

By concentrating on strengths, family therapists help change the family’s focus.

Gladding, Samuel T.. Family Therapy (p. 217). Pearson Education. Kindle Edition.

Question 10

life history,

Answer 10

psychodynamic family therapists can report present and past patterns of interaction within the family.

Gladding, Samuel T.. Family Therapy (p. 217). Pearson Education. Kindle Edition.

Question 11

complementarity

Answer 11

Complementarity is the degree of harmony in the meshing of family roles.

It may mean asking members what they want and what they are willing to do in return.

Question 12

interpretation

Answer 12

Interpretation involves bringing unconscious conflicts between family members into consciousness

Question 13

Psychodynamic Family Therapy - Role of the Therapist

Answer 13

TEACHER

GOOD ENOUGH MOTHER - the therapist actually nurtures the family member by providing encouraging behaviors that were absent at earlier developmental stages.

the CATALYST of experience

Question 14

Psychodynamic Family Therapy - Process and Outcome

Answer 14

Help family work through UNCONSCIOUS RESTRICTIONS & INSIGHTS

DIFFERENTIATION OF SELF - BALANCE rational COGNITIVE and EMOTIONAL selves and can separate themselves from others in a nonanxious way.

Assist family members to interact on the basis of current realities.

Question 15

Psychodynamic Family Therapy - FOUR Unique Aspects

Answer 15

1. The potency of the UNCONSCIOUS INFLUENCING HUMAN BEHAVIOR
2. DEFENSE MECHANISMS and FAMILY behavior

3.  An in-depth historical perspective on the development of problems and treatment of dysfunctionality that is thorough. There are 12 basic defense mechanisms  including 
Compartmentalization
Denial
Displacement
Dissociation
Identification
Intellectualization
Projection
Rationalization
Reaction Formation
Regression
Repression
Undoing

4. An attachment of people to objects (other people).