Family Systems Theory

Question 1

1st and 2nd order cybernetics

Answer 1

Cybernetics definition: the entire field of control and communication theory, whether in the machine or in the animal. In 1st order, observers of a system were immune to its influence. In 2nd order cybernetics, the family counselor is not an expert-observer but a participant-observer.

Question 2

1st and 2nd order change

Answer 2

First order change is addressing symptoms and second order change is addressing underlying patterns.

Question 3

Boundaries

Answer 3

divide every person, subsystem and the whole family. They can be healthy or dysfunctional

* Rigid boundaries are thick, inflexible. A family with rigid boundaries won’t accept influence and attempts to keep the same impenetrable boundaries across time and contexts. (A 9:30pm curfew for a 14 year old that is maintained when she is 19 and home from college.)
* Diffuse boundaries are loose, open, or absent. (child elevated to companion for Mom- diffuse boundary between mom and daughter; Wild Game)

Question 4

Coalition

Answer 4

A type of alliance, when two family members side together against a third.

Question 5

Family roles and rules

Answer 5

Family roles involve the consistent emotional and behavioral patterns that family members take on within the family. Ex: breadwinner, caretaker, cook, problem solver. Family rules set expectations for behavior and can be spoken or unspoken (overt v. covert).

Question 6

Genogram

Answer 6

A tool for teaching family members about relationship dynamics in their system. Similar to a family tree

Question 7

Ecological systems theory

Answer 7

Developed by Urie Bronfebrenner to explain and differentiate systemic forces that influence children’s development. Levels of influence:

1. The child: an entity that is influence by the other five factors
2. The microsystem: the setting where the child lives including parents, siblings, classmates
3. The mesosystem: the interaction between micro and exosystems ie interaction between child’s family and school administration
4. The ecosystem: Systems outside the microsystem with which the individual or microsystem interacts (parents’ employers, extended family, mass media)
5. The macrosystem: culture, laws, politics, socioeconomics
6. The chronosystem: changes occurring in the other five domains over time

Question 8

Circular causality

Answer 8

Everyone, in one way or another, contributes to the process that maintains problems and successes (as opposed to a linear, individualized view of problems).

Question 9

Homeostasis

Answer 9

The tendency for a system to maintain a relatively stable state. (body temperature) The patterns that are familiar to a family, even if uncomfortable, seem safer than new or unknown patterns.

Question 10

Alliance

Answer 10

Occurs when family members position themselves in support of one another. Forming alliances is a natural means for gaining connection and support. One type of alliance is a coalition, when two family members side together against a third.

Question 11

Triangulation

Answer 11

When a dyad in conflict pulls in a third party. The third party holds the focus to relieve relationship distress. This enables the dyad to ignore their own struggle and come together as they place energy into the third party. Typically, they pull in a more vulnerable or less powerful member of the family. (A couple focusing on a child’s problems rather than working on their own relationship issues.)

Question 12

Differentiation

Answer 12

Defined by Murray, the differentiation of self is an ideal therapy outcome in which an individual is able to self-regulate and mange or balance the relational challenge of togetherness and independence. Once family members attain differentiation, they’re emotionally and intellectually self-sufficient and able to resist the unconscious grasp of their family’s rules and roles.

Question 13

Mimesis

Answer 13

In structural therapy, therapist joins with the family in ways that set the foundation for trustworthy and open relationships. Therapist makes an effort to “fit in” with the family.

Question 14

What are the basic assumptions or core principles associated with family systems theory/therapy?

Answer 14

The problem resides in and is shared by the whole family system, not in the individual-even though the individual appears to own the problem. Our symptoms are often maintained to meet the needs of our families.

Question 15

How does family systems differ from other therapeutic modalities in terms of how problems are conceptualized?

Answer 15

Like feminist, constructive, and multicultural perspectives, the “problem” is outside the individual. Family systems therapists differ from the others in that they focus on the microsystem of the family as the source of the problem and the location where the intervention should occur.

Question 16

How does the concept of circular causality help to inform therapeutic conceptualization from a family systems perspective?

Answer 16

everyone, in one way or another, contributes to the process that maintains problems and successes. A case conceptualization will include all family members, not just the “identified client.”

Question 17

From a family systems perspective, how is the “identified client” viewed/defined and how does this differ from more individualized approaches to therapy?

Answer 17

The identified patient is the person to whom other family members ascribe the problem. It provides safety and comfort to the family because it keeps the problem localized to one person. The therapist’s role is to broaden the view of the problem beyond the IP. In individualized therapy, the focus would remain on the individual and how they are maintaining the problem.

Question 18

How does Bowen’s form of family therapy primarily differ from other views?

Answer 18

Multi-generational dynamics/genogram. Psychoanalysis philosophy- detached role from the family.

Question 19

How have family systems theories and/or therapy meaningfully contributed to our ability as practitioners to facilitate positive change? Are there notable limitations to the family systems line of thinking?

Answer 19

Externalizing the problem and looking beyond the individual to treat the whole system are strengths

Question 20

Who was the first modern theorist to focus on family dynamics?

Answer 20

Adler

Question 21

What is the therapist’s role in family systems theory?

Answer 21

participant-observer

Question 22

Structural Family Therapy

Answer 22

Minuchin- focuses on changing organizational structure of a family system

• role of therapist is directive within relationship of trust
• key focus is to change family structure to better nurture growth of its members

Question 23

Methods of facilitating change in Structural Family Therapy

Answer 23

• mimesis
• family mapping (conceptualizing family structure)
• family enactments
• therapist intervenes through restructuring- unbalancing, reframing