Lecture 4 Flashcards
Homeostasis
Also called morphostasis Self regulating system Recursive patterns that include : Stable rules, roles, routines , prevent against Disruption of stability
Morphogenesis
Opposite to morphostasis
A process to promote change
at a higher level
Evolving over the lifecycle
A central part of morphogenesis
Cybernetics
Feedback loops Patterns of communication Multiple levels of communication Multiple types ( conscious / unconscious ) A family is s we’ll governed system
Positive feedback loops
Positive does not mean good it means ‘ more of’
Amplifies
Enhancing change - not too fast otherwise
Disintegration
For example: mother wants son to move out after doing everything for him - kicks him out !
Result disintegration. Better to amplify the behaviour you want.
Negative feedback loop
A response that decreases the likelihood of the behaviour happening
Maintain homeostasis or family functioning in its current way - stabilisers
A return of equilibrium - reduces deviation/ change / opposite
Family systems theory
The family operates as a system - all members play a role and follow rules. Patterns develop in a system and each member reacts in predictable ways
Symmetrical patterns / relationships
The behaviour of one member Invariably elecits a similar type of behaviour from the other
Overtime the pattern escalates until one leaves
Example - one member cuts off communication with the other and yet they are both hurting and want to connect
Complimentary patterns / relationships
Behaviour differ but fit in dynamic equilibrium
Dominant behaviour in one and other is submissive
Jay haley “ one up” in charge “ one down “ accepting and being taken care of
Mutual / reciprocal patterns
Responsive to change
Mix of complimentary and symmetrical behaviour patterns
Patterns not causation
Therapist steps out of looking for blame
Rather look for patterns to disrupt
Assessment
Why now? Best question to ask what’s the trigger that brought you to therapy
Concepts
Presenting problems
Precipitating factors
Predisposing factors
Perpetuating factors
Strengths
Formulation
Concepts
Interpersonal part of system
People cannot not communicate
Individuals have and need important others and do does therapeutic intervention
Circular casualty
Reciprocal response recursive
Who started versus joining, understanding identify patterns
Triangulation
The third conflict,person or parties
Dyads
Alliance and coalition
Process and content
Balancing process and content
Not what and who but how and when, where
Family structures
Subsystems, determined by gender, generation, function, boundaries, invisable barriers
The meaning of the symptom as a possibility
Presenting complaints and latent conflicts
Resistance
Resistance to change
Safety and assurance - island of safety, credibility, authority, Hope
Family narratives
Disrupting reconstruction
Gender and culture
Roles and expectations
Values beliefs expectations assumptions and roles
“Over a period of thirty five years
I’ve extended my orientation to the problems of behaviour, step by step from the inner life of the person to the family and the family within the community”
Ackerman 1972
Life cycle
Always consider life-cycle issues when formulating a case
The family may not have successfully made a transition from one stage to another
Stage one - unattached adult
Stage two newly married
Stage three - childbearing adults
Stage four - preschool child
Stage five - school aged child
Stage six - families with adolescents
Stage seven children moving out
Stage eight - later on
Decision to divorce
Planning the breakup
Separation
The divorce
Single parent
What is first order change ?
Doing something upon reaching life change
Ie getting baby room ready or downsizing your house
What is second order change?
Negotiating boundaries for visiting relatives, shared responsibilities for new baby coming
Vertical stressors ?
Family attitudes - taboos - expectations - loaded issues as we grew up !
Horizontal stressors ?
Stress as the family move through time - losses- deaths - changes and transistions
