Main Concepts

Question 1

Alliances:

Answer 1

Subgroups based on gender, generation, developmental tasks

Question 2

Coalitions:

Answer 2

Alignments where 2 or more family members join together to form a bond against another family member.

Coalitions in structural family therapy are dys- functional alliances between at least two family members against another member.

Question 3

Power Hierarchy:

Answer 3

Leadership and direction must be provided by the
adults, typically parents. Sometimes when parents are intimidated or insecure, the power is upside down and it leads to chaos.

Question 4

Subsystems:

Answer 4

Families organize themselves by generation, relationship, and necessity. Examples: marital subsystem – spouses; parental subsystem: parents; executive subsystem: people who run the family; sibling subsystem – kids.

Question 5

Family Map:

Answer 5

A tool the therapist will use to depict the relationship dynamics in the family including sub-systems, alliances, coalitions, and boundaries. This tool is used to conceptualize the case outside of the actual therapy. It is not used or shared with the family (Not done with the family)

Question 6

Disengaged Boundaries:

Answer 6

Where family members are isolated from each
other. Can lead to AOD use and is a result of rigid boundaries.

Question 7

Enmeshed Boundaries:

Answer 7

Family members are overly dependent and too
closely involved and reactive to other family members. This can lead to incest. (“When did you divorce your husband and marry your son?”
active resistance i,e: talking to child about problems with the spouse.