Midterm

Question 1

Define “Family Therapy”

Answer 1

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family.

Question 2

What is the purpose of Family Therapy?

Answer 2

Identify and treat problems that cause dysfunction. Improve in specific areas like communication and problem-solving skills.

Question 3

Ours is a culture that celebrates uniqueness of the individual and the search for an autonomous self. (T or F)

Question 4

Though we are each born into a family, the influence of our family upbringing is escapable. (T or F)

Question 5

Early theorist chose to blame individual struggles as an outgrowth of poor parenting or parent traits. (T or F)

Question 6

What were the most instrumental influences on the creation of the Family Therapy approach?

Question 7

Name two of the most important concepts of small group dynamics that influence Family Therapy.

Question 8

What was Sigmund Freud’s approach when working with individuals as it related to the family?

Question 9

What was the goal of the therapy approach Carl Roger’s developed?

Question 10

Define “Self Actualization”

Question 11

The practice of treating psychological problems in the context of the family did not actually begin until the mid 1960’s. (T or F)

Question 12

Define Family Therapy

Answer 12

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family.

Question 13

What is the purpose of Family Therapy

Answer 13

Identify and treat problems that cause dysfunction. Improve in specific areas like communication and problem-solving skills.

Question 14

When is Family Therapy recomended

Answer 14

• When a family member has schizophrenia or suffers from another severe psychosis. Helps family understand the disorder.
• Families deviate from social normal (single parents, gay couples, etc)
• Members come from mixed racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds
• One member is being scapegoated
• A blended family
• Problems cross generational boundaries

Question 15

What are the advantages of Family Therapy as compared to Individual Counseling

Question 16

In what circumstances may Family Therapy not be recommended choice?

Answer 16

• One of both parents is psychotic or has been diagnosed with antisocial or paranoid personality discorder
• Cultural or religious values are opposed to, or suspicions of psychotherapy
• Some family members cannot participate in treatment sessions because of illness or other physical limitations
• Individuals have rigid personality structure and might be at risk for an emotional or psychological crisis (example: domestic violence)
• Members cannot or will not be able to meet regularly for treatment
• The family is unstable or on the verge of a break-up

Question 17

Define the ‘Family Systems” approach of Family Therapy

Answer 17

• An approach that regards the entire family as the unit of treatment and emphasizes such factors as relationships and communication patterns rather than traits or symptoms in individual members.
• Individual is understood best in context of the family
• Families have a structure (how it is organized) and functions (how it meets member’s needs)

Question 18

How does a Family System Terapist define a “healthy” family

Answer 18

Healthy families have a clear, flexible power structure with the most competent members having the most power.

Question 19

Define Dysfunctinal as it relates to the family

Answer 19

Families are often disengaged (isolated from one another) or enmeshed (overly involved with one another)

Question 20

Define Interconnectedness

Question 21

Define Boundaries

Question 22

Define Homeostasis

Question 23

Define Feedback Loop

Question 24

Define Open System

Question 25

Define Identified Patient

Question 26

Define Double Bind

Question 27

What are the Four Stages of Family Therapy

Question 28

What is the goal of the inital call

Question 29

What are the five speical areas of concern for a Family Therapist