structural Flashcards
Founder of Structural
Salvador Minuchin
Stance of therapist structural
Directive and leading enactments
uses joining and reframing and paradox
Alters behavioral sequence in sessio rather than between session.
Family structure
invisible rules governing family transactions (interactions). Looks at power and hieracrchy, subsystems, boundaries, roles
Where did Minuchin develop structural
Philadelphia working with poor “delinquent” boys.
When would you challenge structure of family?
When is isn’t working for clients/family-
Where are parents in family structure/structural
Top of the hierarchy, but needs to be flexible regarding life stages
Structural Principles
-Once a behavior is repeated more likely to continue (influenced by culture)
-Families interact in an organized pattern (descriptive not prescriptive)
-partly “universal)
-can only be seen in action- description doesn’t convey structure
Structural healthy family
set structure influenced by external factors and can be flexible to address needs.
Times of transition/developmental stages may be difficuly but can adapt
Structural dysfunctional families
Family subsystems not working. Cannot adjust to developmental changes with system structure.
What is the focus of structural therapists
behavioral sequences
rules that govern interaction
context
Change comes with family organization change
Goals of structural therapy
“correct dysfunctional hierarchies by putting parents in charge and differentiate between subsystems.” Strengthen disengaged boundaries- weaken enmeshed relationships.
what is a cross generational coalition
Boundaries structural
Boundaries are invisible barriers, ranging from rigid to diffuse, that regulate contact with others (Minuchin, 1974).
Steps of Structural
Joining and accommodation
Accommodation structural
adjustments a therapist may make to create an alliance= mimesis
