Structural Family Therapy Model Flashcards
Who is the founder of Structural Family Therapy?
Structural family therapy was developed by Salvador Minuchin. It was through his work with disadvantaged children and their families at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic where he noticed that the problems were a result of the dysfunctional dynamics and structure within the larger family unit.
How does this model view the family?
This approach views the family as a system, structured by rules and patterns that govern family interactions.
According to this theory, how do problems develop?
Problems arise when there is an imbalance or misalignment in the system and symptoms result from this dysfunctional structure.
Why is the goal of Structural Family Therapy?
The goal of therapy is to realign and restructure the family system in order to create an effective structure that supports the overall well-being of all family members.
What is the role of the therapist?
The role of the therapist is to be present-focused and actively engaged with the family. The therapist is acting like a stage director, helping the family become aware of its structure.
Describe: Subystems
Subsystems are small units within the larger family system that are formed in congruence with developmental stages and tasks. Subsystems exist to carry out their specific role that contribute to the overall functioning of the family system. Some example of subsystems are parental, marital, and/or sibling. These subsystems are defined by boundaries and rules which connect them. Problems arise within a family when there is a misalignment within the subsystems of the family.
Describe: Coalitions
Coalitions are alliances between specific family members against a third member. They are similar to subsystems, but they have a negative effect on family functioning. Problems arise when coalitions are formed which cause an imbalance in the family structure and prevents the family from functioning in a healthy manner.
Describe: Boundaries
Boundaries are invisible psychological lines that separate family members and regulate contact they have with each other. In this model, boundaries can be clear, rigid, or diffuse. Clear boundaries are adaptable to change and aids in optimal family functioning. Rigid boundaries are strict and inflexible and can lead to disengagement within the family. Diffuse boundaries are permeable and can lead to enmeshment within the family. Problems arise within a family when boundaries cause family members to become disengaged or enmeshed.
Describe: Triangulation
Triangulation occurs when the parental/marital subsystem does not work together effectively to fulfill its role in the larger family system. Problems arise when the parental/marital subsystem focuses on a third party to take pressure off of the actual conflict. This third party can be a substance, work, or another family member, such as a child. Triangulation within a parental/marital subsystem causes dysfunction for the entire family system.
Describe Intervention 1: Enactment
After joining with the family through the use of mimesis and accommodating to the family’s style, the first intervention I would use with this family is enactment. Through enactment, I would be able to observe the family’s structure, boundaries, and interactional patterns. I chose to use this intervention to treat this family because _________. I would have the family recreate a conflict that occurred outside to demonstrate how they deal with it. For example, ______. This intervention will allow the family to play out a conflict in a safe, structured environment while gaining insight into how they handle conflict. After the enactment, the therapist and the family can collaboratively develop alternate ways of for the family to interact more effectively.
Describe Intervention 2: Restructuring
The next intervention I would use would be restructuring. After observing the family’s interactional patterns from the enactment, I can begin restructuring the ______ subsystem. I chose to use this intervention to treat this family because _________. I would begin this intervention by asking ____ and ____ to turn their chairs to face one another while engaging in a discussion about ______. Since ___ seems to have no voice in the family, I would ask her/him to go first. For example, ____ might say _____. If one family member attempted to overpower the other, I would ask them to listen quietly and remind them that they will have their turn to speak afterwards. This intervention will begin to strengthen the ____ subsystem by re-establishing an equal balance of power between ____ and _____. I would repeat this same process for the restructuring of the ______subsystem. This intervention will help realign the subsystem so they can fulfill their roles in the larger family system.
