Structural Therapy

Question 1

Primary Contributors

Answer 1

Minuchin

Aponte

Question 2

Length of Session

Answer 2

usually 10-20 sessions

Question 3

Assumptions of Structural Therapy

Answer 3

1. families were seen as systems structured around patterns and rles
2. there are SUBSYSTEMS operating interdependently within the whole,
3. look at the family as a system of smaller systems,
4. change occurs when shift in structure is more OPEN and FLEXIBLE
5. families can solve their own issues;
6. all families want stability and individual sxs often a result of entire family system

Question 4

structural maps

Answer 4

each member of family describes how problem occurs, the thp will create a map of the structure of the family. there is no emotion graphed. used as an assessment tool and a way to show the family the structural components of the system

Question 5

reframing

Answer 5

provides alternate perspectives

Question 6

Enactment

Answer 6

encourages family to engage with one another rahter than the Thp directly

Question 7

joining & accomodating

Answer 7

becoming a part of the family by taking on patterns, symbols and organizational structure

Question 8

mimesis

Answer 8

the thp will adopt the other person’s mood, tone of voice or posture

Question 9

intensity

Answer 9

Thp uses techniques to destabalize, unbalance and raise intensity to disrupt the patterns, these must be disrupted before new bxs can be introduced

Question 10

planning

Question 11

spontaneous bxs sequences

Answer 11

focus the spotlight on a particular bxs, when interaction occurs-point out the dynamics and seuences of bxs. focus on tprocess not content

Question 12

challenging family assumptions

Question 13

Challenging the sxs

Question 14

affective intensity

Answer 14

thp will change tone, volume, mood to shift the intensity of the system when dealing with problem bxs

Question 15

shaping competence

Answer 15

highlighting and reinforcing the positive

Question 16

boundary making

Answer 16

loosen boundaries in disengaged families, and strengthen boundaries in enmeshed families

Question 17

unbalancing

Answer 17

change the relationhsip of family members by taking sides

Question 18

punctuation (different than milan)

Answer 18

selective description of a transaction in accordance w a counselor’s goals- enhances possibilities for new competencies and bxs in the future

Question 19

Subsystems

Answer 19

smaller systems within a larger systems (e.g. a family)

Question 20

boundaries

Answer 20

rules for managing closness and distance b/w family members

Question 21

rigid boundary

Answer 21

members do not allow for no info or change to occur

Question 22

diffuse boundary

Answer 22

change happensfrequenctly w/o criticism (everything permitted)

Question 23

clear boundary

Question 24

disengaged systems

Answer 24

associated with rigid boundaries, individuals lack a sense of emotional and psychological support in family

Question 25

enmeshed systems

Answer 25

associated with diffused boundaries, occurs when there is little indivuation or autonomy

Question 26

complentarity

Answer 26

the fit among bxs and roles of individual members or subsystems of family

Question 27

hierarchy

Answer 27

all families have power structures, parents need to be the one to hold authority

Question 28

intervening

Question 29

conflict management

Question 30

coalitions

Answer 30

two familiy members regularly join against a third

Question 31

Goals for Structural Therapy

Answer 31

1. establish clearn boundaries
2. shift hierarchical structure
3. strengthen subsystems

Question 32

Unit of Treatment

Answer 32

work with the entire nuclear family

Question 33

length of time

Answer 33

usually 10-20 sessions