Theory : Structural Family Counseling

Question 1

Structural Family Counseling

Answer 1

Developed by Salvador Minuchin, this approach is concerned with examining and changing the structure and organization of families, including their hierarchies and subsystems. It is believed that dysfunction results from faulty organization; therefore, the counselor works to restructure the family’s organization to bring about improved functioning

Question 2

Salvador Minuchin

Answer 2

Developed structural family counseling

Question 3

six key concepts of structural family counseling:

Answer 3

• structure,
• subsystems,
• boundaries,
• alignments,
• power,
• coalitions

Question 4

subsystems

Answer 4

Distinct and somewhat independent parts of a larger system. In family therapy the most important subsystems are the spousal subsystem (i.e., husband and wife, partners), the parental subsystem (i.e., mother, father, and partners), and the sibling subsystem.

Question 5

boundaries

Answer 5

The physical and psychological factors that separate the family system from outsiders, as well as define roles and responsibilities within a family unit. Boundaries can be either rigid (closed family system) or flexible (open family system).

Question 6

alignments

Answer 6

Alliances between family members (i.e., the ways family members join with and oppose each other).

Question 7

coalitions

Answer 7

Occur when some family members form an alignment against another family member.

Question 8

six structural techniques:

Answer 8

• joining
• structural maps
• enactment
• reframing
• restructuring
• unbalancing

Question 9

joining

Answer 9

Imitating the manner, style, affective range, or content of a family’s communications for purposes of solidifying the therapeutic alliance.

Question 10

structural maps

Answer 10

Visual representations of a family’s coalitions, alignments, boundaries, and conflicts. Counselors use these maps to help assess the family’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs.

Question 11

enactment

Answer 11

A deliberate process by which the counselor encourages the family to play out its problem in the session

Question 12

reframing

Answer 12

A strategic family therapy technique that involves interpreting a family’s situation in a new way to encourage family members to view their problem in a more favorable light.

Question 13

restructuring

Answer 13

An intervention that involves actively working to change the structure of a family system.

Question 14

unbalancing

Answer 14

A restructuring technique used to better establish a proper family hierarchy.