Structural Family Therapy

Structural Family Therapy
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Introduction
The goal of therapy is to have individuals, families and/or groups examine their current level of functioning. Clients are in therapy to resolve
challenging beliefs, feelings, and behaviors about themselves or others. The goal of the therapist is to guide the client to make changes. Not all therapy
modalities work for everyone because people function at different levels and people needs are diverse.
In comparing and contrasting Structural theory, Solution focus therapy and cognitive behavior therapy all three modalities share a lot of similarities as
well as differences. The role of the therapist also changes as treatment ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As a Division of Child Protection and Permanency worker I often join with the family I am working with. This is the only way I can learn what the
family needs and how they can learn to meet their own needs by using their own abilities and strengths. A lot of times I do a lot of restructuring with
families as roles of children and parents changes, children become less parentified and parents learned to established appropriate boundaries with their
children. In my work with families, I often find myself helping clients change their way of thinking. Something clients have a distorted way of viewing
themselves and others. Utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped clients challenge that all or nothing thinking which is
detrimental to goal achievement.
I find that Solution Focus Therapy is the most prevalent in my work with families. I prefer using this Solution Focus Therapy. I feel that is has become
second nature for me to ask clients questions. I learned that incorporating miracle questions, past success questions and scaling questions really has
helped me to learn about strengths and future goals of the clients I
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Transgenerational Family Therapy
Trans generational Family Therapy
Erika Jefferson
February 18, 2013
Becca Myers
BSHS 312
University of Phoenix
Trans generational Family Therapy originated from the work of pioneers named Murray Bowen, Ivan Boszormenyi–Nagy, James Framo, Norman Paul,
and Donald Williamson. Those theorists shared the common belief that the problems in the present day with marriage are related to the issues from a
person's family origin. The theorists had different practices but their beliefs was the road to problem resolution involved working with more than one
generation in therapy. The misconception of the theory was that most of people's problems were caused by their family of origin. The beliefs in which...
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Donald Williamson believed in the fact that family life cycle occurs about the fourth decade of life and the goal is to terminate the hierarchical power
governing relationships between adults and their older parents. His process involved the redistribution of power between the two generations. The
multicultural issues that arise during the trans generational family therapy process is called acculturation, it is the accommodation process that occurs
when groups from two distinct cultures are in contact over a sustained period of time. Some of the issues that come up with different cultures are when
a person may have isolation and alienation from their new culture because they are trying to hold on and continue to practice native cultures beliefs.
Another issue is when the person starts to denigrate and reject their old cultures dress, diet, values and sometimes name. There is also the problem of
uneven adaption from other family members which lead to conflict between other family members. The integration to the new culture trying to hold on
to the old culture can and will cause problems to arise. As the therapist you have to be very careful when working with a family from a different culture,
it is already a rough transition. In my research I found that working with immigrant families they have the most issue with acculturation. It also states
that when working with families from minority

Structural Family Therapy Essay
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Structural family therapy is a model of treatment based on systems theory that was developed by Salvador Minuchin. Structural family therapy features
emphasis is mostly on structural change as the main goal of therapy; it pays close attention to the individual but also acknowledges the importance of
family in the healing process of the individual.
Structural family therapy focuses on encouraging proactive healthy change within the family, with an emphasis on structure, subsystems, and
boundaries. Family Structure is invisible set of rules that organize the ways family members relate to each other. Structure resists change. The therapist
will essentially be a change agent to facilitate this reorganization (Minuchin, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
One goal for the therapist is to determine what the structure is, and then decide whether it is problematic for the family or not. According to Minuchin
(1974), "Family structure is the invisible set of functional demands that organizes the ways in which family members interact" (Minuchin p. 51).
Additionally, Gladding (2007) suggested:
In some families, structure is well organized in a hierarchical pattern and members easily
Relate to one another. In other, there is little structure and few arrangements are provided by which family members can easily and meaningfully
interact (Gladding p. 203). The essence of family structure is greatly influenced by culture; it defines the role of men and women, children, and it also
create cross–generational influences unique to every family. In using this example of Asian American families, Brooks (2008) suggested:
Families are organized with fathers as the figures in control and the mothers are subordinate to them. Mothers, however, take compete charge of the
children, and so from a child's point of view, mothers appear to be authority figures as well. Children are obligated to respect and obey these
authoritative figures. (p. 103) Bowen theory is not about families, but more about life. Bowen emphasized that humans have more in common "with
other forms of protoplasm, and that traditional social science to emphasize differences have, increased our denial about what really makes us

Family Therapy
Module 1: Discussion 1
Family therapy is substantial; it offers different techniques such as resolving conflict within a family system. Price, Price, and Mckenry (2010)
comments on refreshing the family, this allows each family member to rely on one another working towards change. According to Nichols, (2014)
family therapy can be the greatest source of support for health crisis, marital conflict, mental sickness, or teenage rebellion threatening to rip a family
asunder.
Awosan and Sandberg (2011) talk about black clients distribute stresses through familiar patterns. Therefore, a therapist may have a challenge when
working with African American clients, due to a lack of trust when dealing with a counselor. According to Gladding (2015), the goal offamily therapy
is to break down dysfunctional communication; the therapist becomes the teacher who focusses on boundary and differentiation events. Gladding
(2015) refer to changes in the scheme of limitations, constructions, aims, development, heroes, or morals producing stress, is an essential factor in
understanding a families strength and deficits.
Primarily, I am pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I took this class to learn the set of functional demands that organize ways in
applying different theories when counseling clients and families ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Under that circumstance, a good resource would be volunteering at Hospice, obtaining knowledge in serving those in end–of–life care; then, a mentor
to help with the emotions that arise from a client's death. As a result, the experience will increase my ability to support the client in their decision for
care, as well as supporting the family through their decision–making and planning for the loss of their loved one. If we wish anything to improve, we
must authentically see

Family Functional Family Therapy
Family Functional Therapy (FFT) is a contemporary family therapy based on the work of James Alexander and Bruce Parsons. FFT is an integration
of systematic and behavioral approaches focused on the function or purpose of the family member's behavior. All Behavior can create and/or define
interpersonal behaviors. Behavior helps create or distance intimacy in family relationships. It generates and maintains intimacy and other relationship
dimensions. The main goal of FFT is for the family to improve communication and change risky and damaging behavior while showing support and
working to address the behavior through different alternative means. FFT helps decrease intense negativity, develops positive behavior, and adopts
constructive solutions.

Bowen Family Therapy Paper
The Bowen Family Systems Therapy Counseling Process and Key Goals The primary unit of treatment is the family. The Bowen Family Systems
therapy consists of three phases within the counseling process. The first is the phases in the initial assessment. This includes the evaluation of
symptoms within the family, the initial family contact, the family history, and background information related to the issues(s). The second phase is the
Genogram. This is where the client and therapist piece together a family diagram or genogram. The Genogram is then evaluated in terms of symptoms,
stress, emotional reactivity, stability, emotional cutoff, therapeutic focus, and nuclear family emotional process (Gehart & Tuttle, 2005).
Differentiation is the third... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Process Questions are a technique which explores the family emotional processes. Process Questions also help individuals to rationalize their situations.
Coaching is another method in the Bowen Theory. This method uses the I–position for a family member to express themselves by stating I instead of
you. An example would be instead of saying you never listen to what I have to say, replace you with I and state that I do not feel like you hear what I
have to say. This method helps to alleviate the potential for reactivity from family members. The Nature of the Counselor–Client Relationship and its
Relative Importance The nature of the counselor–client relationship is significant. It is the geneuiness, and rapport of the counselor–client relatiohsp
which will help to identify issues, and eventually empower the client for effective results. The Role of the Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapist In
using the Bowen Theory, the role of the therapist is aligned with that of a coach or consultant (Psychotherapy.net, n.d.). The counselor role is to guide
the family to an understanding of their issues without becoming emotionally reactive to their situation. It is also important for the therapist to not allow
themselves to be pulled into a triangle situation with the

Experiential Family Therapy Essay
Experiential Family Therapy (EFT) is likely the theoretical orientation of the co–therapists. The manner in which Rick Ph.D. and Karen Ph.D. asked
open questions was remarkably similar that when one therapist asked a question, the other therapist was able to acknowledge and reply the family's
response without changing a perspective. For that reason, co–therapists have the same theoretical orientation. EFT tends to focus on a family issue that
is entrenched on emotional suppression, and that requires exploration of emotional experiences. Based on the dialogue presented, both Rick Ph.D.
and Karen Ph.D. mostly asked open questions that explored meaningful feelings associated with the family's experiences. For instance, around 36
minutes into the session, the family disclosed that they had a son, named Victor who committed suicide 10 years ago. In response to the disclosure,
Rick Ph.D.'s question of "Can you say more about it?" clearly represents exploration of suppressed emotions behind the words. Evidently, Rick Ph.D.
and Karen Ph.D. focused on uncovering the family members' regrets and unpleasant feelings attached to the death of Victor, and an issue became
obvious as to their conflict to take on new roles to break out of homeostasis after Victor's death. Both therapists continuously worked on digging out
each family member's repressed emotions from when Victor was alive and also from after Victor's death, as the therapists likely realized that this
family avoids

Family Therapy Research Paper
Intro
Family treatment is considered a necessity when they are the family of a recovering substance abuser. What types of treatment are out their? Why do
families need therapy, they aren't the ones with the problem? As we know from studying system theory, all things within a system even though they are
independent are also interrelated. This means that the action of one causes a reaction of the rest of the things within the system. This is why family
therapy is a crucial component of a recovery addict achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Treatment
As we see from the system theory family are an important part of what contributes to a person addiction. It's not done maliciously, more so to cope and
survive the dysfunctional environment they must survive in. Unfortunately some "treatment facilities don't have the qualified staff or resources to
provide the kind of therapy a family needs" ((Stevens & Smith, pg. 253). It's proven that family therapy can be a "powerful adjunct in the treatment of
substance abusers" (Stevens & Smith, pg. 253). If the family receives treatment then the substance abuser will go back to a "different environment
where the enabling and silence has stopped" (Stevens & Smith, pg. 253). ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
251). The first stage is early in the individuals alcoholism and the family is developing an identity" (Stevens & Smith, pg. 251). During this stage the
family "may or may not react to alcohol related problems" (Stevens & Smith, pg. 251). The second stage is the middle stage where the family identity
is in tack, abuse may be occurring and they are trying to maintain homeostasis that allows the chemical use in the family system" (Stevens & Smith,
pg. 251). The last stage, the late stage is when a family member will try to resolve the substance abuse issues from there past before bringing children
into the family" (Stevens & Smith, pg.

Nervosa Family Therapy
Family Based Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa, otherwise stated as anorexia, is an eating disorder that occurs when an individual restricts themselves from necessary energy intake
which leads to significantly low body weight. Other characteristics of this disorder include: intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight, persistent
behavior that interferes with weight gain, and disturbances of perception and experience of their own body weight and shape (DSM V, 2013). Effective
treatments are still trying to be researched for this disorder, as there is not a "one size fits all" for people of all age groups, living situations, etc. Since
adolescents with anorexia are such a vulnerable population, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Lock, who studied and advocated for FBT, decided to gather all the randomized clinical trials that have been performed on adolescents and analyze
their results. He looked at 5 randomized clinical trials for adolescents, and found that FBT was the most effective than any other form of treatment
along each trial (2005). His discussion on Individual Based Therapy versus Family Based Therapy was similar to Robin et al. (1999). Upon looking
at Robin's results, he agreed that FBT was more effective but not by much. Even though the benefits of FBT were seen on a small margin compared
to Individual Based Therapy, Lock (2005) states that FBT is a convincing treatment overall. In other words, he claims this type of treatment is all that
is available right now, even if it may not be 100%

History of Marriage and Family Therapy
The history of family therapy began around 1960 when Gregory Bateson came up with the term, "system thinking." This type of therapy was a daring
departure, from traditional and individual treatment during the 1960s. He was involved in the schizophrenia research project in Palo Alto, California,
which had a strong impact in shaping the course of family therapy. Along with his colleagues Jay Haley, John Weakland, William Fry, Don Jackson and
later Virginia Satir, Paul Watzlawick, Bateson developed a communication theory which aim was to explain development of schizophrenic behavior
within the familial environment.
The group introduced ideas from cybernetics and general systems theory into social psychology and psychotherapy, focusing in ... Show more content
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Therapy focuses on issues and problems that are troubling the client at the present moment and try to help them using brief therapy. Therapists typically
ask questions about family role patterns, rules, goals, and stages of development.
Marriage and family therapists believe that the family patterns may affect an individual's psychological and physical well being and therefore need to
be part of therapy. During a therapy session even if only one person is being interviewed, the therapists focuses on a set of relationships that the person
is embedded in. The entire family is involved in solving clients problems regardless of whether the issue in individual or family.
Marriage and family therapists help clients always with the help of the person's family. I too believe that a person in order to resolve mental or
emotional disorders requires the support and understanding of those closest to them, and with the use and knowledge of family systems theory this can
be achieved. I also think that communication or lack of, very often is the seed behind problems within the family, that is why I appreciate the fact that
marriage

Bowenian Family Therapy
The goal of each session is to manage anxiety and increase the client's level of differentiation, incorporating "I–statements" (Goldenberg, Goldenberg,
2013, p. 227). The evaluation interview begins with a telephone call between a combination of family members (Goldenberg, Goldenberg, 2013, p.
223). A therapist is to remain neutral and avoid being triangled into family issues. Sessions focus on symptoms in relation to the presenting problem
(Goldenberg, Goldenberg, 2013, p. 223). The counselor gages each member's perspective of the issue, while remaining aware of patterns of emotional
functioning (Goldenberg, Goldenberg, 2013, p. 223). Sessions conclude with intentions to understand third–generation family systems. This part of the
technique... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Bohlinger (n.d.) states, "The Bowenian therapist would work to impart three important lessons to their clients: self–determination, self–advocacy, and
re–engaging with the self in relationship" (Bohlinger, n.d.). The structural therapist is interested in boundaries between the client and the others around
them, as oppose to the client's intrinsic self. (Bohlinger, n.d.). Bowenian therapists work to help clients maintain and balance relationships, unlike the
experimental therapist, who confronts the client on strengths and weaknesses, in hopes that they will accept both aspects of individuality (Bohlinger,
n.d). Also, Bowenian therapy is interested in "historical" processes, instead of historical emotions and problems (Bohlinger, n.d.). An interesting aspect
of Bowenian therapy is the lack of termination. Bowen believed differentiation is an ongoing process, unlike majority of family therapies (Walsh,
Harrigan, 2003, p.

Marriage and Family Therapy Essay
Marriage and Family Therapy Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the field of marriage and family counseling beginning with the
history and development of the profession and its importance in the field of counseling. This paper will also evaluate five major themes relevant to
Marriage and Family Therapy which include: roles of Marriage and Family Therapists; licensure requirements and examinations; methods of
supervision; client advocacy; multiculturalism and diversity. The author will discuss significant aspects to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy
such as MFT identity, function, and ethics of the profession. This paper will assess biblical values in relation to Marriage and Family Therapists and
to the field... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A marriage and family therapist may work in collaboration with other health care professionals, be involved in research, or use the family
perspective to analyze public policies. Marriage and family therapists are very much needed and are growing in demand. The stigma of seeing a
therapist for marital and family problems is disappearing thus making people more likely to seek help for issues they cannot resolve on their own.
There has also been an increased recognition of the field of marriage and family therapy (http://www.bls.gov). Over half of managed health care
providers and employee assistance programs employ or contract with MFTs and 91% of graduates in 1992 from COAMFTE accredited programs
were employed not long after graduation (http://www.aamft.org). According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook compiled by the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics the field of marriage and family therapy is expected to see a growth of 30% by 2016 making it one of the fastest growing of all
occupations (http://www.bls.gov). Education Lee and Nichols (2010) distinguished education which they deemed coursework that provided "theory,
science, and empirical discoveries" from training which they considered "the

Harry Goolishian Family Therapy Summary
The historical collaborations of Harry Goolishian, Harlene Anderson, and Tom Andersen paved the way to the conception of collaborative therapy, also
known as "collaborative language systems [CLS] therapy. In the 1970s Harlene Anderson took a position in the pediatric department at the University
of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
In the following text Harlene Anderson talks about how: 'I heard about the family seminar in the psychiatry department, taught be Harry Goolishian
and his colleagues. I did not know how fortunate I was at the time; I had stepped into one of the pioneering efforts in family therapy: Multiple Impact
Therapy (MIT)'.
Harold A. Goolishian saw therapy as collaborative storytelling and himself as a therapeutic conversationalist, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
Their content and outcome may differ, but the relationship between the participants and the process of collaborative inquiry, exploring together the
familiar and constructing the new, is essentially the same. Anderson (2001) states that the central question of collaborative therapy is, "How can
therapists create the kinds of conversations and relationships with others that allow all the participants to access their creativities and develop
possibilities where none seemed to exist before?
The idea of reflecting was developed by Tom Andersen, who developed the idea of the reflecting team, for theoretical use in CT adapted from the
Milan approach. Influenced by the Milan therapy movement, Anderson was tired of the hierarchical nature of the Milan and other family therapy
models, and accordingly sought to create non–hierarchical approaches to family

Family Therapy
Davis (2016) asserted that previous paper that family system therapy has a 3–way communication commitment between parents and children. Although
it is not always 3 ways, it can be multiple depending on how big the family may be:
A triangle relationship is a 3–way commitment. It starts with the parents and their emotions for one another. The ability to become attached and
connected starts the pattern for the couple to build a healthy and loving relationship to start a family. The triangulation relationships consist of levels
high, medium, and low. The high tension level is when outsiders try to interfere with your relationship that you had to struggle and fight through the
ups and downs (p.6). For example, my mom would cheat on my dad or have

Marriage and Family Therapy Essay example
Marriage and Family Counseling Research Paper
COUN 501–B43–Couselor Professional Identity, Function, and Ethics
Denna Harrison
Liberty University
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Fall 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the field of marriage and family counseling beginning with the history and development of the profession and
its importance in the field of counseling. This paper will also evaluate five major themes relevant to Marriage and Family Therapy which include:
ethical dilemmas in marriage and family counseling, premarital counseling qualifications of marriage and family therapists including licensure and
certification. The biblical insight related to marriage and family therapy will also be ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
From a biblical aspect Family is described as a social system that progressed by forming a set of rules, roles, power structure. Forms of
communication and way to solve problems. There are four key principles that a Christian counselors point out when approaching any family. The
first one is "The family, in is social dimensions, reflects God". Meaning that The Father, Son and Holy Spirit all have unique distinctiveness however
they are "one" as God; this is compared to the Family. A family can consist of a mother, father and children or a mother and husband. If thought they
are their own persons, they are considered "one". The second key principle that is describe is "Family health, individual health, and maturity are
inseparably entwined". This key principle entails that the powers of family identity and socialization is significant for growth and development among
each family member, which can ultimately lead to healthy family living. "The Family is also like the church is that next basic principle, meaning that a
family has functions like the church. Finally, the last key principle describes states that "Trouble is reproduced, but can also be stopped, in families and
in generations of families". This key principle indicates that there is a psychosocial and spiritual relation among family reproduction pertaining to
alcoholism and other issues as describes in Competent Christian Counseling as "generational curses". Christians believe that

Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy Essay
The two theories chosen are the relational gestalt therapy and cognitive–behavioral family therapy where both of them are considered to be important
in the psychotherapy world. The reason why they were chosen is because both of them are designed in a special way to address and explain the
roots of dysfunction, and to impact change in individuals and family units. However, what is interesting the most is the basic principles of these two
theories, connected interventions, and basic assumptions and explains about dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy is type of therapy that was
first developed for individuals who are suffering from eating disorders (Biblarz T. & Stacey, 2008). However, it is now used for several issues such
as anxiety, depression, OCD, family issues, and even anger problems. On the other hand, gestalt therapy is a unique type of psychotherapy that places
an emphasis on personal responsibility and the experience of individuals in a certain moment, instead of focusing on the past. The reason I like them is
because they address the root of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The aim is to assist patients in changing their behaviour patterns, especially when it comes to dysfunctional thinking. When behaviour and thought
patterns are changed, mood is changed as well (Silver, 2011).
The main and perhaps most important role involve assessing patients. This is what will determine the diagnosis and suitable treatment for the patient.
Therapist should understand from the evaluation the reason behind the behavior, how severe it is, and its impact on the patient and people around him.
When a diagnosis is successfully made, treatment will have to start. In this case, it is going to be psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and
implementation of the Bowen's family systems theory (Biblarz T. & Stacey,

Marriage And Family Therapy Essay
My understanding of morality in the context of marriage and family therapy present an engagement of emotional behavior toward what him/her believe
when others doesn't find credence in him/her truth or belief. Morality in its composition is structured on the foundation of a person values, social
norms, belief, experiences with his/her own rationale that is considered to be true. It is through these elements which create the process of moral
reasoning and justification especially when a person defy another person truth creating a moral dilemma. In the context of marriage and family therapy,
a therapist morality is gaged within the boundaries of ethical codes, laws, and regulations. I believe the ethical codes, laws, and regulations helps the ...
I believe there are several elements in the framework of morality that could be considered controversial in the field Marriage and Family Therapy. I
think one of the controversial challenges people may face in the field of marriage and family therapy when dealing with morality, is when we begin
to explore spirituality and religion into a conversation causing individuals seeing or understanding this topic from various spiritual viewpoints based
on his/her own spiritual or religious beliefs. In the past fifteen years or more spirituality and religion was basically strayed in the process of marriage
and family counseling. Typically, it was because it was considered inappropriate to address this uncharted territory issues in therapy with clients
(Carlson, Kirkpatrick, Hecker, & Killmer, 2002). In today world, spirituality is considered to be a more suitable topic in conversation even though
spirituality and religion is reference interchangeably as well as other biblical term. Controversial issues reveal its self when one belief clashes with
another belief. People with their belief holes true belief through the framework of his/her norms, values, and experiences constructing his/her moral
reasoning. It is when conflict occurs when belief goes against another, when this happen people tries to interject their moral reasoning through their
own justification about

Therapist In Family Therapy
These exchange of feelings through feedback from the other family members help gain an understanding and support that each family members must
truly have for one another. Therapist in family therapy also give family members an opportunity to reciprocate help, to offer other empathy, warmth,
acceptance, support and genuineness. As a result, family members will feel an increase sense of his or her own self–worth. There are many family
therapy approaches such as structural family therapy, strategic family therapy, experiential approaches, psychodynamic approaches, narrative therapy,
collaborative therapy, witnessing, solution–focused therapy, and feminist therapies just to name a few. Some of these models have changed over time.
For example,

Strategic Family Therapy: Cloe Madanes
Cloe Madanes once said psychotherapy is the art of finding the angel of hope in the midst of terror, despair and madness.
Cloe Madanes was born in Argentina in 1945. She studied psychology and became licensed twenty years later. After that, Madanes became associated
with the Mental Research Institute in California, and her work was strongly influenced by her mentors Gregory Bateson, Salvador Minuchin, and
Milton Erickson (Madanes, 2004). In 1976, Madanes and her ex–husband, J. Haley, established the Family Therapy Institute of Washington, DC.
Madanes belongs to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. In 1996, she was awarded the Egner Foundation Award for
Distinguished Contribution in the fields of philosophy, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Problems may arise when messages at the content level conflict with nonverbal messages at another level. An example of this can be "I love you" and
"I despise you". A child that is continually exposed to a mixed style of communication like this may feel helpless and can respond by withdrawing.
Haley and Madanes' approach to strategic family therapy argues that change occurs through the process of the family carrying out assignments issued
by the therapist. As described in Madanes' Strategic Family Therapy (1981), "strategic therapists attempt to design a therapeutic strategy for each
specific problem." Therapists issue directives that are designed to shift the framework of the family to resolve the displaying problem. Treatment of
these issues would include intense involvement, carefully planned interventions designed to reach clear goals, frequent use of therapist–generated
directives or assignments, and paradoxical procedures.
Bateson, Erikson and Minuchin heavily influence the Haley and Madanes Strategic approach. Erikson believed the unconscious was full of wisdom –
thus, he didn't need to give people insight, just help them get access to it on their own.
Haley and Madanes paid attention to the function a symptom served, as it marked a payoff in the system that resulted due to the structure of the
system. Haley was mainly concerned with power struggles, and often prescribed the symptom such that the cost of

Jay Haley: A Pioneer In Family Therapy
Jay Haley was a pioneer in family therapy. Inspired by his work with the communication patterns of schizophrenic patients and their family
environments, he was a disciple of no less than three of the most prominent figures in family therapy evolution: Gregory Bateson, Milton Erickson, and
Salvador Minuchin. He synthesized elements from all three, and developed his own form of therapy. He is also credited with being essential in the
development of the communication model from the celebrated Palo Alto Group. Amazingly, he accomplished all this without being clinically
credentialed (Nichols, 2013).
Haley, in his time, was wildly popular and innovative. Haley was known as a scathing critic and an annoyance to psychology, while simultaneously
altering the field in powerful ways. Haley, and later alongside the equally influential Cloe Madanes, incorporated elements from Erickson's strategic
therapy, Minuchin's structural therapy, Bateson's cybernetic theory, the MRI model of brief therapy, and Jackson's communication theory into a brand
of strategic problem solving family therapy (Standish, 2013). Today, this therapy exists as strategic humanism, and retains many of the same aspects,
such as providing directives, albeit the directives are not as manipulative as in the past (Nichols, 2013).
The following vignette is addressed utilizing a strategic family therapy approach, and specifically an approach based on the Haley strategic family
therapy model.
Early phase goals for therapy

Questions On Strategic Family Therapy Essay
Strategic Summary Paper
What are the basic tenets of this approach to therapy?
Overall, the basic approach to Strategic Family Therapy is to understand the ways in which power and the role each person plays in a relationship
are associated and connected to one another (Awosan, 2015). Essentially, the clinician will evoke more of the given behavior in order to have a
break through and initiate a new solution to the given problem. By performing reverse psychology in a sense, the clinician is exhausting the couple
or family 's prior way of solving the problem in order to alter their views and transform their methods. Similarly, the clinician is held responsible for
designing a suitable environment to promote and encourage change for all clients. From a communications outlook, the strategic models are
responsible for looking at "what is occurring rather than why it is occurring;" they are "less focused on the meaning of the symptom or its origins"
and more focused on the given behavior and its governing symptoms (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2013, p. 302).
How does this approach understand health and pathology?
When looking specifically at the Mental Research Institute 's (MRI) Interactional Family Therapy, it is stated that "researchers zeroed in on the family
interaction sequences in all families in an effort to understand how faulty communication patterns might lead to family dysfunction" (Goldenberg &
Goldenberg, 2013, p. 304). From a health and pathological standpoint,

Narrative Therapy and Family Therapy
Research Question
Why is externalising a central technique in narrative therapy today, and what are the limitations and successes of this technique?
Research
The research complied for this report was gathered from various Journals dedicated to the discourse surrounding the practices of narrative therapy and
family therapy. Search terms used to collect relevant articles were 'narrative therapy', 'Michael White' and 'externalising'. The results from these terms
were extensive and required narrowing further by way of peer reviewed status, content type and discipline. Data gathered was then critically analysed to
explicate firstly, the socially constructed knowledge surrounding the process of narrative therapy, and the technique of... Show more content on
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Due to the fact that externalising creates a deeper meaning of the object being externalised, the technique is also applied to positive aspects of an
individual's experiences or solution based initiatives (Carey & Russell 2002, p.82; Ramey et al 2009, p.263). This process encourages the individual to
see clearer the positive aspects of their life. The richer understanding of these agencies enables the individual to incorporate them into the new
narratives, and utilise them in a manner which empowers the individual in overcoming the negative theme of their problem saturated story.
Once the externalisations are deemed as successful and the individual perceives themselves as experiencing a relationship with a problem rather than
being the problem (Carr 1998, p. 492), the story is re–narrated incorporating unique outcomes in which the individual sees themselves as the more
powerful force and where desired and fulfilling results are obtained. These unique outcomes are then enriched and thickened in the individual's
discourse and linked to past situations as well as future depictions. In order to keep the new thickened plots actively current in the individuals mind,
outsiders are called upon to understand the problem and the progress made during therapy, as well as to

Career Of Marriage And Family Therapy
Career in Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy is a particularly interesting area of Psychological study. This field offers adults and children resources to help cope with
potentially damaging psychological issues within the family unit. Marriage and Family therapist offer an opportunity for spouse to reconcile their
differences, while helping children understand the family hardships and issues. Marriage and Family therapist help couples, families and groups that
deal with issues that have affected their mental health. This is to help redeem such problems as alcohol and drug abuse or marital stress. Treatment for
marital stress normally last over duration of time of 12–50 weeks and combines individual and couples counseling. Most Marriage and family therapists
need a license in their state of residents. This profession does typically require a master's degree in a field related to marriage and family therapy.
According to ONET MFT requires a therapist t
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems.
Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of
treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.(ONET)
Graduates with a Marriage and Family Therapist are trained mental health professionals who have a family–oriented perspective and treatment
approach.

Family Therapy
Introduction
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy employed to assist members of a family in improving communication systems, conflict resolution, and to
help the family to deal with certain problems that manifest in the behavior of members. In most cases, deviance in a family member is an indication of
underlying family dysfunctions. This paper looks the counselling procedure that can be applied to help the Kline family solve their problems. It
answers certain questions including those of the expected challenges during therapy and ways of dealing with the challenges.
1.What are your initial reactions after reading the intake interview? What are the themes that interest you the most in this case? Why?
From the intake interview, I can ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The counselor will ask questions to clarify and summarize the family's concerns. I will answer any questions and address any concerns raised by the
family about the therapy process. I will also assist in laying down parental authority and a sense of impartiality among the children. This will reinstate
equilibrium in the family and motivate all members to participate in the therapy.
Each family member will be taught on the importance of listening to the issues raised other members of the family. This will lay down the foundation
for the future sessions. I will also coach the members of the Kline household on how to provide suitable feedback on issues raised by other family
members. The session shall also entail a discussion of the expectations of each family member. It is a good point to begin instructing the family on the
necessary required in order for those changes to be achieved.
3.George does not seem very open to looking at his role in contributing to the problems within his family. If you were to see him as your client, how
would you go about establishing a relationship with him?
Resistance of certain clients to group therapy is among the many challenges that therapists commonly face. George seeks to detach himself from the
problem and sees his role in the family as that of a saint. Being the apparent head of the family

Reflection Paper On Family Therapy
His focus is clinical psychotherapy where he has worked in inpatient settings as well as outpatient's settings. He deals with developmental life issues
and challenges among children, adolescents and adults. Mr. Goldstein also oversees a variety of patient overcomes illnesses such as depression, eating
disorders, anxiety as well as symptoms of unhappiness related to school, work, and personal relationships. Mr. Goldstein has also worked at the
universities at shady grove where he consulted students in the counseling department. When Mr. Goldstein is not at the Potomac eating disorder
treatment he works part–time at Abrams and associates where he also assists patients uses a behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches in
order to help the patients address their problems and lead a happier productive lifestyle.
Although Mr. Goldstein have experience working with a variety of ethnic backgrounds he informed me that a lot of the patients who comes in to the
treatment center as well as the patients are white individuals who comes from a middle–class background and are predominately female. However, Mr.
Goldstein informed me that children are much more difficult to work with because they have a more abstract way of thinking. Something that Mr.
Goldstein finds difficult in his field of work is that the process of treatment can be timely and costly. Although he finds that the job can be stressful at
times, he enjoys seeing his clients grow and be successful in their treatments
Majority of the time the client will know they have a problem and call for assistance, there are no waitlist in the organization and assistance is
provided when the client is ready. There are a variety of services is provided such as personal coaching where the client will have a list of goals and
step to reach them. For the most part, the clients know what they want but just need a little assistance getting there. Potomac ValleyPsychotherapy
associate also provide individual therapy, group psychotherapy, couples therapy, nutritional counselling provided at the treatment center. The groups
therapies are mainly focus on adult women, young girls, and mothers of the patients who are struggling with an eating disorder. Anorexia, bulimia,

The Structural Family Therapy On The Family
The identified problems in the family are the lack communication, rigid boundaries, and weak subsystems within the family. The structural family
therapy focuses on the interactions with the family rather than focusing exclusively on the identified person or patient (Nichols, and Tafuri, 2013). In
addition, through utilizing, the structuralism approach, the family will be able to think beyond symptomatic behaviors and see their choices and process
relationships between group members and other systems (Vetere, 2003). The family will also be able to broaden their understanding of how each
family member contributes to the problem or communication patterns within the family (Nicols et al., 2013). Furthermore, based on the research
structionalism will encourage the family to problem solve in a safe therapeutic environment (Vetere, 2003). In therapy, the family will be able to
express their feelings and thoughts without judgments or bias from the therapist.
Moreover, for this particular family, the objectives and treatment will focus on boundaries and subsystems. "Boundaries are useful guidance for the
assessment of interactions among family members." (Ryan, p. 133, 1997). When boundaries become clear the family is able to function healthier
between subsystems. Another objective in treatment will be learning conflict resolution skills. Structural therapy will focus on encouraging the family
to learn to respect one another's opinions and thoughts. Families can learn the

Family Therapy Summary
Sutherland, O., Dienhart, A., & Turner, J. (2013). Responsive Persistence Part II. Practices of Postmodern Therapists. Journal of Marital and Family
Therapy, 39(4), 488–501. (2013, October 1). Retrieved August 29, 2014, from Ebsochost.
This is a follow up article discussing the ways in which three distinct postmodern therapist address the issues of persistence with clients (Michael
White, Harlene Anderson, and Bill O'Hanlon). Particularly, this persistence is referring to the ways in which counselors can communicate their ideas
and proposals in ways the client will accept and respond to. Family therapists are faced with the delicate challenge of becoming involved in a family
system without appearing to be the dominant person in the room (power struggle). Therapists must also make decisions about when to move on from a
situation a client does not understand. Each therapist is examined separately, by siting theory, techniques and dialog examples ways in which they
address this predicament.
Sydow, K., Beher, S., Schweitzer, J., & Retzlaff, R. (2010). The Efficacy of SystemicTherapy With Adult Patients: A Meta
–Content Analysis of 38
Randomized Controlled Trials. Family Process, 49(4), 457–485. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The sample was comprised of 33 couples participating in approximately 10 emotion–focused therapy sessions, which focused on resolving emotional
injuries. In addition to relationship outcomes, researchers focused on explaining how interpersonal forgiveness is achieved in a couple's therapy
setting. Hypotheses regarding shame, forgiveness and acceptance were tested using measures including The Interpersonal Trust Scale and the Enright
Forgiveness Inventory. Results answered research questions and posed a range of further work to be done, including developing definitions of shame
and

Family Systems Therapy
Introduction Family systems therapy has been around for years, but it was not until the 1950s that the theory really took root (Corey, 2017).
Family systems therapy looks at the relational part of humans and sees them as being an individual as apart of a bigger system. Murray Bowen,
developer of family systems theory, believed that "the causes of an individual's problems can be understood by viewing the role of the family as an
emotional unit" (Corey, 2017, p. 407). As a counselor, I would like take into consideration that the client's family impacts them as an individual.
Having an understanding that any change made to any person in the family can impact the others. Families are our first form of relationships. Having
a better understanding of our client's families will be able to help me understand their current behaviors and how they function. (Corey, 2017) This
paper will break down family system therapy and explain how I could use the techniques and terms into daily practice. Differences An important part
of family systems therapy is understanding the difference between systemic and individual approaches. Family systems therapists can still do
individual counseling. The difference is they just focus on how the individuals family system is impacting them. The family systems therapist would
also want to look at the larger system to be able to understand how change will not only help the individual, but the larger system as well (Corey,
2017). As a counselor it is

History And Future Of Marriage And Family Therapy
After reading two articles it was interesting to note the differences and similarities between the two intellectual and highly respected individuals
within the field of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Each makes many valid points yet with such opposing viewpoints. By taking a closer look at
some specific areas one may see that though these men have different beliefs on how treatment should be conducted, there are also some parallels.
Some of the topics will include the history and future of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), what they agree and disagree on along with the
challenges each has dealt with. Finally the author of this paper will provide insight as to what this means for her as she begins her journey to
becoming a Marriage and Family therapist.
Challenges
Mr. Framo being one of the earlier advocates for MFT had several challenges throughout his career. He was particularly interested in intergenerational
roles along with the family origin issues. During 1950's the thought of treating the source of the problem was highly unorthodox, and he faced many
issues while attempting to focus on this issues. Another belief was that if a marriage were in trouble then the children of that marriage could then have
issues because of it. These things caused many to obstacles that he eventually managed to bypass becoming a very influential person and a forerunner
in the arena of marriage and family therapy.
Mr. Fraenkel appears to have come up against many walls through

Integrated Systemic Family Therapy Essay
Narrative Therapy An Integrated Outcome? Introduction Systemic therapy was based on Minuchin's Structural Therapy model (1968) followed by
Bateson's cybernetic model (1972) The first order cybernetic model considerd that problems within a family system should be focused on by
strategically solving problems, meeting family goals and help change a person's dysfunctional behaviour. D Shazer (1985). These concepts in Systemic
therapy were known as the major paradigms and were taught by therapists such as Minuchin in Milan until the information–processing systems were
introduced. They were characterized by the therapist's observation of the system from the external social world. Minuchin S & Fisherman,HC
(1981) Systemic Family... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
White, (1997, p.15–16).Michael White terms this as "doubly listening" White, (2004, p. 53). Through exploration and the discovery of alternative
stories in Client's lives creates a new dimension for the client, they can begin to see new possibilities and positive ways of re–constructing their lives
in relation to the problem that they have. McNamee S & Gergan KJ eds (1994). Externalization 'The person is not the problem, the problem is
the problem is a widely known paradigm among systemic therapists and seeks to separate the person from the problem quite adequately. This in
effect allows the Client an opportunity to see himself/herself differently without being labeled or blamed for the problem. The problem is then
'externalized by the Therapist who through an abstract process will aim to treat the problem as an entity external to the client and will also give the
problem a name. White & Epston (1990) For example, in relation to a child's 'unwanted behavior' it is discussed between the Client/family and
Therapist in terms of the unwanted behavior existing 'outside' of the Client and his family, and is inevitably 'trying to influence' the child i.e. by
causing say anger and aggression to occur and manifest itself in the child's behaviour.Morgan A (2000)

Contextual Family Therapy Model. Contextual Family Therapy
Contextual Family Therapy Model Contextual family therapy model is a transgenerational mode that is based on the assumption that a family system
behavioral patterns are mostly developed from one generation to another generation. This particular model is more of a distinct type model that is
considered to be closely compared or associated to the psychoanalytic family model (Gehart, 2014). The major assumption for change in the contextual
approach model, is to help all in the family system to establish a greater balance in each relationship through the intervention of fairness, trust, loyalty,
and mutual support. These interventions is considered to be the focal point for the contextual family therapy model (Gangamma, Bartle–Haring & ...
This process can position the communication process for exoneration and forgiveness which give a high probability in re–establishing a balance
relationship. Establishing relational truth and constructive entitlement which is guided by the therapist, the wrongdoer within the family system can
give insight to show evident of the hurt he/she has caused. This can lead the wrongdoer to the process of relational trust moving to a level of
restoration and mending the broken relationship (Mauldin, & Anderson, 1998). I believe what make contextual therapy model approach different from
some of the other MFT approaches is that the contextual family model is more of an influential approach. Also, the contextual family model deals with
examining the intrapsychic and the interpersonal dynamic to raise the awareness and give insight to the client, to create new ways to behave and relate
to others ( Gehart, 2014). Through the communication and processing, the therapist helps the client and family to govern different aspect of family
structure, beliefs, power, and hierarchy. This model searches for intergenerational balance of justice and trustworthiness in family based on the concept
of relational ethics and forgiveness in helping conflicted families to rebuild a level

Importance Of Structural Family Therapy
Key Concepts and Terms The first theory selected for Alberto is structural family therapy. Structural family therapy was developed by Salvador
Minuchin. The foundation of Structural family therapy is based on family structure. To gain insight about a family's structure, a therapist must observe
interactional patterns of the family (Gallin, 2011). Minuchin found that structural family change is required in order to reduce problematic symptoms
(Cory, 2013). According to Minuchin, family structure is considered the unspoken rules within a family that determines how a family will interact. To
understand the different types of interactional patterns, the following terms are used to help guide the structural family therapist: coalitions,
subsystems, boundaries, triangulation, roles, rules, and power (Gladdin, 2011). The first term coalition is used to help identify two people who have
teamed up against another person within the family. The second term subsystem helps the therapist to recognize small groups within the family system
and what tasks they complete for the family. The third term is boundaries which are rules and guidelines within the family. Boundaries within a family
can be clear, rigid, or diffused. If a family has clear boundaries, they have a clear understanding of the rules and guidelines within the family and have
flexibility to communicate with one another when something is not working. If a family has rigid boundaries, the family rules and

Family Therapy Reflection Papers
My future work As a counselor, I would like to work with a few different populations who struggle with a variety of mental illnesses. I have
specifically wanted to work with anyone who has suffered from any form of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses. Recently
I have really enjoyed working with college students as a mentor. Through my work with college students and my personal life, I believe that the
family system plays a huge role into who we are as individuals. I would still like to work mainly as an individual counselor, but I think it is
important to be able to understand how the family system plays a role into the client's life. I also think it is important to understand how families
work and who is a part of a bigger system. If I end up working with children, the family will be involved in some way. Having the knowledge I
would have by practicing family systems therapy will allow me to best help all my clients. An article by Jacob B. Priest (2015) discusses how
generalized anxiety disorder and romantic relationship distress could be impacted by a person's past exposure to abuse in their childhood. The article
states, "As predicted, associations were found between family abuse/violence and committed romantic relationship distress and between family abuse
/violence and GAD" (Priest, 2015, p. 349) The article also states "the results reported here support this assertion and suggest that if a person is exposed
to violence or is a victim of abuse

A Research On Family Therapy
Family therapy has many advantages, but should not be a blanket strategy in helping clients. In researching the purpose of family therapy, and it's
history in helping people, it has a significant place in bringing healing to both individuals and families. Nevertheless, it comes with its own set of risks
and issues. In this discussion, the purpose is to work through some of the general advantages and disadvantages of using family therapy, while also
looking at the experience needed and role of a counselor in family therapy. Finally, we will discuss the potential challenges I will face in doing family
therapy.
To begin with, one of the primary advantages of family therapy is its ability to help deal with not only an individual's issue, but the environment
which may be creating or sustaining this issues. Alfred Adler talks about a propensity for external forces to significantly impact a person's
personality (Neukrug, 2016). If thoughtfully considered, this makes sense. Every person seems to be informed in a significant way by his or her
surroundings. People born into a hard working family would seem to grow up with a tendency to work harder, because this was modeled for them.
Moreover, a person born into a neglectful home would grow up with certain issues and tendencies because of this upbringing. Family therapy appears to
help in addressing one of the most significant environments which form human beings. In family therapy, a person can find healing not only for their

Family Therapy Research Paper
The Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board is a compilation of the Indiana Code and Administrative Code for all social workers,
marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and addiction counselors. This reflection paper examines the Indiana Code and focuses on
the specific requirements to become a family and marriage therapist associate, and what requirements need met to become a fully licensed therapist. In
addition, to move from an associate to a licensed therapist one must obtain a number of supervised hours that will be further examined in detail. First,
to become a family and marriage therapist associate a student must complete a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and family therapy, or in a related
field ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
If a marriage and family therapist associate is under "supervised practice", then I believe the supervisor should be as involved as possible.
Potentially, the associate could not receive any real "supervision." Which also brings me to my next complaint that again, individuals who have
probably never experienced supervision wrote the rules about it. I believe competent individuals who are practicing and have real life experience
should be the individuals to write the code. I think it should be a collaborative effort by the different helping disciplines to put together an essential
"state rule book". In that being said, I understand that the Indiana Code of Licensure was produced to protect the state of Indiana and it's employees.
The state officials writing the code were more concerned about ways of avoiding lawsuits rather than researching and creating all rules that were
realistically effective to those individuals in the

Family Therapy Paper
There are multiple therapy approaches in therapy. Therapy approaches are methods clinicians apply to guide their clients through their times of crisis
in order for them to accept the changes in their lifestyles. It is also helpful in developing a good client and clinician relationship by allowing the
clinician to understand the client's perspective. There is no right or wrong way in applying the therapeutic framework in therapy. Most therapist develop
their own style in therapy over time in the industry. However, it is important for clinicians to understand multiple therapeutic approaches to have a
variety to choose from in different circumstances. This paper will compare and contrast the humanistic and the family systems approaches to
counseling. The humanistic approach to therapy is a client–centered therapy tool. Carl Rogers developed this technique believing that people will aim
for progress and significant positive growth when they are receiving unconditional positive regard from those around them, similar to the nurturing
love of a mother towards her child. In doing so it is prudent for the clinician to be ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
However, instead of just focusing on the viewpoint of the client, the clinician views the client's family as a whole. This supports the belief that
"individuals do not have emotional or behavioral symptoms in a vacuum," (Flasher & Fogle 2012). This approach is beneficial for situations where the
family or the people around the client is affected by the disability. Instead of nurturing just the client, the clinician nurtures the family and their
relationship with one another. A disability may disrupt the natural homeostasis of a family. This can result in the family becoming enmeshed,
disengaged, and triangulated. In these cases, clinicians should help the family reestablish the boundaries and the interrelationships of the

Role Of Values In Family Therapy
The Role of Values in Marriage and in Family Therapy
Student's Name
Institution Affiliation
The Role of Values in Marriage and in Family Therapy
Ethics and therapy are closely intertwined. It is important that healthcare professionals dealing in therapy adhere to strict professional standards and
values that help define expectations and also prevent harm to those who seek therapy. Although the application of such values can sometimes be
somewhat complicated when such therapists are dealing with individual clients, the complexity is even more heightened in the context of having
multiple family members under therapy. Advancing conversations regarding values and marriage andfamily therapy is important to enable
professionals grapple with the complexities of the topic as well as support their clients better.
The Role of Values Values play an integral role when it comes to matters concerning therapy. Corey, Corey, Corey, and Callanan (2015) noted that
values permeates every facet of therapy since therapists' values can affect the clients, clients' values can impact the therapist, and a conflict of values
may arise between the two parties. Values are simply items of worth. Individuals define themselves by the values that they attach to different things
such as family, relationships, love, and so forth. Since values help individuals to find worth in their pursuits, they play a central role in marriage and
family therapy as they can help the therapist to chart

Experiential Family Therapy (of Carl Whitaker)
Introduction
Experiential therapy emerged from the humanistic wing of psychology that was focussed on the immediate, here–and–now experience, which was most
popular in the 1960's and 70's. Therapists focussed on the needs of the individual as they attempt to facilitate family interaction, resulting in the
individuality of each member. As Becvar and Becvar (2000) asserted, the hallmarks of experientialfamily therapy were the importance of individuality,
personal freedom and self–fulfillment (pp.181).
Thus, efforts to reduce defensiveness and unlock deeper levels of experiencing rested on an assumption of the basic goodness of human nature.
Many of the basic theories were borrowed from individual and group therapy. It borrowed techniques ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These goals should remain unconscious during therapy, identified only in looking back. The therapy should also improve behavioural congruence,
enhance independence and free choice, and expand the experiencing of emotions.
Basic Model
Whitaker believed that the active and forceful personal involvement and caring of the therapist was the best way to bring about changes in the family
and promote flexibility among family members. He relied on his own personality and wit rather than any kind of fixed techniques to stir up issues in
families and to help them open up and be themselves. He also did this to confuse the family. In his words, "I revel in non–organization. I think that's
part of what my therapy has to do with. It has to do with disorganizing whatever the family brings in and enjoying my disorganization as well." (pp. 204)
In doing this he tried to get the families to go somewhere in order to get them unstuck. During this part of the therapy the therapist and the family
learned to express anxiety more openly during the session.
Techniques that were commonly used to activate the underlying anxiety of the therapy included waiting, challenging roles, amplifying family
deviations and highlighting differences. If successful, families should experience their will to fight, push and disagree.
Theoretical Concepts

There are 3 stages of therapy: 1)

Structural Family Therapy
Models of Therapy Structural Family Therapy Theory: Structural Family Therapy (SFT) has a few interventions within the theoretical model that I
could see myself using with clients (families) from diverse backgrounds with diverse presenting problems. I am in agreement with the way this model
looks at the different types of families and the types of issues they present with such as the patterns common to troubled families; some being
"enmeshed," chaotic and tightly interconnected, while others are "disengaged," isolated and seemingly unrelated. This model also helped me
understand that families are structured in "subsystems" with "boundaries," their members not seeing these complexities and problems that are going on
... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In my personal opinion and experience, I find that the field of psychology is lacking in diverse cultural competencies as much as the society is diverse
in its population. I believe that as with using any theoretical model, the therapists' cultural knowledge needs to include understanding of the many
cultural considerations influencing the effectiveness of treatment when dealing with clients from diverse backgrounds. When servicing the individuals
in the family, care and attention needs to be directed towards family and community norms and values around help seeking, secrecy and confidentiality,
family roles, child rearing and spiritual practices.
Interventions:
One of the main interventions of Functional Family Therapy that resonates with me is that one of the prime goals of this model is to identify the
primary focus of intervention (the family) and reflect an understanding that positive and negative behaviors both influence and are influenced by the
relationships each family member has with one another. Therefore, making functional therapy a multi systemic program, meaning that it focuses on the
multiple domains and systems within which families live and interact with one another. Within this context, FFT works first to develop family
members' inner strengths and sense of being

Structural Family Therapy

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