Increasing Family Functioning BSHS457 December 14, 2015OUTLINE TITLE Introduction [The first sub-topic] [First supporting information for the sub-topic] [Detail of the information] [Detail of the information] [Second supporting information for the sub-topic] [Detail of the information] [Detail of the information] Family Therapy Functional Family Characteristics 1. Freedom to express them selves Trust Dysfunctional Family Characteristics 1. Perfectionism Poor Communication [The third sub-topic] [First supporting information for the sub-topic] [Detail of the information] [Detail of the information] [Second supporting information for the sub-topic] [Detail of the information] [Detail of the information] Conclusion 1 Functional Versus Dysfunctional Family Traits Functional Family Traits In order to be fully functional, each human being needs to express freely the five basic powers that constitute human strength. These are: the power to perceive; to think and interpret; to emote; to choose, want, and desire; and to be creative through the use of imagination. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58) Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications. Five Freedoms ExpressedFUNCTIONAL Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications. Functional Family Traits The marriage, as the chief component of the family, needs to be in the process of becoming intimate. This process goes through the stages of: in love; working out differences, compromise, and individualization; and plateau intimacy. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58) Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications. Unfolding Process of IntimacyFUNCTIONAL Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications. Functional Family Traits Negotiating differences is the crucial task in the process of intimacy formation. To negotiate differences there must be the desire to cooperate. This desire creates the willingness to fight fair. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58) Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications. Negotiated DifferencesFUNCTIONAL Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications. Functional Family Traits C. Clear and Consistent Communication – Clear and consistent communication are keys to establishing separateness and intimacy – clear communication demands awareness of self and the other, as well as mutual respect for each others dignity. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58) Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary way of self-discovery. Deerfiel.

1. Increasing Family Functioning
BSHS457
December 14, 2015OUTLINE TITLE
Introduction
[The first sub-topic]
[First supporting information for the sub-topic]
[Detail of the information]
[Detail of the information]
[Second supporting information for the sub-topic]
[Detail of the information]
[Detail of the information]
Family Therapy
Functional Family Characteristics
1. Freedom to express them selves
Trust
Dysfunctional Family Characteristics
1. Perfectionism
Poor Communication
[The third sub-topic]
[First supporting information for the sub-topic]
[Detail of the information]
[Detail of the information]
[Second supporting information for the sub-topic]
[Detail of the information]
[Detail of the information]
Conclusion
1

2. Functional Versus Dysfunctional Family Traits
Functional Family Traits
In order to be fully functional, each human being needs to
express freely the five basic powers that constitute human
strength. These are: the power to perceive; to think and
interpret; to emote; to choose, want, and desire; and to be
creative through the use of imagination.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Five Freedoms ExpressedFUNCTIONAL
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Functional Family Traits
The marriage, as the chief component of the family, needs to be

3. in the process of becoming intimate. This process goes through
the stages of: in love; working out differences, compromise, and
individualization; and plateau intimacy.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Unfolding Process of IntimacyFUNCTIONAL
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Functional Family Traits
Negotiating differences is the crucial task in the process of
intimacy formation. To negotiate differences there must be the
desire to cooperate. This desire creates the willingness to fight
fair.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.

4. Negotiated DifferencesFUNCTIONAL
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Functional Family Traits
C. Clear and Consistent Communication – Clear and consistent
communication are keys to establishing separateness and
intimacy – clear communication demands awareness of self and
the other, as well as mutual respect for each others dignity.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Apollo Group User (cmf) - The previous slides show what I am
suggesting be done to present the concepts. Please continue
until the full word FUNCTIONAL is spelled out. I also added a

5. line to separate the main title from the subtitles
Functional Family Traits
T. Trusting – Trust is created by honesty. Accurate expression
of emotions, thoughts, and desires is more important than
agreement. Honesty is self-responsible and avoids shaming.
I. Individuality – In functional families differences are
encouraged. The uniqueness and unrepeatability of each person
is the number one priority in a functional family.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Functional Family Traits
O. Open and Flexible – In a functional family the roles are open
and flexible. One can be spontaneous without fear of shame and
judgment.
N. Needs Fulfilled – Happy people are people who are getting
their needs met. A functional family allows all of its members
to get their needs fulfilled. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 58)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.

6. Functional Family Traits
A. Accountability – Functional families are accountable. They
are willing to acknowledge individual problems, as well as
family problems. They will work to resolve those problems.
L. Laws are Open and Flexible – The laws in functional families
will allow for mistakes. They can and are negotiable.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 59)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Good Functional Rules
Functional family rules can be summed up as follows:
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 54)1Problems are acknowledged and
resolved.2The five freedoms are promoted. All members can
express their perception, feelings, thoughts, desires, and
fantasies.3All relationships are dialogical and equal. Each
person is of equal value as a person.4Communication is direct,
congruent and sensory based, i.e., concrete, specific, and
behavioral.5Family members can get their needs met.6Family
members can be different.7Parents do what they say. They are
self-disciplined disciplinarians.

7. Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Good Functional Rules
Functional family rules can be summed up as follows:
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 55)8Family roles are chosen and
flexible.9Atmosphere is fun and spontaneous.10The rules
require accountability.11Violation of other’s values leads to
guilt.12Mistakes are forgiven and viewed as learning
tools.13The family system exists for the individuals.14Parents
are in touch with their healthy shame.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary

8. way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Dysfunctional Family Traits
Dysfunctional families deny their problems. Hence the
problems never get solved. Such families also deny members
the five freedoms.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Denial and Delusion DYSFUNCTIONAL
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.

9. Dysfunctional Family Traits
There is always an intimacy vacuum in a dysfunctional family.
The intimacy vacuum creates the dysfunction.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Yin/Yang Disorder DYSFUNCTIONAL
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Apollo Group User (cmf) - the rest of the letters can be
presented in the same manner)
Dysfunctional Family Traits
D. Denial and Delusion – Dysfunctional families deny their
problems. Hence the problems never get solved. Such families

10. also deny members the five freedoms.
Y. Yin/Yang Disorder – There is always an intimacy vacuum in
a dysfunctional family. The intimacy vacuum creates the
dysfunction.
S. Shame-based – Non-functional families are shame-based.
The parents have internalized their shame and act shameless
toward their children. The children often feel ashamed of the
family.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Dysfunctional Family Traits
F. Fixed, Frozen, and Rigid Roles – Roles are created by the
needs of the family as a system. Children give up their reality
to take care of the needs of the system.
U. Undifferentiated Ego Mass – Members of dysfunctional
families are enmeshed in each others boundaries. If mom is
scared, all feel scared. Members feel for other members.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Dysfunctional Family Traits

11. N. Needs Sacrificed to the System – Members of a
dysfunctional family cannot get their individual needs met.
Individual needs are put aside for the needs of the system.
There is almost always low grade anger and depression in a
dysfunctional family.
C. Confluence or Conflicted Communication – The
communication style in dysfunctional families is either open
conflict or the agreement never to disagree (confluence). There
is rarely any real contact. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Dysfunctional Family Traits
T. Togetherness Polarity Dominates – Individual differences are
sacrificed for the needs of the family system. In dysfunctional
families, the individual exists for the family. It is difficult to
leave dysfunctional families.
I. Irrevocable Rules – In non-functional families, the rules are
rigid and unchanging. Such rules are usually control,
perfectionism, and blame. The poisonous pedagogy sets up
these rules.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.

12. Dysfunctional Family Traits
O. Open Secrets – The open secrets are part of the vital lie
which keeps the family frozen. Apropos of open secrets,
everyone knows what everyone pretends not to know.
N. Non-changing Closed System – Everyone plays their role to
control the controlling distress. But the more each plays his
role, the more the system stays the same.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Dysfunctional Family Traits
A. Absolute and Grandiose Will – The major catastrophe of the
dysfunctional family is that all members have their wills
disabled. Control itself is a product of the disabled will. The
denial of conflict and frustration creates a situation in which
one wills to will. This gives one the illusion of doing
something about the problem. It is a way to feel whole when
one is actually split. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Dysfunctional Family Traits

13. L. Lack of Boundaries – Members of dysfunctional families
give up their ego boundaries as a way to maintain the family
system. Giving up ego boundaries is equivalent to giving up
one’s identity. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 84)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Poisonous Pedagogy
1. Adults are the master’s of the dependent child.
2. Adults determine in a God like fashion what is right and
wrong.
3. The child is held responsible for the anger of adults.
4. Parents must always be shielded. (Bradshaw, 1988, p. 7)
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Poisonous Pedagogy
5. The child’s life-affirming feelings pose a threat to the
autocratic parent.
6. The child’s will must be “broken” as soon as possible.
7. All this must happen at a very early age so the child “won’t
notice” and will not be able to expose the adults. Adults are the
master’s of the dependent child.
(Bradshaw, 1988, p. 7)

14. Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.
Bradshaw, J. (1988). Bradshaw on: The family - A revolutionary
way of self-discovery. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health
Communications.