Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy TENTH EDITION Gerald Corey Cengage Learning

Family Systems Therapy Chapter 14 Family Systems Therapy

Family Systems Perspective Individuals are best understood through assessing the interactions within an entire family A family is an interactional unit and a change in one member effects all members A systems orientation broadens the traditional emphasis on individual internal dynamics Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (1)

View of Symptoms Symptoms are viewed as an expression of a dysfunction within a family Problematic behaviors: Serve a purpose for the family Are unintentionally maintained by family processes Reflect the family’s inability to operate productively Are symptomatic patterns handed down across generations Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (2)

Adlerian Family Therapy Developed by Alfred Adler, AFT is based on an educational model that emphasizes family atmosphere and family constellation Therapists are collaborators who seek to join the family Parent interviews yield hunches about the purposes underlying children’s misbehavior Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (3)

Multigenerational Family Therapy (slide 1 of 2) A theoretical and clinical model developed by Murray Bowen that evolved from psychoanalytic principles and practices The family is viewed as an emotional unit Unresolved emotional reactivity to one’s family must be addressed if one hopes to achieve a mature personality Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (4)

Multigenerational Family Therapy (slide 2 of 2) Differentiation of the self A psychological separation from others Triangulation A third party is recruited to reduce anxiety and stabilize a couples’ relationship Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (5)

MFT Treatment Goals To change the individuals within the context of the system To end generation-to-generation transmission of problems by resolving emotional attachments To lessen anxiety and relieve symptoms To increase the individual member’s level of differentiation Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (6)

Structural Family Therapy Created by Salvador Minuchin, this approach focuses on family interactions to understand the structure, or organization of the family Symptoms are a byproduct of structural failings Structural changes must occur in a family before an individual’s symptoms can be reduced Techniques are active, directive, and well thought out Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (7)

Treatment Goals of Structural Family Therapy Reduce symptoms of dysfunction and bring about structural change by: Modifying the family’s transactional rules Developing more appropriate boundaries Creating an effective hierarchical structure Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (8)

Strategic Family Therapy Jay Haley developed this approach, which is often used in combination with Structural Family Therapy Presenting problems are accepted as “real” and not a symptom of system dysfunction Therapy is brief, process-focused, and solution-oriented Change results when the family follows the therapist’s directions and change transactions Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (9)

Treatment Goals of Strategic Family Therapy Resolve presenting problems by focusing on behavioral sequences Get people to behave differently Shift the family organization so that the presenting problem is no longer functional Move the family toward the appropriate stage of family development Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (10)

Recent Innovations in Family Therapy In recent times, feminism, multiculturalism, and postmodern social constructionism have all entered the family therapy field These models are more collaborative, treating clients—individuals, couples, or families—as experts in their own lives These models represent a real paradigm shift in the field of family therapy Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (11)

A Multilayered Process of Family Therapy Families are multilayered systems that both affect and are affected by the larger systems in which they are embedded Both members and the system can be assessed based on power, alignment, organization, structure, development, culture, and gender Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (12)

Strengths from a Diversity Perspective Many ethnic and cultural groups place great value on the extended family Monica McGoldrick has been the most influential leader in the development of gender and cultural perspectives in family practice The individual culture of the family, the larger cultures to which the family members belong, and host culture that dominates the family’s life are explored Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (13)

Limitations from a Diversity Perspective The process of differentiation occurs in most cultures, but it takes on a different shape due to cultural norms Some practitioners may erroneously assume Western models of family are universal Some family therapists focus primarily on the nuclear family, which is based on Western notions Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (14)

Contributions of the Family Systems Approach In most systemic approaches, neither the individual nor the family is blamed for a particular dysfunction An individual is not scapegoated as the “bad person” in the family Identifying and exploring internal, developmental, and purposeful interactional patterns empowers the family Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (15)

Limitations of the Family Systems Approach An overemphasis on the system may result in the unique characteristics and needs of individuals being overlooked Practitioners must not assume that Western models of family are universal and must be culturally competent Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy - Chapter 14 (16)