1. Keys to Family Therapy The concept of the family is a “System.”
Not a Linear model of Causality
A => B=> C=> . . .
It speaks of “Circular” Causality A
E B
D C

2. Keys to Family Therapy
Within the system, there are people, but also the RELATIONSHIPS
It is in the Relationships that you see the dynamics and the problems of the family.
To make it easy on us, in an otherwise complex task of looking at everything:
We look at Dyads (two person systems)
We look at Triads (three person systems)

3. Keys to Family Therapy Dyads= look at the power and control
Triads= look at the “odd man out”
Concept of the Scapegoat
Concept of the Identified Patient
So with this basic use of Systems Theory, we now see “problems” in families in a different light.

4. All Systems Have . . .
RULES
These rules are communicated through not only what they SAY, but also what they DO.
PURPOSE
Primary purpose is Survival.
STRUCTURE
Hierarchy and Patterns in Relationships

5. Added note on STRUCTURE
Structure breeds Stability
Stability breeds Security
This is what we all want.
It starts with “good structure”
My view is that the Bible has some great things to say about families and “good structure.”
The Family is the first system that God ordained and therefore it has prominence.

6. Structure: Starts with the couple.
THE MARRIAGE PYRAMID:
Intimacy
Conflict Resolution
Communication
Psychological Health of Couple

7. Research on Real Families
Healthy Profile
Legitimate source of authority.
Stable rule system.
Nurturing Behavior.
Effective childrearing and marriage-focusing behaviors.
Set of Goals (both family-wide and individual)
Flexibility and adaptability to cope.

8. Research on Real Families
Emotional Profile
Caring and supportive attitudes.
Respect for all members and their views.
Motivation.
High level of initiation.
Strong marital/parental coalition with boundaries.
Individuality balanced by cooperation.
Congruent methods.
Ability to express affection.
Spontaneity and humor.

9. Doing Therapy I like to keep the first interview very structured.
Interview the whole family, if possible.
Focus on Communication:
BUT NOT CONTENT
LISTEN FOR PROCESS
Make a note as to who has the POWER.
Be confident, positive, and in control.

10. 1st Interview Social Phase Problem Phase Interaction Phase
Goal Setting Phase
Task Setting Phase
Involves use of Directives
Front-door: behavioral and basic communication
Back-door: utilizes the family’s resistance

11. Assessing the Family’s Problem
The family is BLOCKED.
Simple and straightforward
Help them past the Hurdle
There is DISPLACEMENT.
Scapegoat and Identified Patient issues
Help them to see the True Problem
There is DAMAGE.
On the issues of Structure, Rule, or Purpose
Help them truly become a NEW SYSTEM

12. If Blocked . . . Teach them what they need. Behavioral interventions
Parenting skills (discipline and nurturing)
Marriage maintenance practices
Connecting with any other institutions
Educational services
Social Services
Churches
Communication skills
Genograms

13. If Displacement . . . Help them to see the patterns.
Dyads: Symmetrical Escalation and Pathological Complementarity
Triads: Triangulation
Seek to balance the relationships
The “symptom” is held by the family to keep their family together
Issue a “block,” a “strategic question,” or a “reframe”

14. If there is Damage . . . Help them to “Re-structure”
Challenge family norms
Clarify boundary issues (disengagement and enmeshment)
Help them with New Rules
Increase Awareness and Introduce New Choices
Help them with a New Purpose
Reframing the context or emotional output
Use of Paradoxical Interventions

15. “Working” at what? Commitment (permanence)
Value Your Spouse’s Uniqueness
Different, but Necessary
Nurture Your Friendship

16. Leave you with a quote:
“Husbands, live your lives in such a way, that you would be the kind of man a woman could LIVE for, and wives, live your lives in such a way, that you would be the kind of woman a man would DIE for.