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Keys to Family Therapy

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. Keys to Family Therapy. Within the system, there are people, but also the RELATIONSHIPS

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Keys to Family Therapy

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  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.

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