Abstract Therapeutic work with families is a recent scientific phenomenon but an ancient art. Throughout human history, designated persons in all cultures have helped couples and families cope, adjust, and grow (Samuel T. Gladding). In the preface of his book, FamilyTherapy: Concepts and Methods, Family Therapist, Michael P. Nichols stresses the importance of an elaborate session with the unhappy family, and the goals it accomplishes that are very much absent from the regular, traditional approaches or the academic sessions.
Abstract This paper discusses familytherapy as the solution of today's world. According to this paper, the reason for this seems to be that it shifts the former scope of therapy from focusing on the individual and the relationship between the therapist and patient as seen in psychotherapy.
From the Paper "Family therapy has been the modern answer to complications within the family because it alters the former scope of therapy that previously was centrally focused solely on the individual and the relationship between the patient and the therapist in psychotherapy. Begun by Freud and Rogers this type of therapy contended that the patient was undergoing psychological problems in life because of "unhealthy interactions with others". It did not, however, consider that these unhealthy interactions could be the result of closely knit families undergoing psychological problems that were elevated by problems between each other, or because of problems that arose out of a family's day-to-day lives. Therefore, "pioneers" in the field, (John Bell, Murray Bowen, Nathan Ackerman, Carl Whitaker, Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, and Salvador Minuchin) identified that the family as a whole was often in need of treatment, and that family therapy would serve to make the unit a healthier base for all members to thrive in."
Abstract This paper examines two different familytherapy models, the Functional FamilyTherapy (FFT) and the Multisystemic Therapy (MST). The author defines each therapy method as well as discusses the components, characteristics and costs involved for each of them. The paper includes results of programs implemented in Oregon employing both therapy methods. The paper concludes that, although the two methods differ in the process of treatment and the treatment regimen, when properly utilized, both methods can be effective. This paper includes figures.
Outline:
Purpose of Study
Terms & Definitions
Introduction
Findings
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "FFT was developed for the purpose of a behavioral adolescent population in the 1970s. The adolescent's behavior was conceived from the conceptual framework in which all family members had various interpersonal needs and the teen's personal developmental needs. From this view the thoughts of family members concerning the behavior of other family members were observed and then meaning assigned to these recurrent interaction sequences and the needs that these recurrent sequences appear to meet."
Tags:family systems, behavior disorders, delinquency communication youths crime
Abstract The paper presents the theoretical foundation of Murray Bowen and Ivan Nagy therapeutic approaches, comparing and contrasting the specificity of concepts, pathology and treatment. The paper emphasizes that the main common point which unites the two theories is their focus on family-of-origin experiences when conceptualizing cases. The paper presents concepts and therapy techniques in order to emphasize the common points and differentiating points. Also noted is the need for more empirical studies to validate the effectiveness of the two theories and concepts.
From the Paper "Contextual Family Therapy was founded by Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy in the 1950's, by turning from psychoanalysis to family therapy, and emphasizes that family life may be described in terms of four main dimensions: facts (such as ethnicity or family size); psychology (such as thoughts and emotions); transactions (such as interaction patterns); and relational ethics (the balance of fairness among people) (Carr 2006). The core issue of contextual family therapy is relational ethics - establishing fairness - as the central way of helping families to resolve problems. Contextual therapists consider that the problems develop as a result of an imbalance of justice within the family across generations. The lack of balance manifests itself in the family relationships as a ledger of entitlements and debts that also suggests what has been given and what is owed. Significant imbalance in such ledgers even across generations leads to problems. One way of imbalancing relational ledgers are invisible loyalties. They lead to developing problems. As Alan Carr noted, invisible loyalties are "the unconscious commitments that children make to meet debts to parents or entitlements arising from their interactions with them" (Carr, p. 163). For instance, an adult that has been neglected as a child feels entitled to neglect his children at his turn. Split loyalties usually are the result of parental conflict and happens when a child is faced to side with one parent, this generating a sense of entitlement at having lost a parent."
Abstract The paper explains how familytherapy in general is concerned with addressing predictable patterns of behavior and interactions between family members. The paper details the various forms of familytherapy; structural, strategic and the Milan systemic school of familytherapy. The paper explains that each of these approaches to familytherapy are similar in that they work to help family members overcome negative or abnormal behaviors. They work to help develop more "normal" interactions and relationships among family members. The paper also discusses psychopathology and how it often arises from paradoxes or contradictions in family communication among family members.
Outline:
Part I - Overview FamilyTherapy Systems
Part II - Psychopathology and Paradoxes
From the Paper "There are varying approaches to family therapy. Strategic, systemic and structural approaches tend to focus similarly on identifying certain elements of family interactions in the course of therapy including the "how, when, where and what" of therapy as opposed to the "why" of therapy (Haley, 2006; Todd, 2005; Colapinto, 1991; Erskine Edu, 2006). This means therapy is generally guided by the belief that behavior is determined by consequences of one's actions, and thus the focus of therapy includes increasing positive behaviors within the context of the family and the family's interactions."
Abstract This paper contrasts both traditional psychoanalysis and a newer tradition, behavioral familytherapy and looks at their applicability in different situations. The author explains that psychoanalysis, developed by Freud, helps the client gain more awareness and understanding of their inner world including motivations. The author points out that behavioral familytherapy, a melding of behavior therapy and familytherapy, assumes that all behavior is learned, or conditioned, and can be unlearned and changed and that the family, viewed as a system, is the focus of this learning.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Description
Comparison
Depth/Insight
Focus on Family Goals
Length of Therapy Meaning Orientation
Conformity
Application to Different Situations
From the Paper "While they both emphasize family, they do so in very different ways. In psychoanalysis, the therapeutic arrangement is between the therapist and the individual. Family members are not brought into the therapeutic alliance. In family therapy, the family is the unit that works with the therapist. The family is not separated out, but placed at the center of the working process."
Tags: motivation, awareness, conditioned, system, unit
Abstract This paper examines the structural familytherapy model of familytherapy. The paper provides a detailed literature review of the structural approach to familytherapy. The paper also discusses the history of this model, the structural outlook, structural family theory, structural familytherapy, and some populations where structural familytherapy has been successful. The writer concludes with an explanation of her personal perspective and idea of familytherapy.
Outline:
Abstract
Literature Review
Personal Perspective
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are many models of family therapy out there in use in this day and age. Many counselors choose to be eclectic in their choices of therapeutic techniques, which is encouraged in most professional counseling training programs. There are the Psychodynamic outlook, Transgenerational models, Experiential models, Strategic models, the Milan Systemic model, the Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral models, Social Construction models, and Psychoeducational models. All of these models of family therapy are very useful in many ways. This paper will discuss another model of family therapy, that of the Structural model."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at different models and forms of therapy for families that are experiencing problems. The writer notes that natural therapy is a form of psychotherapy that does not allow for medications, but that uses techniques that are aimed at assisting the individual to overcome issues through a natural approach. The writer looks at cognitive behavioral therapy in which the problem is seen to exist through the individual's thoughts and actions. The writer then discusses structural therapy and strategic familytherapy. The writer maintains that the solution focused model of familytherapy identifies the outcomes that the family desires and uses those outcomes as the focus of the therapy. In the narrative model the writer notes that clients are asked to take part in a narrative history of life and in collaborative therapy the patient and the therapist work as partners in the discovery of issues and the implementation of solutions to the issues.
Outline:
Natural System Model
Cognitive-Behavioral Model
Structural Model
Problem Focus Model
Strategic Model
Solution-Focused Model
Narrative Model
Collaborative Language System Model
From the Paper "Change for the patient requires that the thoughts and actions impacting the person's life must be identified initially. This may occur through the patient speaking with the therapist and answering questions that serve to allow the therapist to determine where the issues exist. However, the patient should be the one that identifies the problem areas through discussion so that he or she is capable of understanding that change is significant.
"Techniques used in cognitive behavioral therapy are implemented once the identification of the problem has occurred. The therapist may give the patient "homework" and a new mental or physical response to a situation. That new response is used by the patient in place of the negative response and it is through practice that a new method of thought or behavior can be experienced on an ongoing basis, replacing the former thoughts and action."
Abstract Familytherapy is a topic that has long been surrounded by a great deal of debate as it pertains to the types of models that are utilized. Some researchers believe that multisystemic therapy is the most useful, while others believe that systemic familytherapy is more beneficial. The author of this paper discusses, examines and compares the connections between multisystemic therapy and systemic therapy.
From the Paper "According to the article one of the most significant principles of MST is the amalgamation of empirically-based treatment approaches including behavioral parent training and strategic and functional family therapy approaches. The article explains from a historical perspective these approaches only focused on a small aspect of the youth's social ecology including such factors as problem-solving skills and the discipline the parents. These factors were placed in an ecological paradigm confronting important factors involving family, peer, school, and community systems. In addition biological contributors were taken into consideration to recognize problems and psychopharmacological treatments that should be utilized in combination with psychological treatments."
Abstract In this paper, structural familytherapy concepts and practices are discussed, as well as the complex interactions and patterns of communication involved in structural familytherapy. The writer concludes that family therapists examine the family as a whole, or as a social unit, with complex interactions and patterns of communication, in order to help the individual.
Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Strategic Family Theory and Therapy Therapeutic Techniques
Conclusion
From the Paper "Structural family therapy involves a great deal of direction by the therapist, and is very action oriented. The goal is to change the behavior of the family by enactment and creation of alternative realities. The goal of therapy is not symptom relief but rather for the family to transform and reinvent itself around a symptom, so that they can apply these structural changes to other areas of their lives."
Abstract This paper explains that familytherapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family. It shows how familytherapy is recommended in situations in which, even though there may be only one member with a condition needing therapy, the member's behavior affects the whole family.
From the Paper "Other instances where family therapy is recommended include- treatment of a family member with schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder (MPD), families that deviate from social norms and blended families with adjustment problems. Family therapy tends to be short-term treatment, usually several months in length, with a focus on resolving specific problems such as eating disorders, difficulties with school, or adjustments to bereavement or geographical relocation. In family therapy sessions, all members of the family and both therapists (if there is more than one) are present at most sessions."
Abstract This paper looks at structural familytherapy (SFT) in its original form as well as in a form that is presently being used and has been effectively used specifically in SFT initiatives in families that are working with the issue of acculturation. The studies of Salvador Minuchin and Jay Haley are focused upon and the work of Thomas C.Todd (2006) is also taken into consideration. It also explores how SFT might effectively be applied by a minister of a neighborhood organization and how the Christian principles might be effectively and successfully applied in SFT therapy.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction to SFT
SFT - The Focus
The Goals of SFT
Differentiation in Various Theories
The Strategic Based (SFT) Intervention
Skills Necessary for SFT Therapy Discussion
Integration of FST, Pact and Christian Principles
Pact: Key Features
Structural Approach Used in Therapy
From the Paper "The resolution of conflicts is another area that must be in focus in the SFT therapy. There are various existing patterns in the way that individuals in the family deal with or use to avoid conflicts. Some of those are "detouring, attacking (also known as scapegoating)" (Todd, 2006) in which a union is formed against another family member who is labeled as 'bad' receiving the blame in full. Further there are the relationships that are described as "detouring, protecting" (Todd, 2006) in which two of the parties in conflict join to assist or help another in the family who had been labeled as defenseless, sick, and helpless and is a pattern noted in families that are psychosomatic and in families that have children who are known to be psychotic. "
Abstract This paper provides a discussion of how structural familytherapy works with a schizophrenic family member. The Bowen theory is presented along with a discussion as to how the therapy works. Definitions are given with respect to the terms of schizophrenia, therapy and structural therapy. The family constellation is also discussed.
From the Paper "On entering the twenty first century today's modern family is beset by events and conditions that were the storylines of authors such as Orwell and Hersey. Today's family today is besieged by mega technology, ever increasing healthcare costs, unprecedented scientific advancement, continual cost of living increases, global conflict, and a broadening of cultural diversity. The pressures brought to bear on the family are healthy in some ways and damaging in others. With so much more pressure confronting the American family the rapid rise of psychopathology is not uncommon and must be addressed. The remainder of this report will focus one particular psychological disorder with respect to its relationship with the modern American family, namely schizophrenia. The report will also address the aforementioned psychopathology with respect to structural family therapy and how it is interrelated with the disorder."
Abstract This paper explores and defines the basic components of Structural FamilyTherapy according to Salvador Minuchin, author of "Families and FamilyTherapy". Literary reviews and critiques of Minuchin's book and model for familytherapy are also discussed.
From the Paper "Times have changed, for the good, in the view Minuchin expresses in Psychology Today (Minuchin, 1993). He saw a sign that Americans are no longer stigmatized by "family therapy" through the election of the Bill Clinton / Al Gore administration in 1992. ?At the Democratic Convention, Vice President Gore said that his family was in family therapy without fear or concern that such a statement reflects a deficit, that something is missing.? Of course, the Clinton Administration's scandals made better headlines and fodder for gossip than the positive things accomplished in those years, and yet Minuchin was correct in saying that barriers and stigmas regarding "family therapy" have been broken down, and that, along with the proven family solutions found within SFT, is a very good thing."
Abstract In the first segment of this paper the techniques and theoretical perceptions used in symbolic/experiential familytherapy are outlined. The paper mentions that Virginia Satir and Walter Kemplar are also seen as having had equal, initial importance in the birth of experiential familytherapy. However, the paper concentrates mainly on the work of Carl Whitaker and his colleagues, whose style of therapy differs greatly from that of Satir and Kemplar. The second section of this paper paints a picture of how these sessions of symbolic, experiential therapy might appear in order to give the reader a deeper understanding of the applicability of Whitaker's somewhat unconventional methods.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Carl Whitaker
Basic Model
Theoretical Concepts
Strengths
Shortcomings
Fit With Systems Theory
Current Research
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Anxiety and confusion are increased through use of metaphors, teasing, humor, free association, fantasy, confrontation or silence. The underlying premise being that the way to promote individual growth and family cohesion is to liberate effects and impulses. This is often referred to as "expanding the symptom" and is done to refocus the family members on the problem as within the family, as opposed to one person having the problem. (Connell, et al.; 1999, pp.53)"
