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 family therapy. The writer maintains that the solution focused model of family therapy 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."

Tags:well-being, understanding, responses, therapist

Abstract
This paper examines the structural family therapy model of family therapy. The paper provides a detailed literature review of the structural approach to family therapy. The paper also discusses the history of this model, the structural outlook, structural family theory, structural family therapy, and some populations where structural family therapy has been successful. The writer concludes with an explanation of her personal perspective and idea of family therapy.

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."

Tags:social, system, theory, dysfunctional, subsystems, boundaries

Abstract
This paper explores and defines the basic components of Structural Family Therapy according to Salvador Minuchin, author of "Families and Family Therapy". Literary reviews and critiques of Minuchin's book and model for family therapy 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."

Tags:boundaries, alignment, power, subsystems, therapist, treatment, psychiatrist, adler

Abstract
The paper provides a brief background and history of Milan Family Therapy (MFT) and explores the model's underlying philosophy with regards to uniqueness of concepts and terminology. In addition, the paper provides a description of the theoretical view of family dynamics in conjunction with explanations regarding objectives and goals of treatment. The discussion concludes with comments regarding the strengths and limitations of MFT.

From the Paper
"The following discussion provides a brief background and history of Milan Family Therapy (MFT) as well and commentary concerning the model's underlying philosophy with regards to uniqueness of concepts and terminology. In addition, a description of the theoretical view of family dynamics is provided in conjunction with explanations regarding objectives and goals of treatment. The current discussion concludes with comments regarding strengths and limitations of MFT."

Tags:milan, family therapy, systemic therapy

Abstract
This paper examines two different family therapy models, the Functional Family Therapy (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
This paper relates that Suzanne Midori Hanna's well-written "The Practice of Family Therapy: Key Elements across Models" is a practical guide to integrate common elements of practice from first, second and third generation approaches to family therapy. Next, the author details each chapter that ranges from an introduction to the concept and definition of family therapy, to therapy models and common themes and most of all how to work with clients. The paper reports that Chapter 4 'Integration of Practice: Common Themes' is the most useful section of the book; whereas, Chapter 2, 'Family Therapy Models in the Twenty-First Century' is the least useful.

From the Paper
"Hanna identifies three second generational models. The first model is the Milan team model. The Milan team model places an emphasis on changing meaning and beliefs, not behaviors alone. The second model described is the solution focused family therapy model. This model of therapy is based on the work of Milton Erickson and his ideas that people learn limitations that can be bypassed; these models recognize the therapist's role in assisting a family to identify its resources, to build on what is working and to manage its problems. The last second generation family therapy model described is narrative family therapy model. In the narrative family therapy model the therapist must integrate the search for competencies with an analysis of interactional cycles and assignments that instill hope in the client.
"In chapter 2, the author also gives an overview of third generation family therapy. According to the author these are also known as evidence based models. The first third generation model identified is the cognitive-behavioral family therapy model. In this model of therapy the therapist focuses on how the client's internal conflict affects their behavior, and how unrealistic expectations of another often produce undesirable behavior. The second model identified is the multisystemic therapy model."

Tags:intergenerational genogram cognitive-behavioral, dysfunctional patterns, experience

Abstract
Family therapy 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 family therapy is more beneficial. The author of this paper discusses, examines and compares the connections between multisystemic therapy and systemic therapy.

Outline:
Introduction
Multisystemic Therapy
Systemic Therapy
Comparisons
Conclusion
References

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."

Tags:theorist, symptomatic, treatment, psychoanalytic, relationship, behavioral, emotional, antisocial, adolescent, emotional, disturbance

Abstract
This paper looks at structural family therapy (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. "

Tags:pact, christianity, counseling

Abstract
In the first segment of this paper the techniques and theoretical perceptions used in symbolic/experiential family therapy 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 family therapy. 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)"

Tags:engagement, disentanglement, scapegoating, confrontation

Abstract
Structural Family Therapy is seen to be effective in treating dysfunctional and non-functional families by assessing their performance in relation to societal and/or community structures; that is, larger structures within which the family must function successfully. This paper explains how it is a particularly effective type of therapy in dealing with youth with drug problems, but can be used in any context. The writer tells how therapists using the structural paradigm approach families, often in familiar or household settings, as groups and groups-within-groups, and they encourage enacting and balance in structural paradigms that are based on power, joining/opposing, and roles and effective communications strategies. It points out that the model is generally attributed to Salvador Minuchin, who was most active in the mid-20th century.

From the Paper
"Structural Family Therapy is most commonly associated with the innovative impact and methods of the Argentine Salvador Minuchin, who practiced as a family therapist in the mid-twentieth century and was renowned for his clinical acumen and ability to get families under his tutelage and moderation to make effective and lasting changes. Minuchin "discovered two patterns common to troubled families: some are "enmeshed," chaotic and tightly interconnected, while others are "disengaged," isolated and seemingly unrelated" (Salvador, 1998). His method of assessing and contributing to functional families varied with the situation, and in Families and Family Therapy, the therapist set down what were to become the fundamentals of Structural Family Therapy."

Tags:minuchin, paradigms, community, society