ChristianMentalHealthChristianMentalHealth.com.com220 Montgomery St., Suite 1098, 220 Montgomery St., Suite 1098, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94104, CA 94104
1357 Mowry Avenue, 1357 Mowry Avenue, FremontFremont, CA 94538, CA 94538
Class Attendance & Finish the ReaderClass Attendance & Finish the Reader
Each student is expected to complete Each student is expected to complete one paper assignmentsone paper assignments
A written report (about 10 pages) to be A written report (about 10 pages) to be submitted to the office, entitled:submitted to the office, entitled:
““If I were a master Family If I were a master Family Systems Theorist”Systems Theorist”
““If I were a master Family If I were a master Family Systems Theorist”Systems Theorist”
When you become a master family systems theorist, how When you become a master family systems theorist, how would you describe your system theory?would you describe your system theory?
Include your use of common terms: enmeshment, Include your use of common terms: enmeshment, triangulation, etc. triangulation, etc.
Include any new terms that you have invented?Include any new terms that you have invented? What about the relationship between husband & wife?What about the relationship between husband & wife? What are your constructs?What are your constructs? How do you do assessments?How do you do assessments? What are your therapy goals?What are your therapy goals? How do you do interventions?How do you do interventions?
““If I were a master Family If I were a master Family Systems Theorist”Systems Theorist”
How would your theory be different from the four theories How would your theory be different from the four theories we have discussed in class? we have discussed in class?
In what way is your theory similar to the four theories we In what way is your theory similar to the four theories we have discussed in class?have discussed in class?
What makes your theory relevant for Hong Kong Chinese What makes your theory relevant for Hong Kong Chinese families?families?
What makes your theory relevant for Christians?What makes your theory relevant for Christians?
How would you implement your theory in prevention How would you implement your theory in prevention efforts at church?efforts at church?
How would you prevent divorces?How would you prevent divorces? What ministry can you provide for children of divorce?What ministry can you provide for children of divorce?
Term Paper DueTerm Paper Due
Friday, July 26, 2002Friday, July 26, 2002
Handed in at Kay Wong’s officeHanded in at Kay Wong’s office
If you need your grade to graduate,If you need your grade to graduate,
Please say so on the front page of your paper!Please say so on the front page of your paper!
(If you need more time to finish your work, (If you need more time to finish your work, please make an application for extension at please make an application for extension at the registrar’s office or through Kay Wong)the registrar’s office or through Kay Wong)
Class TimeClass Time
09:00 to 10:30 AM09:00 to 10:30 AM Instruction session 1Instruction session 1
10:30 to 10:45 AM10:30 to 10:45 AM Break 1Break 1
10:45 to 12:00 PM10:45 to 12:00 PM Instruction session 2Instruction session 2
12:00 to 01:00 PM12:00 to 01:00 PM Lunch Lunch
01:00 to 02:30 PM01:00 to 02:30 PM Instruction 3 (or film)Instruction 3 (or film)
02:30 to 02:45 PM02:30 to 02:45 PM Break 2Break 2
02:45 to 05:00 PM02:45 to 05:00 PM Instruction session 4Instruction session 4
05:00 to 05:30 PM05:00 to 05:30 PM Q/A Individual TimeQ/A Individual Time
Course Description and OutlineCourse Description and Outline
This graduate marriage and family studies course This graduate marriage and family studies course provides fundamental introduction to the study of provides fundamental introduction to the study of common marriage and family systems theories. common marriage and family systems theories.
Theories and techniques of family therapy will be Theories and techniques of family therapy will be reviewed and practical application discussed. reviewed and practical application discussed.
The structural family therapy approach is studied The structural family therapy approach is studied in depth. in depth.
Theoretical perspectives are presented through Theoretical perspectives are presented through readings, lectures, and videotapes by the masters; readings, lectures, and videotapes by the masters; classroom PowerPoint presentations and student classroom PowerPoint presentations and student demonstrations.demonstrations.
Course Objectives and OutcomesCourse Objectives and Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able Upon completion of this course, students will be able to understand and use the four predominant theories: to understand and use the four predominant theories:
The Structural Model, the Bowenian Model, the Satir The Structural Model, the Bowenian Model, the Satir model and the Strategic School. model and the Strategic School.
Students will be shown how to assess their counseling Students will be shown how to assess their counseling cases from a system's perspective using the theoretical cases from a system's perspective using the theoretical framework from the above approaches, and to apply, to framework from the above approaches, and to apply, to some extent, some of the intervention techniques covered. some extent, some of the intervention techniques covered.
Cultural and theological and other relevant issues will Cultural and theological and other relevant issues will also be addressed to assist students in this course to also be addressed to assist students in this course to enhance their ability to minister through the local enhance their ability to minister through the local church.church.
Course Objectives and OutcomesCourse Objectives and Outcomes
Students will establish a working knowledge of Students will establish a working knowledge of the historical developments central to Marriage the historical developments central to Marriage and Family Therapy standards as well as marital and Family Therapy standards as well as marital and family counseling in general. and family counseling in general.
They will have a working understanding of They will have a working understanding of general systems theory, as well as a working general systems theory, as well as a working knowledge of the major models of family therapy; knowledge of the major models of family therapy; they will understand family assessment, treatment they will understand family assessment, treatment planning and intervention techniques, from the planning and intervention techniques, from the perspectives of the various models discussed. perspectives of the various models discussed.
Assessment Criteria or Course RequirementsAssessment Criteria or Course Requirements
Students are expected to attend class Students are expected to attend class minimum of 100%. minimum of 100%.
There are assigned reading for the course There are assigned reading for the course based on the required textbook below. based on the required textbook below.
There will be either an examination at the There will be either an examination at the end of the course or a term paper due. end of the course or a term paper due.
Students are expected to participate in classroom Students are expected to participate in classroom discussion as well as a short presentation of their discussion as well as a short presentation of their papers if one is assigned.papers if one is assigned.
TextbookTextbook
Nichols, M.; Schwartz, R., Nichols, M.; Schwartz, R.,
Family Therapy: Concepts and MethodsFamily Therapy: Concepts and Methods. . Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2001 Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2001
(fifth edition).(fifth edition).
Reference BooksReference Books
Goldenberg, I, & Goldenberg, H. (2000).Goldenberg, I, & Goldenberg, H. (2000). Family Family Therapy: An overviewTherapy: An overview. Needham Heights, MA: . Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 5th ed.Allyn & Bacon, 5th ed.
Haley, J. (1977). Haley, J. (1977). Problem-solving TherapyProblem-solving Therapy. San . San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Minuchin, S. (1974). Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and Family Families and Family TherapyTherapy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.Press.
Satir, V. (1993). Satir, V. (1993). Conjoint Family TherapyConjoint Family Therapy. Palo . Palo Alto, CA: Science Behavior Books.Alto, CA: Science Behavior Books.
Michael P. Nichols,Michael P. Nichols, The Essentials of Family TherapyThe Essentials of Family Therapy
Curricula (English) References From:Curricula (English) References From: C. R. Barké, Ph.D.; Tamara L. Kaiser, Ph.D.; Michael I. Vickers, Ph.D.C. R. Barké, Ph.D.; Tamara L. Kaiser, Ph.D.; Michael I. Vickers, Ph.D.
Key videos will be shown as direct Key videos will be shown as direct illustrations from the masters of a particular illustrations from the masters of a particular theory. theory. – ““Marriage: Just a Piece of Paper?”Marriage: Just a Piece of Paper?”– ““Minuchin Interview”Minuchin Interview”
Other videos will be included on a time-Other videos will be included on a time-permitting basis.permitting basis.– "Unfolding the laundry,""Unfolding the laundry," Salvador Minuchin Salvador Minuchin
The family is the context of most The family is the context of most human problemshuman problems
The whole is greater than the sum of its partsThe whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Like all human groups, the family has Like all human groups, the family has emergent properties -fall into two emergent properties -fall into two categoriescategories
1.1. StructureStructure and and
2.2. ProcessProcess
Family Therapy is NewFamily Therapy is New
Psychiatry: Medical ModelPsychiatry: Medical Model– Schizophrenia was not believed to be biologicalSchizophrenia was not believed to be biological– Family is not included in hospital treatmentFamily is not included in hospital treatment– Family is believed to be the cause of illnessFamily is believed to be the cause of illness– Psychiatrists are not trained to treat familiesPsychiatrists are not trained to treat families
Change the Family to change the PersonChange the Family to change the Person– Change the Person and change the FamilyChange the Person and change the Family
Theorists were smart researchersTheorists were smart researchers– Studied different parts to improve the wholeStudied different parts to improve the whole
A Three-Person system; according to Bowen, the A Three-Person system; according to Bowen, the smallest stable unit of human relationship. smallest stable unit of human relationship. “Diverting conflict between two people by “Diverting conflict between two people by
involving a third.”involving a third.”
““The unhappy mother uses her last born son to The unhappy mother uses her last born son to triangulate against his father” triangulate against his father”
She is unhappy with her marriage and to find stability She is unhappy with her marriage and to find stability and significance in her identity as a woman, she and significance in her identity as a woman, she
chose her youngest son to be a husband chose her youngest son to be a husband replacement: He is young and compliantreplacement: He is young and compliant
System (Family System)System (Family System)
Mary Richmond, 1917Mary Richmond, 1917
Families are not isolated wholes (closed systems), Families are not isolated wholes (closed systems), but exist in a particular social context, which but exist in a particular social context, which
interactively influences and is influenced by their interactively influences and is influenced by their functioning (they are open). functioning (they are open).
Her approach to practice was to consider the Her approach to practice was to consider the potential effect of all interventions on every potential effect of all interventions on every
systemic level, and to understand and to use the systemic level, and to understand and to use the reciprocal interaction of the systemic hierarchy for reciprocal interaction of the systemic hierarchy for
therapeutic purposes.therapeutic purposes.
BoundaryBoundary
Emotional and physical barriers that Emotional and physical barriers that protect and enhance the integrity of protect and enhance the integrity of
individuals, subsystems, and familiesindividuals, subsystems, and families
The family is the context of most The family is the context of most human problemshuman problems
1.1. The The structure structure of families includes of families includes triangles, subsystems, and boundaries. triangles, subsystems, and boundaries.
2.2. The The processesprocesses that describe family that describe family interactions-emotional reactivity, interactions-emotional reactivity, dysfunctional communication, etc.-the dysfunctional communication, etc.-the most central is circularity. most central is circularity.
Rather than worrying about who started what, family Rather than worrying about who started what, family therapists understand and treat human problems therapists understand and treat human problems
as a series of moves and countermoves, in as a series of moves and countermoves, in repeating cycles.repeating cycles.
Family Systems SecretFamily Systems Secret
What is the Family Systems Secret?What is the Family Systems Secret?
Fix the MarriageFix the Marriage
ThenThen
The Family is FixedThe Family is Fixed
Bad Marriage is the Context of Bad Marriage is the Context of Most of Human ProblemsMost of Human Problems
Family is Bad: Father & Mother are BadFamily is Bad: Father & Mother are Bad
Like all human groups, the family has emergent Like all human groups, the family has emergent properties – Parental Happiness determines properties – Parental Happiness determines family happinessfamily happiness
1.1. How to be Happily Married?How to be Happily Married?
and and 2.2. How to keep Children Happy?How to keep Children Happy?
Marriage: Just a Piece of Paper?Marriage: Just a Piece of Paper?DiscussionDiscussion
Cohabitation: No Marriage = No divorce Cohabitation: No Marriage = No divorce – No commitment, no security (Maturity issue)No commitment, no security (Maturity issue)
Consumerism in Marriage Relationships:Consumerism in Marriage Relationships:– ““If I don’t like it, I move on” If I don’t like it, I move on” (Fear-reduction based)(Fear-reduction based)
Divorce’s victims: Children (No advocate, no defense)Divorce’s victims: Children (No advocate, no defense)– Abandonment fear: “If mom & dad can split up, they can Abandonment fear: “If mom & dad can split up, they can
leave me too!” (limited cognitive abilities as children)leave me too!” (limited cognitive abilities as children)
– Daughters of divorce: “Boy crazy, need a dad” (Intimacy)Daughters of divorce: “Boy crazy, need a dad” (Intimacy)– Sons of divorceSons of divorce: “What is the role of man in a family, none?”: “What is the role of man in a family, none?”
Covenant Marriage vs. Contract MarriageCovenant Marriage vs. Contract Marriage– Premarital Counseling & Prove Fault before divorcePremarital Counseling & Prove Fault before divorce
Important ResourceImportant Resource
Marriage ClinicMarriage ClinicJohn GottmanJohn Gottman
(available at the Baptist Seminary library)(available at the Baptist Seminary library)
616.89156616.89156
G686m c.2G686m c.2
The Four Models of Family Therapy The Four Models of Family Therapy
Relationship based on differences that fit Relationship based on differences that fit together in which qualities of one make together in which qualities of one make
up for lacks in the otherup for lacks in the other
Therefore, in marriages, there will always Therefore, in marriages, there will always be differences because each spouse is be differences because each spouse is different: This is the perpetual tension different: This is the perpetual tension
that exists in a marriagethat exists in a marriage
Family HomeostasisFamily Homeostasis
Tendency of families to resist Tendency of families to resist change in order to maintain a change in order to maintain a
steady statesteady state
Group DynamicsGroup Dynamics
Interactions among group members Interactions among group members that emerge as a result of that emerge as a result of
properties of the group rather than properties of the group rather than merely of their individual qualitiesmerely of their individual qualities
Identified Patient (IP)Identified Patient (IP)
The symptom-bearer or official The symptom-bearer or official patient as identified by the familypatient as identified by the family
Videos by the Masters Videos by the Masters
Salvador Minuchin Salvador Minuchin
InterviewInterview
Masters Series VideosMasters Series Videos
Salvador Minuchin Salvador Minuchin First-born son from an Argentinean-Jewish familyFirst-born son from an Argentinean-Jewish family Complex, closed-extended family community: GossipsComplex, closed-extended family community: Gossips Defended Jewish identity & Argentinean freedomDefended Jewish identity & Argentinean freedom
– Imprisoned for political struggle against dictatorship: Peron Imprisoned for political struggle against dictatorship: Peron
Studied to be a pediatrician to be a child psychologistStudied to be a pediatrician to be a child psychologist Worked with delinquent youths multi-culturallyWorked with delinquent youths multi-culturally Dated & married “Pat”: “Capitalist” Spent 3 months: 1Dated & married “Pat”: “Capitalist” Spent 3 months: 1stst date date Visited other family therapy research groups ’70’sVisited other family therapy research groups ’70’s ““Not a good team psychiatrist” “Not sexist” “Convinced”Not a good team psychiatrist” “Not sexist” “Convinced” Empirical observations of families: Psychosomatic familiesEmpirical observations of families: Psychosomatic families
Subsystems & BoundariesSubsystems & Boundaries
Families are structured in Families are structured in Subsystems Subsystems as determined as determined by by
Generation, gender, common interests and functionGeneration, gender, common interests and function
which are demarcated by interpersonal which are demarcated by interpersonal
BoundariesBoundaries
The invisible barriers that regulate the amount of The invisible barriers that regulate the amount of contact with otherscontact with others
BoundariesBoundaries safeguard the separateness and autonomy safeguard the separateness and autonomy of the family and its subsystemof the family and its subsystem
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
ConstructsConstructs
StructureStructure The invisible set of functional demands The invisible set of functional demands
(rules, roles, etc.) that organize the ways in (rules, roles, etc.) that organize the ways in which family members interact. which family members interact.
These form repeated transactions or patterns These form repeated transactions or patterns of how, when, and who to interact with, of how, when, and who to interact with, which underpin the system and its which underpin the system and its functioning.functioning.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
SubsystemsSubsystems The family system differentiates and carries The family system differentiates and carries
out its functions through subsystems, which out its functions through subsystems, which include each individual as a subsystem, and include each individual as a subsystem, and other combinations, including generational, other combinations, including generational, gender, interest, or function/role subsystems. gender, interest, or function/role subsystems.
Families typically include a marital Families typically include a marital subsystem, a parental subsystem, and a subsystem, a parental subsystem, and a sibling subsystem.sibling subsystem.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
BoundariesBoundaries To ensure proper family functioning, the To ensure proper family functioning, the
boundaries of subsystems must be clear. boundaries of subsystems must be clear. A boundary is described as the rules that A boundary is described as the rules that
define who participates and how. define who participates and how. It functions to protect the differentiation and It functions to protect the differentiation and
separateness of subsystems and facilitate separateness of subsystems and facilitate transactions among subsystems. transactions among subsystems.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Boundaries are described on a continuum Boundaries are described on a continuum
From From Diffuse Diffuse 混雜邊界 混雜邊界 (Enmeshment)(Enmeshment)
– Forming an enmeshed style of Forming an enmeshed style of transactions in the system, to transactions in the system, to
– Forming a disengaged style of Forming a disengaged style of transactions in the systemtransactions in the system
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Healthy Family FunctioningHealthy Family Functioning In healthy families, there is a clear In healthy families, there is a clear
hierarchy, hierarchy, with parents functioning as executive with parents functioning as executive
subsystem with effective power, subsystem with effective power, children in a sibling subsystem, less power, children in a sibling subsystem, less power,
though this changes developmentally over though this changes developmentally over time. time.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Boundaries are clear, flexible and Boundaries are clear, flexible and permeable among all members, and permeable among all members, and between subsystems, meaning members can between subsystems, meaning members can communicate with one another, can access communicate with one another, can access others' time, attention and energy. others' time, attention and energy.
Parents are aligned and function jointly, Parents are aligned and function jointly, marital relationship is open internally, but marital relationship is open internally, but clearly separate from children. clearly separate from children.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Rules and roles are clearly and explicitly Rules and roles are clearly and explicitly defined, yet with some flexibility across defined, yet with some flexibility across circumstances, and changing over time as circumstances, and changing over time as children develop. children develop.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Unhealthy Family FunctioningUnhealthy Family Functioning In unhealthy families, any or all of these are In unhealthy families, any or all of these are
missing or distorted. missing or distorted. There may be overly rigid or diffuse There may be overly rigid or diffuse
boundaries between persons or subsystems, boundaries between persons or subsystems, reversed hierarchy with children having too reversed hierarchy with children having too
much power influence, much power influence,
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
coalitions across subsystems, coalitions across subsystems, conflict within subsystems, conflict within subsystems, cross-subsystem alignments, cross-subsystem alignments, rules and roles are ambiguous or rules and roles are ambiguous or
conflicting, conflicting, or remain fixed as children grow older, or remain fixed as children grow older, system may be disengaged or enmeshed.system may be disengaged or enmeshed.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Therapy GoalsTherapy Goals
Structural family therapy goals focus on Structural family therapy goals focus on restructuring, altering any or all of the restructuring, altering any or all of the
structural components, thereby promoting structural components, thereby promoting changes in symptoms and symptom-changes in symptoms and symptom-maintaining behaviors of members. maintaining behaviors of members.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Examples of restructuring goals would be Examples of restructuring goals would be establishing an effective hierarchy, establishing an effective hierarchy,
making boundaries more flexible or less diffuse, making boundaries more flexible or less diffuse, deconstructing coalitions, deconstructing coalitions, establishing healthy alignments, establishing healthy alignments, improving within subsystem improving within subsystem
communication, communication,
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
clarifying or establishing clear rules and clarifying or establishing clear rules and roles, changing these to reflect roles, changing these to reflect developmental processes.developmental processes.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
AssessmentAssessment Assessment is accomplished through a Assessment is accomplished through a
combination of inquiry, using circular questions combination of inquiry, using circular questions as a tracking method, joining, with the therapist as a tracking method, joining, with the therapist interacting with the family members, and interacting with the family members, and observation using enactments in which the observation using enactments in which the family interacts around a topic or issue. family interacts around a topic or issue.
Family maps may be constructed by the therapist Family maps may be constructed by the therapist and/or members, depicting structural and/or members, depicting structural components.components.
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
InterventionsInterventions The therapy employs brief, direct, active The therapy employs brief, direct, active
restructuring interventions. restructuring interventions. The sequence of these may include joining, The sequence of these may include joining,
enactments, diagnosing, highlighting and enactments, diagnosing, highlighting and modifying interactions, boundary making, modifying interactions, boundary making, unbalancing and challenging family unbalancing and challenging family assumptions (rules and roles). assumptions (rules and roles).
Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)Structural Family Therapy (Minuchin)
Others include shaping competence, Others include shaping competence, emphasizing positive and effective emphasizing positive and effective
behaviors; behaviors; and reframing behaviors from negative to and reframing behaviors from negative to
positive.positive.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
““If people are left alone, they tend to flourish!” If people are left alone, they tend to flourish!” (Carl Rogers)(Carl Rogers)
““Self-actualization” (Abraham Maslow)Self-actualization” (Abraham Maslow) ““Family myths” Mystification: Control to achieve peace Family myths” Mystification: Control to achieve peace
and quietand quiet Counter-Transference: Emotional reactivity on the part of Counter-Transference: Emotional reactivity on the part of
the therapistthe therapist Family Sculpting: Nonverbal experiential technique; Family Sculpting: Nonverbal experiential technique;
family members position themselves in settings that reveal family members position themselves in settings that reveal significant aspects of perceptions and feelingssignificant aspects of perceptions and feelings
Role playing: Acting out the parts of important characters Role playing: Acting out the parts of important characters to dramatize feelings to practice new ways of relatingto dramatize feelings to practice new ways of relating
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
HUMANISTIC FAMILY THERAPYHUMANISTIC FAMILY THERAPY
ConstructsConstructs
Open/Closed Family systemsOpen/Closed Family systems Satir views families as either Satir views families as either open (functional) or open (functional) or closed (dysfunctional). closed (dysfunctional).
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
In closed families every individual must be In closed families every individual must be very cautious about what he or she says; very cautious about what he or she says;
everyone is supposed to have the same everyone is supposed to have the same feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and desires. feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and desires.
Honest self-expression is impossible; Honest self-expression is impossible; differences are dangerous; differences are dangerous;
members must become "dead to members must become "dead to themselves."themselves."
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
An open system permits honest self-An open system permits honest self-expression, expression,
differences are viewed as natural, differences are viewed as natural, members can say what they feel or think members can say what they feel or think
and can and can negotiate for personal growth and reality negotiate for personal growth and reality
without threatening the system.without threatening the system.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
Family RolesFamily RolesSatir identified four family roles, which represent Satir identified four family roles, which represent
patterned ways that individuals may behave.patterned ways that individuals may behave.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
As roles, each of these restricts or As roles, each of these restricts or constrains open communication, though in constrains open communication, though in different ways, and thereby limit growth different ways, and thereby limit growth and functioning of the system.and functioning of the system.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
Family FunctioningFamily Functioning Satir's approach is considered a "growth" Satir's approach is considered a "growth"
model of functioning and therapy. model of functioning and therapy. In healthy families, the system nurtures its In healthy families, the system nurtures its
members, facilitating their growth and members, facilitating their growth and natural development, members listen and are natural development, members listen and are considerate, value one another, and are open considerate, value one another, and are open about themselves ("Anything can be talked about themselves ("Anything can be talked about"). about").
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
This promotes both the healthy self-This promotes both the healthy self-actualization of individuals and the actualization of individuals and the accomplishment of family goals and tasks. accomplishment of family goals and tasks.
In unhealthy families, there are rules, roles In unhealthy families, there are rules, roles and communication patterns which limit or and communication patterns which limit or prevent open, honest and expressive prevent open, honest and expressive interactions among members.interactions among members.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
Therapy GoalsTherapy Goals Satir's family therapy goals focus on the Satir's family therapy goals focus on the
identification and habilitation of "process," identification and habilitation of "process," rather than on symptom or problem rather than on symptom or problem reduction. reduction.
The symptom is a signal of dysfunction in the The symptom is a signal of dysfunction in the family, and "the illness goes away when the family, and "the illness goes away when the individual is either removed from the individual is either removed from the maladaptive system, maladaptive system,
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
or the system is changed to permit healthy or the system is changed to permit healthy response and communication" (Satir, 1967). response and communication" (Satir, 1967).
Process is more a matter of "how" than Process is more a matter of "how" than "what," "what,"
and she will focus on process rather than and she will focus on process rather than content.content.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
AssessmentAssessment Assessment is accomplished by Satir Assessment is accomplished by Satir
through the use of a "family life through the use of a "family life chronology," chronology,"
which is an interview process, that may which is an interview process, that may span several sessions, or be interspersed span several sessions, or be interspersed across session. across session.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
It begins with the meeting of the couple, It begins with the meeting of the couple, moves to their families of origin, returns to moves to their families of origin, returns to the planning of children, and then focuses the planning of children, and then focuses on the routine facts of a typical day. on the routine facts of a typical day.
Each member is involved in the process, Each member is involved in the process, and discuss feelings, hopes and and discuss feelings, hopes and disappointments as well as facts. disappointments as well as facts.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
Diagnostically, Satir uses several tools, Diagnostically, Satir uses several tools, an analysis of the family's handling of an analysis of the family's handling of
differences; differences; role function analysis; role function analysis; model analysis; model analysis; communication analysis; and communication analysis; and rule analysis.rule analysis.
Virginia SatirVirginia SatirHumanistic-Experiential ModelHumanistic-Experiential Model
InterventionsInterventions Satir's interventions are a combination of Satir's interventions are a combination of
her own responses and directives in session her own responses and directives in session (encouraging the use of "I" statements, (encouraging the use of "I" statements, reframing), in session exercises, such as reframing), in session exercises, such as role-playing and sculpting, and games role-playing and sculpting, and games (rescue game, lethal game, communication (rescue game, lethal game, communication game), and homework assignments. game), and homework assignments.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
ConstructsConstructs More interested in changing behaviors and More interested in changing behaviors and
patterns than in understanding them, more patterns than in understanding them, more focus on technique than theory. focus on technique than theory.
Behavior in families is patterned and rule Behavior in families is patterned and rule governed, often by the labels or governed, often by the labels or interpretations placed on behavior. interpretations placed on behavior.
In families, hierarchy is crucial, and needs to In families, hierarchy is crucial, and needs to be top-down and functional.be top-down and functional.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
Family FunctioningFamily Functioning Decline to identify "normal" functioning in Decline to identify "normal" functioning in
any absolute sense – if it is working for the any absolute sense – if it is working for the family it is healthy, if not, it is family it is healthy, if not, it is dysfunctional ("Non-normative"). dysfunctional ("Non-normative").
Generally, though, in healthy families, there Generally, though, in healthy families, there are functional rules that govern behavior, but are functional rules that govern behavior, but also flexibility to attempt different solutions also flexibility to attempt different solutions to problems that the rules do not work for. to problems that the rules do not work for.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
Families make misguided attempts to solve Families make misguided attempts to solve difficulties, when these fail they are termed difficulties, when these fail they are termed "problems" and they repeat unsuccessful "problems" and they repeat unsuccessful solutions, which makes the problem seem solutions, which makes the problem seem worse, an develops into a vicious circle. worse, an develops into a vicious circle.
"Symptoms" are unsuccessful solutions. In "Symptoms" are unsuccessful solutions. In unhealthy families,unhealthy families,
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
Therapy GoalsTherapy Goals Strategic family therapy goals focus on the Strategic family therapy goals focus on the
presenting problem, or symptom. presenting problem, or symptom. The goals are to eliminate the symptomatic The goals are to eliminate the symptomatic
behaviors or patterns of interaction which behaviors or patterns of interaction which are experienced as distressing or prevent are experienced as distressing or prevent successful completion of individual or successful completion of individual or family tasks and development. family tasks and development.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
Also to develop alternative behaviors or Also to develop alternative behaviors or solutions which facilitate accomplishment. solutions which facilitate accomplishment.
Let go of utopian, broad sweeping goals. Let go of utopian, broad sweeping goals. Once presenting problem is eliminated, Once presenting problem is eliminated,
therapy is concluded.therapy is concluded.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
AssessmentAssessment Assessment is accomplished through Assessment is accomplished through
observation and inquiry about actual observation and inquiry about actual behaviors between and among members of behaviors between and among members of the family, and of the ways behaviors are the family, and of the ways behaviors are defined, labeled and interpreted. defined, labeled and interpreted.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
Three common types of unsuccessful solutions Three common types of unsuccessful solutions (symptoms)(symptoms)
Solution is to deny that there is a problem; action Solution is to deny that there is a problem; action is needed but not taken; is needed but not taken;
Solution is an effort to solve something that is not Solution is an effort to solve something that is not really a problem; action is not needed but is really a problem; action is not needed but is taken; taken;
Solution is an effort to solve problem within a Solution is an effort to solve problem within a framework that makes it impossible for it to framework that makes it impossible for it to work; action is taken but at the wrong level.work; action is taken but at the wrong level.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
InterventionsInterventions Approach to problems is to first identify the Approach to problems is to first identify the
feedback loops that are maintaining the feedback loops that are maintaining the behaviors, behaviors,
then identify the frames (rules) that support then identify the frames (rules) that support these interactions, then change the rules. these interactions, then change the rules.
Strategic Family Therapy Strategic Family Therapy (Haley, Madanes)(Haley, Madanes)
Interventions are strategies that are planned Interventions are strategies that are planned and implemented by the therapist, using and implemented by the therapist, using directives, which may be straightforward or directives, which may be straightforward or indirect or paradoxical. indirect or paradoxical.
Process is one of interrupting, even Process is one of interrupting, even reversing, unsuccessful feedback loops. reversing, unsuccessful feedback loops.
Specific interventions include prescribing the Specific interventions include prescribing the symptom, restraining, prescribing ordeals, symptom, restraining, prescribing ordeals, pretending, and rituals.pretending, and rituals.
