Literature Review LeeAnn Myers Capella University Dr. Ron Muchnik Family Therapy Models One of the family systems therapy models that I chose to research is Family Systems Therapy. Family Systems Therapy looks at the family as an emotional unit. The Family Systems approach is based on idea that families and their patterns of communication and interaction directly affect human beings and how they function. When applied to families, Family Systems Therapy allows therapists to evaluate the parts of a system (family) in relation to the whole. This theory further suggests that an individual’s behavior is informed by and inseparable from the functioning of his or her family of origin (GoodTherapy.org, 2007-2015).
The development and behavior of one family member is inextricably interconnected with others in the family. Symptoms are often viewed as an expression of a set of habits and patterns within a family. It is revolutionary to conclude that the identified client’s problem might be a symptom of how the system functions, not just a symptom of the individual’s maladjustment, history, and psychosocial development. This perspective is grounded on the assumptions that a client’s problematic behavior may: (1) Serve a function or purpose for the family. (2) Be unintentionally maintained by family processes.
We initially worked on strengthening the spousal subsystem and moved right into parenting issues. Enactment was implemented into the therapeutic sessions “as structural family therapy calls for its practitioners to gain insight into family patterns and intervene technically through relational postures they adopt toward families from both outside and within family enactments” (Aponte, 1992, p. 271). During this enactment, I as the therapist, entered or joined with the family system as a catalyst for positive change. This was done with the family to address parental authority and define the boundaries more clearly as part of the therapeutic task is to help the family define, or change the boundaries within the family. We made the generational hierarchy clear for Trey and Kita to understand.
Education is important with this form of treatment so clients can recognize how different factors affect the course of the disease and what they can do to manage these factors (Steinkuller and Rheineck 342). Family therapy is also a means of treatment where family members as well as the client see a mental health provider to find solutions and ways to deal with the disorder. Family involvement provides structure and could increase adherence to treatment leading to delays or reductions in relapses (Steinkuller and Rheineck 342). Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy involves stabilizing social and circadian rhythms based on the hypotheses that unstable daily routines result in increased bipolar episodes in individuals prone to them (Steinkuller and Rheineck 349). Social rhythm therapy recognizes the need for regular sleep/wake cycles, regulation of meals, exercise, sleep and plans for keeping rhythms stable when disruptions occur.
Cognitive-behavioral family therapy (CBFT) is the extension model of CBT, however, it also focuses on the members of a family, considering them to be parts of a cohesive unit, and looking at such factors as interfamilial relationships, communication patterns, and other familial dynamics (Frey, 1999). CBFT offers the possibility of helping not just to the person with the problem, but also to his or her significant others who are also affected by the addictive behavior. One of the most important thing in CBFT is for the therapist to develop a rapport with the client and the family. Upon the initial appointment the therapist may have the client fill out assessment questionnaires such as the Family Beliefs Inventory (Vicent-Roehling & Robins, 1986). Assessment of cognitions can be done in the interview as the therapist questions family members about "chains of thought" (Dattilio & Padesky, 1990).
Systemic therapy is a form of psychotherapy. It addresses behaviour and psychological symptoms within the context of people’s day to day lives and interpersonal relations and interactions. The key guiding principle in systemic therapy is the focus on the system rather than the individual. Claudia Black writes “Change begins with one person. From a systematic viewpoint, when one person changes the way he or she functions within the family system, that system will change” (vi).
This writer’s personal theoretical orientation includes the integration of several theories and techniques from several counseling models. This writer sees the utilization of several approaches as the best resolution of problems based on the individual client’s needs. This paper will work from the perspective that the writer is working within a clinical setting with clients who are largely average to low average functioning, are culturally diverse and generally have a low social economical status. These clients usually have little resources and often little time to spend in treatment. The theoretical orientation that is a foundation for this writer is the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
Postmodern approaches to family therapy focuses on the idea that realities are subjective and that there are a variety of ways in which one thing can be viewed based on culture and experiences (Bitter, Long, & Young, 2010). There are three types of postmodern therapy: narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy and collaborative language system. Narrative therapy evaluates patients through their thoughts and behavior. Solution-focused therapy focuses on creating solutions to problems then evaluating the source of the problem. This model believes that whatever worked in the past will also work in the present.
Running head: INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY 1 Internal Family Systems Theory Scott A. Landry Westfield State University INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY 2 Descriptive theory of IFS A practice theory that is of interest to me which is used more and more frequently in social work is the Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS), used primarily with individuals, couples and families. IFS describes human thought, emotion, and motives as subpersonalities that are often in conflict with one another (Schwartz, 2013). While IFS is less widely used as other practice theories, it is not unique. Many other theories have talked about the inner being, starting as early as Freud with his idea of the id, ego, and superego (Dolbier, et al., 2001). In terms of being described as a cognitive behavioral approach, it would be labeled as schemata (Mones, et.
Upon the leaving of Jason, Kay and Arnold have begun to experience issues with intimacy and communication. They have chosen to seek outside help to deal with these issues as well as personal issues of loneliness and inadequacy. Identification of stage of development: Both Kay and Arnold lay within many family stages that transition back and forth within their cycle. This statement is supported by the two basic concepts within Family Life Cycle theory which looks at the life cycle by way of emotional and intellectual stages that one must go through and the developmental tasks that enhance level of responsibility during these stages. To be successful throughout these cycles, family members need to adapt and change to ensure survival of the family.