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Family Systems Therapy
The umbrella of theories under the Family Systems
Therapy group focuses on communication patterns within the
family unit. Systems theory is based on the family’s
response to feedback from one another and the desire of the
group to make changes to maintain homeostasis. A number of
theories exist based on various approaches, interestingly
enough the field of systems therapy developed out of the
study of schizophrenic patients and the family relationships
they had. A problem identified as the double bind led
researchers to consider the impact of family interactions in
individual development and mental health while in the
context of the family unit.
Alfred Alder was the first therapist to use family
therapy in a systemic approach. Following him, Murray Bowen
developed and is known for his intergenerational approach to
resolving problems in the family unit. He focuses on
differentiation of self for individuals to reduce the chance
for enmeshment, which occurs when family members become
attached and involved in each other’s lives to an unhealthy
degree. Triangulation is another unhealthy interaction of
family members identified by Bowen. In this situation,
problems between two members of a family become too intense
and a third family member is brought into the situation to
redirect the tension. This is often observed in counseling
with a child being brought in as the identified patient when
really he is acting out in response to the marital schism or
marital skew of his parents.
Other aspects of Bowen’s theory of family systems
include the family projection process where problems are
redirected or projected onto a healthy family member.
Emotionally cutting off family members is another technique
used by families as they try to maintain homeostasis and
reduce the impact of either an overly dysfunctional or an
overly healthy family member. In either case, the family
member who is not conforming threatens the family normalcy.
Another contributor to the systems therapy
approach is Salvador Minuchin who developed Structural
Family Therapy. In this theory, the focus is on
establishing boundaries, identifying alignments, and
determining coalitions as a means to explaining the
structure of the family. The determination of rules or
boundaries determines how the family is organized. Families
who have permeable boundaries indicate an enmeshed system
where rigid boundaries indicate a family that is disengaged
and uninvolved.
An often-used technique of Bowenian therapy is
genograms, which is also used in a less specific way in
Structural Therapy. This family mapping provides not only a
diagram of family bloodlines, but also includes symbols to
indicate present and past relationships between members.
Therapists also seek to accommodate and join the family in
their struggles. This technique helps to develop a sense of
safety and security during counseling which allows family
members the opportunity to open up and provide understanding
about the family system.
During family therapy, counselors often require
all family members to be present from the start of therapy
in order to avoid the use of triangulation, projection, and
blaming as a way to avoid addressing the real family
issues. With all members in one room, reactions, opinions,
and recollections are available for all to see and
understand.
Jay Haley developed the Strategic approach to
family therapy with a focus on power dynamics in
relationships, communication, and symptoms. The focus on
symptoms differentiates this approach from the structural
approach. Goals are the focus of the strategic approach
with the therapist being the final determinate of the
purpose of therapy. Techniques used include straightforward
tasks to help develop success with solving problems and
experiencing positive results. Additionally, this therapy
employs paradoxical techniques whereby the family is
instructed to continue with their current behavior that
ultimately leads to the change of the family interaction.
Virginia Satir, known for her creativity and
warmth, focused on self-worth and bringing flexibility into
rigid family structure to initiate change. One of the
contributions made by Satir was her identification of five
styles of relating within the family unit. Using these
styles, Satir determined how members of the family
contribute and maintain the dysfunction within the unit.
Sculpting is one of the techniques used with Satir therapy
whereby the therapist has the family members physically move
into the position that mirrors the discord or fights that
occur at home. An example of this is for a husband to stand
over his wife as she cowers on the floor to show the actual
effect of anger and yelling. This sculpting provides
awareness for the family of the effect of styles of relating
and begins to bring change to the family structure.
In general, family systems therapy works to reduce
family stress, help members become more differentiated, and
alter coalitions and alliances in the family to bring about
change. These focal points are determined through
strategies to reach goals in addition to develop new styles
of resolving problems. Family systems theory believes as
members become healthy and differentiated the family unit
begins to change and adapt and in a healthy approach, this
leads to better functioning and relating between members.
A difficulty with Family Systems therapy is the
lack of dealing with individual issues. The problem is
addressed from the perspective of developing and resolving
interpersonal issues among family members. This approach
has the possibility to overlook issues that are unique to
one individual. A sense of personal perspective may be lost
as the therapist looks to understand the dyads, and
subsystems within the family unit.
Personal
Evaluation
This is one
form of therapy I really find valuable. It is broad enough
to incorporate numerous techniques and does not formalize
itself in any particular way except that it is family
focused. Because it emphasizes family units and the health
of inter-family relationships, I find many elements of it
quite compatible with Christian teachings. While it may not
be ideally suited for individual counseling, it is full of
resources for issues where more than one family member may
be involved. Because so many marriages today end in divorce
resulting in single parent homes, the family systems model
of therapy is extremely relevant in modern culture.
One particular element that I believe is
invaluable is the genograms. I believe that being able to
see the “big picture” of one’s family and all the
connections between individuals is an extremely useful tool
to aid in family healing. Most people that I have asked do
not really know much about their family history and rarely
have ever constructed a genogram or even a family tree.
Understanding one’s place in the greater context of an
extended family can be a powerful enlightener to individuals
and provides a rich starting point when addressing
maladaptive family dynamics.
Another aspect of the Systems approach I appreciate is
its emphasis on group counseling. So much of the counseling
process is orientated to the individual, that the tremendous
opportunities for growth that can come as a result of group
interaction is often missed. By having numerous
group-centered techniques, systems therapy is a useful tool
in enhancing effective communication, the common ground
necessary for healing within the family unit. As a
Christian, I would utilize several components of this model
in my counseling practice.
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