Therapeutic Role, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The Family Systems Theory or therapeutic practice was initially introduced by Dr. Murray Bowen[1]. He held that a family was a system in which its constituent family members had a certain role to play and which other family members must respect.  These rights being the subject of the determination of relationship agreements within the family unit.  As such within certain boundaries the behaviour of the family unit can be predicted.  The earliest way to obtain an improved understanding of how the family unit operates is by development of a family genogram.  This enables you to review and examine your own behavioural traits and patters with that of previous generations.  This can provide indicators as to whether you need behavioural modification for the anticipated role you should play. Dr Bowen indicated eight key concepts in his Family Systems theory: (Genopro, 2011)

• Triangles – indicative of the smallest stable family relationship; one side in conflict and two in harmony.
• Self-Differentiation – Variance in perceived vulnerability to others i.e. approval and rejection
• Emotional System – Examination of the four areas of dysfunction in a family, hence defining the source of problems.
• Family Projection – How a child’s emotional issues are transferred to a parent
• Multigenerational – The minute difference between parents and children
• Emotional cut-off – Cutting off emotional ties with the family on unresolved issues
• Sibling – The position of a sibling in development and behavioural considerations
• Society – The progressive and regressive societal periods that impact the family relationship

Salvador Minuchin

Responsible for the concept of introducing ‘ Structured Family Therapy’ dating back to the early 1960’s.  The model focuses upon the concept of structural change as being the central ethos of the therapy.  The therapist is positioned as being the change agent in the restructuring of the family model. (Colapinto, J. 1972)  Therapy sessions tended to concentrate on establishing the boundaries within the family unit and the levels of flexibility within the construct of the family model. Further the determination of hidden family conflicts  and surfacing of dysfunctional transactions in a therapy session.  Minuchin  as a therapist adopted a very proactive stance, as such acting as a facilitator and guide to the parents taking control of children’s eating habits  and as such inviting the parents to modify the family structure. (Rhodes, P. 2003).

Virginia Satir Model

One of the founders of modern therapeutic methods and termed the Satir Model.  The family therapy model focused upon the importance and improvement of communications and relationships within the family structure.  Satir was of the opinion that all people had the capacity for growth, the ability to transform and would benefit from continued education. The method essentially teaches people how to connect with their own personal sense of wisdom. As such identifying their own personal beliefs and convictions that provide them with freedom of expression and how each individual has the capacity to create a more positive environment in the world which they live in.  (GoodTherapy.org, 2012).

References

Colapinto, J. (1972). Structural Family Therapy.

Genopro. (2011, 12 6). Family Systems Theory. Retrieved from Genopro: http://www.genopro.com/genogram/family-systems-theory/

GoodTherapy.org. (2012, 12 6). Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy. Retrieved from GoodTherapy.org: http://www.goodtherapy.org/satir-transformational-systemic-therapy.html

Rhodes, P. (2003). The Maudsley Model of Family Therapy. ANZJFT Volume 24 Number 4, 191-198.

[1] Murray Bowen was a life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Orthopsychiatry Association and the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.