Discovering Family Therapy Approaches

Family Systems Approach

• Family systems approaches emphasize the dynamics of the entire family unit, rather than focusing solely on an individual's internal issues.
• Family systems approaches differ from individual counselling by considering the family as a system where members are interconnected and influencing each other.

Circular Causality

• Circular Causality refers to the concept that behavior within a family is interconnected and creates a cycle of cause and effect.
• Example: A child's behavior (being withdrawn) can influence a parent's behavior (becoming more controlling), which in turn impacts the child's behavior (becoming even more withdrawn).

Intergenerational Transmission Processes

• The Bowen Family Therapy Model focuses on intergenerational transmission processes, exploring how family patterns, behaviors, and beliefs are passed down across generations.

Key Premise of Structural Family Therapy

• The key premise of structural family therapy is that the way a family organizes itself influences their interactions and dynamics.

Technique Used in Structural Family Therapy

• Enactment is a technique used in structural family therapy to observe and modify problematic family organizational structures.
• Therapists encourage family members to interact within the therapy session, allowing them to witness and change unhealthy patterns.

Family as Living Organisms

• Bowen Family Systems Therapy views families as living organisms that interact with one another and their environment.
• This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding how families adapt and evolve over time.

Approaches in Family Therapy

• Family therapy encompasses various therapeutic approaches, including:
  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Strategic Family Therapy
  • Bowen Family Therapy
  • Experiential Family Therapy
  • Milan Family Therapy

Differentiation Point for Family Therapy

• The most important point of differentiation for family therapy approaches lies in the focus on the family as a system, in contrast to focusing on individual issues.

Toxic Families

• Nathan Ackerman believed it was beneficial to keep patients away from their toxic families to protect them from harmful influences.

Individual Focus in Family Therapy

• During the 1950s and 1960s, therapeutic approaches primarily focused on the individual within the family who was the "problem."

Areas of Differentiation for Family Therapy

• Three main areas differentiate family therapy approaches:
  • Theoretical Framework: Different approaches have unique theories about how families function and their dynamics.
  • Techniques: The specific techniques employed by therapists vary widely.
  • Focus and Target: Approaches may prioritize different areas of focus within the family system.

Course Code for Family Therapy

• The course code for Family Therapy is not provided.

Key Aspect of the Milan Model

• A key aspect of the Milan Family Therapy model is its emphasis on circular causality, recognizing that behavior is interconnected within the family unit.

When Problems Arise in Families

• Problems generally arise in a family when their communication patterns become dysfunctional, leading to misinterpretations and conflicts.

Technique Used in Milan Family Therapy

• Hypothesizing is a technique used in Milan Family Therapy where therapists propose possible explanations for family dynamics without directly attributing blame.

Therapist's Goal in Milan Therapy

• The therapist's goal in Milan Family Therapy is to promote self-awareness within the family system regarding their communication patterns and how they contribute to problems.

Cultural Considerations in Family Therapy

• Family therapy must be mindful of cultural differences in family structures, communication styles, and beliefs.

Establishment of Family Therapy in Australia

• Family Therapy became established in Australia in the 1970s.

Therapy Commonly Taught in New Zealand

• Systemic therapy is commonly taught in academic settings in New Zealand.

Training Opportunities in New Zealand

• The New Zealand Association of Couples and Family Therapy provides training opportunities for couples and family therapists.

Test your knowledge of Family Therapy approaches with this quiz! Explore various therapeutic approaches that focus on problem-maintaining behavior patterns, problematic belief systems, and historical influences. Join the quiz now on Vevox.app with ID: 183-070-161.