FAMILY THERAPY

Theoretical Approaches to Family Therapy



Theoretical Approaches to Family Therapy

Introduction

This essay will evaluate and contrast different theoretical approaches to family therapy. The areas compared uncover the major time frame from theory development to current practice, the role of the therapist, conceptual underpinnings, and treatment goals. The three approaches analyzed are:

(1) Bowenian family schemes theory.

(2) Haley's Strategic Intervention approach.

(3) The Experiential/Humanistic approach.

(4) Minuchin. Salvador.

Discussion

Firstly, I will describe each approach, then followed by a description of both similarities and differences in each approaches. One approach to family therapy is the approach of Murray Bowen (1978). At The core of his theories, had the concepts of differentiation, had the degree of emotional reactivity to the family. His main focus was to help individuals to keep away from predictable family dynamics. Conceptual underpinnings of Bowenian theory characterise families as functional or dysfunctional. As a result of this sort of interaction, Bowen's family systems theory holds that family members cannot free themselves of the dysfunctional rules and regulations that govern their relationships (Barnes, 2004, p. 63).

In their reconsider of Bowenian idea, Goldenberg and Goldenberg (1985) state that the key remedy aim focuses upon endowing family constituents to each become their own persons rather than remaining entrapped in the dysfunctional group emotionality of the family system. The therapist's function in arriving at this aim is direct but non-confrontational connection with family members. He or she attempts maximization of self-differentiation for each family member by keeping the family focused primarily on their present interactions, although some attention is also paid to the family of origin (Pearsall, 1990, p. 11).

In more current modifications of Bowen's approach to family therapy, the forces leading to family togetherness are concentrated upon more while the forces leading to individuation are downplayed (Nichols, 1993). Current well-known therapists using this approach include Philip Guerin, Elizabeth Carter, Monica McGoldrick, Thomas Fogarty, and Michael Kerr (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 1985). Moreover, Prather (1995) and Pearsall (1990), agree with Bowen's ideology, regarding inclusion of intergenerational issues in the family therapy, especially, where adult parents are concerned. It is believed that his theory is one of the purest concepts that family therapy has created (Carmen, 1994, p. 122).

Interlocking Concepts

Bowen summarized his idea using eight interlocking concepts

•Differentiation of Self (the most significant concept):

•Nuclear Family Emotional System

•Triangles

•Family Projection Process

•Multigenerational Transmission Process

•Emotional Cut off

•Sibling Position

•Societal Emotional Process

On the other hand, Minuchin Salvador is praised for developing the structural school of family therapy (Minuchin, 1974). The term family structure relates to the original set of sample, in which the family members interact. Nicholas and Schwartz (1995), state that when certain patterns are repeated or covert rules can be created that determine how, when and to whom family members relate (Nichols, 1993, p. 76).

Minuchin (1974), states that each individual is like dyads and call a larger group as subsystem and also argues that boundaries vary from rigid to diffuse and one of their functions is to manage hierarchy within the ...