Strategic Family Therapy

What is the focus of Strategic Family Therapy?

Altering dysfunctional interactional sequences that maintain the symptom.

What does symptom as strategy mean?

The problem behavior serves a relational or power-regulating function.

What is first-order change?

Surface behavioral change that doesn’t alter family structure.

What is second-order change?

Deeper systemic transformation that restructures family organization.

What is circular causality?

Problems are maintained through reciprocal interactions rather than linear cause-and-effect.

What are directives?

Homework tasks designed to change problem sequences.

What is a paradoxical intervention?

Therapist prescribes the symptom to expose or alter dysfunctional dynamics.

What is reframing or relabeling?

Redefining behavior in a positive or neutral way to shift perception.

What is circular questioning (Milan technique)?

Asking about others’ perspectives to reveal relational patterns (e.g., “How does your brother react when your mother gets upset?”).

What are power and control in this model?

Core drivers of family functioning; symptoms help manage relational hierarchies.

What is the therapist’s role in Strategic Therapy?

Directive, pragmatic problem-solver who designs strategies and tasks.

How is Strategic Therapy structured?

Brief (8–24 sessions), goal-focused, and symptom-targeted.

What is the main goal of Strategic Family Therapy?

Interrupt dysfunctional cycles and promote second-order systemic change.