Family Crisis and Intervention (pre MFT)

Exam 2

Structural Theory

“If you change the structure, you change the problem”

Strategic Theory

Grew out of structural theory. Is the idea that if you change the problem you change the structure and that solutions should focus on altering interactions and communications within the family.

The why doesn’t matter - just change it.

Some feel this is manipulative - the therapist is the expert

Directives

Specific instructions given by therapists to family members aimed at changing their behavior or interaction patterns.

Paradoxical Interventions

A therapeutic approach where the therapist encourages a family to engage in a behavior that they want to change, paradoxically promoting awareness and change through resistance.

• Amplifying

• Prescribe the symptom

• Restraining

• Go Slow

• Predicting a relapse

• Ordeals

Sequences

Patterns of behaviors

sometimes referred to as cycles

individual patterns exist

Systemic patterns involve two or more people

Steps in the sequence give what?

An opportunity at each step to intervene

“It takes one to tango”

Your chose of reaction/action will create change

Dont pull the rope

The more one person (maybe a parent) pulls the more the other (maybe a child) will pull back. Its better to just put the rope down

Take the one down

Conflict involves increasing amounts of blame. Often defensiveness. Its better to admit fault.

Trauma

There is a small t trauma and a big T trauma. People have their own definitions of trauma

ACES

Adverse Childhood Experiences

A scale used

Different types of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction

flashbulb memories

Resilience

The process of adapting well in the face of trauma or tragedy, threats or other significant source of stress.

Is not without suffering or distress

can be learned

Traits of a resilient person

• Views change as a challenge or opportunity

• Has a strong support network

• Recognizes their limit on having control in situations

• has a sense of self-efficacy

• Good sense of humor

• Action-oriented apporach

• demonstrates patience

• tolerance for negative affect

• optimistic attitude

How to build resilience

• Recognize your signs of stres…….

Strive to Thrive model

People have a choice after trauma:

1. Become a causalty

2. Become a survivor

3. Become a thriver