Strategic Family Therapy Concepts and Techniques

Core Dilemmas in Therapy

The conflict between love and violence, highlighting emotional struggles within family dynamics.

Hierarchical Structures

Clear rules governing family hierarchy are essential for effective therapy to ensure defined roles and responsibilities.

Symptoms as Communicative Acts

Symptoms reflect underlying patterns of interaction within the family, indicating a need for change.

Behavioral Repertoire

A diverse range of behaviors is crucial for resolving problems and navigating life cycles in families.

Maintenance of Symptoms

Symptoms persist due to ineffective problem-solving strategies within the family.

Dysfunctional Hierarchies

Ineffective family structures leading to power struggles and communication issues.

Triangulation

Occurs when two family members form a coalition against a third, complicating communication.

Enhancing Flexibility in Therapy

Therapy aims to increase a family's ability to adapt and respond to challenges effectively.

Structural Reorganization

Re-establishing functional hierarchies within the family to promote healthier interactions.

Stages of Therapy

Includes Social Stage, Problem Identification, Interactional Stage, Goal Setting, and Termination.

Therapist's Role

The therapist engages actively with the family while focusing on the presenting problem.

Directives in Therapy

Used by therapists to challenge family patterns and encourage change.

Non-Historic Approach

Assessment focusing on current family dynamics without historical context.

Key Assessment Tools

Evaluating the family life cycle and transition points to understand current challenges.

Strategic Model

A therapeutic approach focusing on family interactions and problem resolution through strategic interventions.

Dysfunctional Hierarchy vs. Triangulation

Dysfunctional hierarchy leads to ineffective problem-solving; triangulation prevents direct communication.

Problem-Solving Steps

Identify the problem, observe interactions, establish therapy goals, implement interventions, monitor progress, and focus on termination.

Which theorists influenced Haley's concepts?

Milton Erickson, Gregory Bateson, and Salvador Minuchin.

How are symptoms viewed in the context of strategic family therapy?

Symptoms are communicative acts embedded in a pattern of interactions.

What maintains symptoms in a family according to the theory of dysfunction?

The family's unsuccessful problem-solving efforts and inability to adjust to life-cycle transitions.

What are two key elements of dysfunction in a family?

Dysfunctional hierarchy and triangulation or coalitions.

What is a primary goal in the theory of change within strategic family therapy?

To increase flexibility.

What is one method of structural reorganization in therapy?

Re-establishing hierarchy.

What should be eliminated to facilitate change in therapy?

Triangles and/or coalitions.

What is the first stage of therapy in strategic family therapy?

Social Stage.

What is the purpose of the problem identification stage in therapy?

To establish the goal of therapy.

What occurs during the interactional stage of therapy?

Sequence of interactions are observed and interventions are made.

What characterizes the stance of the therapist in strategic family therapy?

Active and deliberate, joining with the family and focusing on the presenting problem.

What types of techniques are used in strategic family therapy?

Directives (both straightforward and paradoxical), in-session enactment, feedback on tasks, pretending, ordeals, and reframing.

What is the nature of diagnosis and assessment in strategic family therapy?

Non-historic, focusing on family life cycle and transition points.

What methods are used to gather data for assessment in therapy?

Self-report and observing family interactions.

What is a key characteristic of therapy duration in strategic family therapy?

Therapy is brief.