Ch 6 Experiential Family Therapist

Absurd Fantasy Alternatives

A symbolic-experiential intervention where therapists invite clients into playful absurd scenarios to disrupt habitual patterns and make realistic solutions more accessible

Affective Confrontation

An intervention in symbolic-experiential therapy that interrupts rigid patterns by increasing awareness and motivation through direct emotional challenge

Battle for Initiative

A symbolic-experiential concept in which the client must take ownership and demonstrate motivation for change

Battle for Structure

A symbolic-experiential concept in which the therapist maintains control over the structure of therapy including boundaries and logistics

Communication Stances

In the Satir model five communication styles congruent placator blamer superreasonable and irrelevant that reflect how individuals relate to self others and context

Congruent Communication

A communication style that balances self others and context with authenticity and respect

Direct Access

An Internal Family Systems technique where the therapist communicates directly with a client’s internal parts often using methods like chair work

Exiles

In IFS vulnerable parts that carry burdens of shame guilt or fear and are often repressed

Family Reconstruction

A Satir intervention where a client reenacts significant life experiences using group members to represent important figures

Family Sculpting

A nonverbal Satir technique where family members are physically positioned to represent relational dynamics and emotional connections

Firefighters

In IFS reactive parts that emerge when exiles are triggered attempting to suppress emotional pain through impulsive or extreme behaviors

Ingredients of an Interaction

A Satir technique using seven questions to help clients understand internal processing and interpretation of interactions

In-sight

An IFS process where clients form a visual representation of an internal part to better understand and relate to it

Internal Family Systems IFS

An integrative therapy model that conceptualizes the mind as a system of parts led by a core Self

Managers

In IFS protective parts that maintain control and prevent exiles from being activated

Parts Party

A Satir group activity where individuals assign others to represent different aspects of themselves to promote awareness and integration

Satir Growth Model

An experiential therapy approach emphasizing communication growth self-esteem and emotional expression through warmth and support

Self

In IFS the core of a person characterized by compassion curiosity clarity and leadership of internal parts

Symbolic-Experiential Therapy

A model developed by Carl Whitaker focusing on emotional expression symbolic meaning and therapist use of spontaneity and confrontation

Trial of Labor

A symbolic-experiential assessment where therapists observe how families respond to interventions to understand relational patterns