Contextual Model in Family Therapy

Destructive Entitlement

Harmful expectations individuals may have regarding their rights in relationships, often leading to conflict and dysfunction. A concept referring to the negative consequences of entitlement within relationships.

Entitlement

The belief that one has a right to certain privileges or treatment, potentially disrupting relational dynamics.

Exoneration

The process of absolving individuals from blame, crucial for restoring trust and fairness in relationships.

Justice/Fairness

Central to relational ethics, emphasizing equitable treatment among family members.

Ledger

A metaphorical account of relational debts and credits, representing the balance of give-and-take in relationships.

Legacy

The impact of family history and values on current relationships, influencing how individuals relate to one another.

Parentification

A process where children take on adult responsibilities, leading to role reversals and relational dysfunction.

Relational Determinants

Factors influencing relationships, including facts, individual psychology, behavioral transactions, and relational ethics.

Revolving Slate

The idea that unresolved issues in relationships can resurface, affecting future interactions.

Trustworthiness

A foundational element in relationships; without it, dysfunction can occur.

Multidirectional Partiality

A technique emphasizing understanding and addressing the needs of all family members equally within therapy.

Relational Ethics

The principles guiding fairness and accountability in relationships.

Boszormenyi-Nagy

A prominent figure in family therapy, known for the Contextual Model emphasizing relational ethics.

Theory of Dysfunction

The breakdown of trustworthiness in relationships due to lack of fairness, caring, and accountability.

Theory of Change

A preventative plan aiming to restore individuals' capacity to give and receive in relationships through fair relating and trust.

Engagement

The initial phase of therapy focusing on cognitive exploration of historical factors affecting current relationships.

Long-term Therapy

Often necessary to achieve meaningful change and address deep-rooted relational patterns.

Ongoing Assessment

An assessment process that adapts as therapy progresses and new insights are gained.

Triangles in Assessment

A method to understand relational dynamics and conflicts within the family by assessing interactions.

Family Resources

The primary focus of assessment, viewed as potentially self-validating in therapy.

What is the unit of treatment in relational therapy?

Decided by the therapist based on the specific needs of the family.

What is a key characteristic of the therapist's stance in relational therapy?

Active, personal engagement.

What is encouraged in the stance of the therapist?

Co-therapy.

What is the focus of diagnosis and assessment in relational therapy?

Family resources, which are seen as potentially self-validating.

How is assessment viewed in relational therapy?

As an ongoing process.

What dimensions are included in the observation of family relationships?

All four dimensions of family dynamics.

What is the therapist's role regarding relational balances?

To raise issues of relational balances among family members.

What methods are used in relational therapy?

Multidirectional partiality, listening, observing, and responding to unconscious material.

How is couple treatment viewed in relational therapy?

It is not considered a separate modality.

What is the significance of triangles in relational assessment?

Triangles are assessed to understand the dynamics and loyalties within family relationships.

What is the purpose of facilitating problem solving in therapy?

To encourage family members to increase their options by expanding the trust-basis of their own relationships.