Family Systems Theory and Developmental Stages in Family Therapy

Family Homeostasis

Continuous motion, adaptation and change in response to environmental factors.

Family dynamics

Based on feedback.

Closed system homeostasis

Involves an issue or problem that the family wishes to resolve without outside assistance.

Open system homeostasis

To maintain a healthy level of functioning, the family seeks assistance outside of itself.

Salvador Minuchin

One of the creators of structural theory.

Structure

The way a family is organized into subsystems whose interactions are regulated by interpersonal boundaries.

Subsystems

Relationships within families, often sibling and couples groupings.

Boundaries

The limits within which a family functions.

Disengagement

Represents psychological isolation resulting from overly rigid boundaries around individuals and subsystems in a family.

Family hierarchy

Important to structural family therapists; structure is associated with hierarchy.

Murray Bowen

Developed strategic family theory focused on mother-child relationships.

Differentiation of self

A concept developed by Murray Bowen.

Multigenerational transmission process

The child is the least differentiated who is most involved in the family and passes on problems to future generations.

Family theory

American marriages are on the decline due to multiple factors including generational, economy, and communication.

Developmental stages of blended families

Include stages such as Fantasy, Confusion, Crazy Time, Stability, and Commitment.

Fantasy stage

Decide where to live, discuss money and discipline issues, and plan a marriage ceremony that includes children.

Confusion stage

Begin to resolve decisions that failed to negotiate during courtship and let go of past notions.

Crazy Time stage

Examine needs and expectations of family members and restructure boundaries.

Stability stage

Build a sense of family and connect with family members in a meaningful way.

Commitment stage

Accept that commitment means a choice to succeed and recognize the blended family has begun to feel solid.

The Milan Approach

Circular questioning is an interviewing technique where questions are asked to highlight family differences.

Countertransference

An emotional reaction that is often unconscious and usually distorted; the therapist's emotional reaction to the client.

Behavioral couples therapy

A major approach to support the couple in improving their communication skills.

Separation individuation

A process where an infant begins to pull away from the symbiotic bond with the mother.

Enmeshed mother

The primary structural problem in most single parent families.

Crude birth rate

Statistical values that measure the growth or decline of a population.